Spanish Conquistadors began establishing vineyards in South America in the 16th century, as a way of supplying sacramental wines for their local churches. Thus, the Spanish gave birth to South American wines, but the French furnished them with most of their character. In general, the wines just keep getting better and better. In this tour we will examine many of the properties that are turning out great Cabernet Sauvignons as well as juicy ripe Merlots and the delicious Malbecs that have made Argentina's reputation in wines. In addition you will have a chance to taste the Carmenere, Carignane, Grenache, Barbera and Petite Sirah, paired with the excellent beef and freshest seafood, while enjoying beautiful scenery and accommodations at historical vineyards as well as visiting local artisans and weavers still using ancestral tricks in Northern Argentina.

Chile Pre-tour: Highlights:
Three days (four nights) visiting Chile's premier vineyards in the Colchagua Valley. Overnight at Casa Silva and Closs Apalta with two wine tastings daily at internationally renown wineries.

Argentina Main Tour: Highlights
(13 nights — May 9, 2009)

Crossing the magnificent Andes by land we will drive to Mendoza, pride of the Argentine industry.

We will stay one night at the beautifully restored Hyatt Hotel to visit the best wineries in the area such as Achaval Ferrer and Ruca Malen. We will continue to Antucura in Valle de Uco . Exquisite elegance and refined details characterize this intimate country home. From the Lodge's eight rooms, there are majestic views across the vineyards and on to the Andes Mountains.

During our days in Mendoza our meals will be at the finest restaurants like France Mallman's, Ruca Malen and Andeluna.

Leaving Mendoza we will enter into some of the most spectacular geological formations and deserts on earth. The Valley of the Moon, The Red Cliffs of Talampaya with variegated colors and strange rock formations. We will overnight in Chanarmuyo Winery, with its unique terroir protected by mountains. The next couples of days, as we drive towards Salta "the very beautiful one" in Aymara language and one of the richest cities in colonial and Inca historical monuments, we will visit the area of Cafayate — home to the "Torrontes" grape variety. Scarce rainfall, incredible luminosity and a great thermal amplitude ensure the strong personality of this wine.

Colome Winery belonging to the Hess group, will be our home for two nights in this one of the highest vineyards in the world.

Our tour will end in Salta where we will get a chance to visit some of its recognized crafts people; textile weavers and bone carvers, metal and basket artists, all manifestations of a long aboriginal tradition, enriched and consolidated during colonial times. Savory surprises like empanadas, humitas, spicy dishes, pastries and jams make of this city a gourmet's paradise.

From Salta we will fly to Buenos Aires, stay for a couple of nights, or continue to Bolivia, "The Tibet of the Americas."

Bolivia extension: 6 nights.

Visit La Paz, the highest capital on earth, with its museums and the interesting witch markets. Discover the different Islands like the Moon Island or the Sun Island in Lake Titicaca. Visit Tiwanacu ruins, one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas and still a mystery to archeologists. No tour would be complete without visiting Sucre and Potosi, During its mining heyday in the 17th Century, Potos’ was the biggest city in the Americas. Silver from Potos’ was taken to Spain and used all over Europe. Now a walk through the streets takes you back to the times of the Spanish Conquistadores. The whole city has been declared Patrimony of Mankind by the United Nations.

Welcome to the world of wines and gourmet food in Argentina and Chile!