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Published: February 4th 2015
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My anticipated trip to Valle Casablanca and two of its premier wineries lived up to my expectations.
The drive was easy, on the Costanera heading towards the coast. I remembered some of the highlights on the way, from my previous trip’s visit to the Coast. The Highway reminds me of Florida’s Turnpike in a way, with the toll booth areas, and service isles along the way.
The valleys follow one another, with mountains range separating them, and tunnels through the mountains, magnificent engineering marvels, have made it much easier to access in the recent years.
We had decided to drive instead of contracting the services of a guide, because we specifically wanted to visit two particular wineries, and none of the tours paired them together.
Our first stop was beautiful Casas del Bosque. We found out that the directions to get there were not as simple as originally thought. What we believed to be out exit took us instead down a dirty road that dead ended a few hundred yards into it. Rather than second guess ourselves, a phone call to the vineyard helped out to, at least, look for landmarks that eventually put us in the
right path. A drive through the small town of Casablanca and some helpful signs later, we were at the impressive gate and, as soon as we turned into beautiful driveway that led us to the outstanding main building, I knew I was in for a special treat.
Casas del Bosque is an elegant winery, with a modern but Colonial inspired main building, full of light and sunshine, surrounded by a wide porch, open patios, multiple seating areas both inside and out, fireplaces, and exquisite gardens with lawn chairs. The choices of where to enjoy some of their delicious wines are varied. Every detail for visual appeal and comfort has been carefully chosen, and the beautiful surroundings around the vineyard increase the attraction of spending time there.
We were guided through the paths of the perfectly groomed grounds by our youthful guide, Jorge, to view some of the vines. Since Casablanca is a cold valley because of its proximity to the Coast, it grows predominantly white wine varietals. Chardonnay is prominent in the area, and in this vineyard.
Casas del Bosque is one of the many vineyards that has adapted organic methods for the upkeep of their vines.
From there, we were taken to view their various production areas. It is a large winery, and we were told that their automatic production line fills, corks, and labels a bottle in 20 seconds.
One distinctive method of their production was the installation of piped music in their cellars. Peaceful during the day, loud rock at night. The vibration helps with the sediment.
We had our tasting of their excellent wines in a bright large room, sitting in comfortable sofas and surrounded by glass walls with a view of one of the attractive sitting areas on the porch, adjacent to the dining area of their restaurant situated in the open porch. Partially covered, with enticing seating arrangements and a large fireplace, showcasing the beautiful grounds.
Afterwards, we had lunch in that same open porch restaurant, enjoying the stunning view and the excellent food made by a well-known Chef.
It was all extremely enjoyable and totally relaxing. An experience I would recommend to everyone.
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