Wine Tours - Chile - Colchagua Valley

Chilean History: A Day at Viña Casa Silva

During our trip through the beautiful Colchagua Valley, we visited Viña Casa Silva . This 30,000-hectare area is known as the epicenter for late-ripening grape varieties, with Carmenère as the absolute star.

The mystery of the 'lost' grape

In the 19th century, many varieties were brought to Chile from Bordeaux. For decades, Carmenère was simply mistaken for Merlot. Only in 1994 was the truth discovered: it was the Carmenère grape, nearly extinct in France. The name derives from carmin (carmine), which refers to the spectacular bright red color the leaves turn in autumn. While the grape nearly disappeared in Europe after the phylloxera plague, it found a second home in the sunny Colchagua Valley.

A warm welcome to a family business

At the winery, we were given a tour by Arnaud, a Belgian who has been part of the Casa Silva team for 22 years. The estate has been wholly owned by the Bouchon family since 1887 and is currently run by the fifth generation.

Arnaud took us into the Angostura vineyards, where we stood among vines dating back to 1912. What makes this estate unique is its diverse terroirs: from the warm slopes of the Andes to the cool breezes of the Costa (Paredones). After the vineyards, we visited the charming country house, which also serves as a boutique hotel. The historic cellars from 1938 are impressive; here, gravity is still used to process the wines as gently as possible.

Rodeo, wine and a veranda lunch

The experience was complete when, after the tour, we attended a traditional Chilean rodeo . With a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Gris in hand, we watched the riders' skill from the sidelines. A unique cultural experience! The day concluded on the house's sun-drenched veranda. During a leisurely lunch, we enjoyed Cool Coast Pinot Noir and the complex Gran Terroir Carmenère, overlooking the expansive vineyards.

Tasting: The favorites of the day

The wines are partly available through Vivino.

Fresh White (Coastal Range)

• Terroir de Familia Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (€12): Mineral-rich, fresh and full of citrus and green apple.

• Cool Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (€17): More complex with a stimulating minerality due to the granite soil.

• Cool Coast Sauvignon Gris 2024: Rounder and more tropical, from clones of the old vines from 1912.

Characterful Carmenères

• Terroir de Familia Carmenère 2024 (€13): Smooth and spicy with notes of blackberries and berries.

• Gran Terroir Los Lingues 2023 (€16): Earthier and complex with hints of licorice and spices.

• S7 Carmenère 2023 (€31): Powerful and concentrated with ripe dark fruit (plums).

• Microterroir Carmenère 2022 (€45): The ultimate balance; subtle, spicy and very refined.

• Microterroir Carmenère 2010: Beautifully matured with notes of leather, yet still full of freshness and colour.

Final judgment

A visit to Viña Casa Silva is more than just a wine tasting; it's a dive into Chilean culture and history. What makes this winery so special is its enormous diversity. From the salty, clean white wines of the coastal region to the deep, layered Carmenères from the foothills of the Andes. Whether you come for the historic cellars, the passion of people like Arnaud, or a lunch among the vineyards: Casa Silva proves that tradition and innovation go hand in hand.