19-21 April.....Santiago

The Casillero del Diablo (Cellar of the Devil) vault at Concha Y Toro


Matt says...

And so to Chile's capital city Santiago, which in the mind of this traveller means, among other things, being back in the hustle and bustle of big city life, a good excuse for a nice meal out and also an english language copy of Time or Newsweek. Aah, bliss!

We've had a fairly lazy time here wandering around the city before our flight to Easter Island which departs tomorrow (Saturday April 22nd). Needless to say, we are both incredibly excited at the prospect of spending an entire week in such a unique place - the most isolated island with a permanent population on our planet. What a treat it will be to wander among the massive stone maoi for seven days. Pictures aplenty upon our return - we promise.

It was back to the vineyards today (I know, it's such a tough life, isn't it?) at Concha y Toro to be precise. The vineyard is just on the outskirts of Santiago and it's quite a contrast to look out over the old vines in the tranquility of their magnificent grounds and see tower blocks stretching from the near distance all the way to Santiago's city centre on the horizon.


Tour guide Mabel prepares breakfast

We had a truly fantastic tour, including visiting the 150 year old cellars, tasting Cabernet Sauvignon grapes straight from the vine and learning to appreciate what time in the glass will do for Chile's unique Carmenere grape. Added to this were two tastings including the 1998 Don Melchor, their premium wine, which wasn't unlike a typical red Bordeaux. We would both like to extend our deepest gratitude to Martin Wyles from Coventry's Bablake Wines for organising this for us. Top geezer!

So, Easter Island here we come. We are guessing that we'll be totally out of contact for the week we are there but hopefully there will be an update and the promised pictures by Sunday 30th. Have a great week - we will!