Chile - Day 3

Mauricio and Pilar have prepared another healthy breakfast.

There is not a cloud in the sky. The view of the Andes from our cabin is gorgeous.

Today we explore the wines of our Apalta Valley beginning at Neyen. The tasting is held in an ancient cellar. Mauricio assisted in the restoration of this place following severe earthquake damage.

The murals are painted over adobe.

The interior of the tasting room provides the feel of a building over a hundred years old.

Our hostess, Carolina, walks us through three wines, all excellent. 

We have demonstrated appreciation so she brings out a special fourth wine. It is a Malbec.

The surprise of our tasting is the incredible Malbec. We are not supposed to like Malbec. This one is superb! We shall purchase two bottles. Are we really going to carry them around Antarctica?

There are huge trees on the grounds.

We have had lunch at Viu Manet on a previous visit to Chile. With a panoramic view of the vineyards, the equestrian club, and the hills of Apalta, Rayuela Wine & Grill is the restaurant of Viu Manent Winery in Colchaqua. Mauricio manages to secure us a table (supposedly reserved for someone else) outdoors and in the front row adjacent to the equestrian field.

It is a relaxing setting and lunch service has not started. We enjoy the best pisco sour ever!

CJ's ribs are strange. They are cut across the rib, very fatty, and disappointing. Carol's fish is marvelous.

It is a beautiful day and the Andes are putting on a show.

Each day has been progressively warmer. Back at the cabin, CJ gives the outdoor jacuzzi a go.