Vinedos Versmonte Winery

After our boat tour this morning we had the opportunity to visit the Vinedos Veramonte winery! Once we arrived at the winery, we started the tour by listening to a brief presentation on the history of the winery and how the winery does business. To start off the presentation we learned that a man named  Agustin Huneeus was the founder of the winery. He decided on the location of Chile specifically Casablanca because it reminded him of the Napa Valley weather. This meant that the weather in Casablanca was cold in the morning and the evenings, while warm during the day, similar to Napa Valley. Additionally, we learned that in 2016 he sold his share of the winery to the Byass family. The Byass family owns other wineries around the world, but this is the first winery they own in Chile.

                                                        Made it to the Casablanca!

Later on in the presentation we learned how the winery does their business. An interesting fact that I learned was that China and the USA our their biggest markets. Also, we learned that 95% of the total Chilean wine market goes to foreign markets. Maddie Roy said, “ I found this fact to be the most interesting because I would have thought more of their overall percentage of sales would be domestic”. To end the presentation, we learned that the winery values the one to one marketing strategy. Around 55,000 people come to their winery a year and this is an opportunity for their company to show these potential consumers how much they value their wine and brand.

For the last portion of the tour we got to go outside and see the vineyard. We were able to see the vines where they grow the grapes. After we saw the vines we were able to go inside and see where they store the wine and their bottling process. Marykate Marshall said, “ this winery was so pretty and I am so glad we got to experience this on our trip”. Overall, this was a very neat experience and one we will all remember! 

Start of the tour!

Where they store the wine.

A picture of the Vineyard!

The grapes on the vine.

Wine Tasting!

Traveling to Santiago, Chile

Today’a activities started with a boat tour in Viña Del Mar, followed by a visit to Veramonte Vineyard, then driving to Santiago. The boat tour was our final activity in beautiful Viña Del Mar. While on our bus ride adventure to Santiago, we did many things to pass the time. Some of these activities were eating snacks, chatting, catching up on sleep, looking at our pictures from the trip, and of course having a sing along to end the long bus ride. Many people have commented on how much fun they have had on the bus when we are all singing along to some throwback songs. It makes us feel like one big family and helps to pass the time.

(Picture from the boat tour and the view of Viña Del Mar)

Since this is the last destination of our trip, many people were reflecting on the trip so far and saying what they were looking forward to do in Santiago, which is also the capital city of Chile. Andrew said “I’m excited to compare the city of Santiago to Buenos Aires”. He was looking forward to seeing how the cities in the two different countries were similar or different in the aspects of food, museums, and tourists sites. Nina said “I’m excited to check out the rooftop pool in our hotel”. The pool is the perfect place to relax after our busy days here in Santiago and this is an incredible spot to relax while watching the sunset. Rich said “I’m excited to try some new food here in Santiago”. Since we are in the city there are a bunch of restaurants with plenty of food so everyone will find something they like. We have been able to try many new foods while being in Latin America and we are excited to find some more.

(View from the Vineyard and last stop before Santiago)

Everyone is very excited to be traveling to Santiago and seeing how much this city has to offer. However, we are sad that is the last leg of the trip. We will be sure to enjoy our time in the capital city of Chile. Over the next couple of days we will be enjoying some more sing alongs on the bus, checking out the local markets, adventuring, and of course listening to business professionals from the area. It is safe to say, everyone is very excited to be here in Santiago.

Valparaiso Boat Tour

Today, we packed up all our things and prepared to depart the city of Vina Del Mar. As we checked out of the hotel, we packed our bags on the bus and headed for a farewell boat tour of Valparaiso. As we left the dock, we had the unfortunate pleasure of seeing a sea lion with a rather unfortunate demise, but as we embarked on our boat journey, we did get a beautiful view of the entire port city.  

Everyone suited up in their life jackets 

The view of Valparaiso from the boat

A view of the water from the boat

         As we picked up speed on our ride, Maddie Roy declared, “we are going at least a solid 9 mph.” We were indeed cruising along the water and could feel the wind pick up, giving us a much needed cool breeze on our crisp sunburns from yesterday’s day at the beach. Although we had our tour guide, Jake, with us, we elected to get to see more of the tranquil city and he provided a brief history of “some stories we wouldn’t be able to read about”. Something I found interesting about what he told us was that although the city is right there on the water, it is not at risk for a tsunami. In order to have a tsunami there needs to be a shallow place for the water to collect and do to the layout of Valparaiso, this would not be a concern. Additionally, he also noted that Valparaiso is not the only port city in Chile, San Antonio is another major port city as well, however Valparaiso has entered the tourism industry, which allows it to be more than just a port. Overall, the boat tour was a nice experience, Lizzie Miles described it as, “a very interesting way to see the coastline of the city from an entirely new perspective.” 

After a two hour break for lunch around the city, we are off to Veramonte Vineyard for a tour and tasting. 

A Day in Paradise - Author Thomas Kimmell

After starting the day with a breathtaking graffiti tour of Valparaíso, the group had the option to attend the beach or visit a museum in the afternoon.

 The majority of us chose to take an afternoon beach trip along the stunning coast of Viña Del Mar. One by one the different Uber's pulled up to the congested bayside and the group of us beachgoers found a spot in the sand to stretch out and relax after a long travel day the day before. All of us were absolutely amazed by the unbelievable views in the distance and crystal clear turquoise water. The Viña  Del Mar coastline was flooded with excited beachgoers, positive music, and pure happiness. This beach was like nothing none of us had ever seen before, it was paradise. Everyone felt a sense of peace and happiness while sticking their toes in the sand as a group. It was the perfect way to cap off an incredible morning. The energy and positive vibe of the beach were enjoyed by all and were responsible for bringing the group of us together. Up and down the coast was an array of various different restaurants, bars, and beachside shops. It was as if this one spot in Chile had it all, the perfect sunny day destination. 

Tommy, Philip in Nolan with anview of  Viña Del  Mar.

Finally, the day continued to get even better as we enjoyed a private dinner in Valparaíso, topped off by a guitar show and skate off.  All in all, a perfect day spent in Chile.