Itinerary : Prices : Reserve

Don’t miss this unique Santiago Adventures opportunity to make wine with one of Chile’s top winemakers! Ed Flaherty and Jen Hoover, proprietors of Flaherty Wines, first came to Chile in the early 90’s as graduates of the world-renowned University of California Davis program to work a harvest, and never left. Ed has worked with some of the top wineries in the Chilean industry, including Cono Sur, Errázuriz, Vía Wines, and now Viña Tarapacá.

As an executive winemaker, Ed has been spending more time in the office lately than in a winery for that reason he started Flaherty Wines in the Aconcagua Valley, in 2004.

Our tour begins with a morning departure from your hotel to arrive at Flaherty Wines in the Aconcagua Valley by 10:30 a.m. Upon arrival, we will be met by our guide and top Chilean wine maker, Ed Flaherty. We will proceed with Ed on a walking tour through the vineyards to identify the different plant varieties and discuss the growing techniques in Chile. From there, we will receive an overview of vintage practices and update on 2009 harvest activities. Depending upon the timing of the harvest season, we will participate in one of the day’s harvest activities such as picking, crushing, or transferring.

After getting our hands-on experience with the grapes, we will have a tasting of Flaherty wines accompanied by a gourmet lunch which is in part a product of Ed and Jen’s organic garden. Despite all our talk about the art of winemaking, wine is ultimately a beverage that is meant to be consumed—and it is rarely consumed alone. So while Ed is out in the cellar working on his blends, Jen is usually in the kitchen. “Jen’s Kitchen” is thus dedicated to the other half of the food and wine equation, with a focus on gourmet organic cooking in Chile.

Depending upon the timing, we usually depart around 15:00 to take you back to your hotel where you can relax and enjoy the memories of your Chilean wine harvest experience!