From Santiago we took an Uber to Concha Y Toro vineyard (about an hour). We didn’t really know what we had booked but we are so glad we did this experience. We had to wait for a gentleman to come greet us at a private entrance to start our tour. He was such a sweet looking man and kind of reminded me of a butler or housekeeper over a big estate. Mossimo was our sommelier for the tour and he took us to the private collection in their temperature controlled wine room. They taught us about the history of the winery and the estate. They brought us to a gorgeous room all set up for the five us of to enjoy a 5 course meal with a wine pairing. The food was so flavorful and the wine was some of the best I have ever tasted. The people at the estate were incredibly kind and we loved the experience. Probably one of the best experiences I have paid for AND not the most expensive.
We strolled around the town centre of Santiago, which has multiple shops and standalone vendors selling just about anything you can imagine. Pretty much anything from knives, candy bars, shoe laces, food, clothes, books and beyond.
In the evening we went to Borago for a 14 course menu with a wine pairing. Boragó is named one of the top 50 restaurants in the world over the last few years. They focus on Chilean produce, farm to fork. The restaurant was very chic, the view of the mountains were beautiful and the service was top notch. This was definitely the most artistic meal I have ever experienced or seen in my life. I applaud the creativity behind each dish and the effort to create Chilean dishes encompassing everything Chile has to offer!
Overall thoughts of first day..
-Santiago is insanely overpopulated and full of smog which doesn’t allow clear views of the mountains.
-Be very careful with your personal items and phones. People will steal them out of your hands while walking.
-Definitely reserve a private lunch and tasting at Concha Y Toro vineyard which is about $140pp
-Borago was an artistic experience but maybe go for the 6 course pairing with cocktails, 14 is a lot! The view was insanely memorable.
-Spend some time at the town center and roam around to see the culture and grab a coffee
-Hotel Magnolia was a great hotel (4-5 stars in my book) and close to most that you would walk to..restaurants, shopping and museums. Just be vigilante waking around! I really can’t say enough good things about this hotel, clean, affordable, spacious and great breakfast! The service was top notch!
