Santa Cruz, located in the Colchagua Province of Chile’s O’Higgins Region, is the centerpiece of the country’s most renowned wine valley: the Colchagua Valley. Globally celebrated for its high-quality wine production, it also boasts a rich culinary scene that highlights traditional Chilean flavors. Santa Cruz is the epicenter of wine tourism in Chile.
Basic Information about Santa Cruz
Location:
Santa Cruz is approximately 180 kilometers south of Santiago and is easily accessible by road. It serves as the hub of the Colchagua Valley, one of the most distinguished wine-producing regions in Chile. Its Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, combined with the geographical benefits of the Andes and Coastal Mountains, makes it ideal for viticulture.
Tourism:
Santa Cruz is a prime tourist destination, featuring numerous wineries, boutique hotels, and attractions such as the Colchagua Museum, one of the most important private museums in South America.
Gastronomy in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz offers a culinary experience centered around local ingredients and traditional Chilean recipes, often crafted to pair perfectly with the valley’s wines. Highlights include:
Typical Dishes:
Cazuela de vacuno o pollo: A comforting broth with fresh vegetables.
Asados: Fire-roasted cuts of meat, served with fresh salads and pebre (a spicy tomato and herb salsa).
Oven-baked empanadas: Traditionally filled with pino (a mixture of meat, onions, eggs, and olives).
Local Products:
Olives and olive oil: The region produces high-quality artisanal olive oil.
Seasonal fruits: Grapes, figs, and peaches are commonly found in local markets.
Restaurants:
Santa Cruz is home to a variety of high-end restaurants blending Chilean cuisine with modern techniques, all emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.
Wine: The Jewel of the Colchagua Valley
Santa Cruz is the heart of wine tourism in the Colchagua Valley, a region renowned for producing some of Chile’s finest wines.
Main Varietals:
Carménère: Chile’s flagship varietal, known for its spicy and fruity notes.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied, with aromas of black fruits and excellent aging potential.
Syrah and Malbec: Praised for their intensity and elegance in this region.
Notable Wineries:
The area around Santa Cruz is home to internationally recognized wineries like Viña Montes, Viña Viu Manent, and Viña Santa Cruz, offering guided tours, tastings, and exclusive experiences such as carriage rides or horseback tours.
Wine Tourism:
The wine train, tasting routes, and events like the Colchagua Grape Harvest Festival draw thousands of visitors each year.
Tours starting: 15€
Winery infoSince 1935, the third generation of the Viu family has been passionate about developing the best wine in the Colchagua Valley.
Visits from: 15€
Quality wine tourism.
Visits from: 70€
A winery specialized in innovating and surprising, with a focus on sustainability, in a bold, dedicated, detailed, different and passionate way.
Visits from: 14€
Stroll through the vineyards, learn how grapes are transformed and enjoy tasting our wines.
Visits from: 20€