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Winery · Santa Cruz, Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins
Viña Montes
Winery in the Apalta valley, north of the Tinguiririca River, built according to feng shui and with a barrel room accompanied by Gregorian chant. It has a trail through the hills and a restaurant.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Viña Montes
Viña Montes is located in Millahue de Apalta, a small horseshoe-shaped valley north of the Tinguiririca River, about 10 km from Santa Cruz. The sun-facing slopes are planted with the grapes used in the estate's top wines, such as Montes Alpha M, Folly and Purple Angel.
The winery building was designed according to feng shui principles, with natural light and views over the hillside vineyards. In the barrel room, Gregorian chant plays continuously while the wine rests, a detail that often makes the visit memorable.
In addition to the cellar tour with tasting, the property has a roughly 6 km trail through the woods and hills of Apalta. Next door is the restaurant Fuegos de Apalta, by Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, serving dishes cooked on an open ground fire. There is a viewpoint over the Apalta valley a few minutes from the winery.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One and a half to two hours for the tour with tasting; with the hike or lunch, half a day.
Best time
In the morning, to do the hike before the heat and have lunch afterward. In autumn, from April to May, the slopes of Apalta change color.
How to get there
From Santa Cruz, follow Ruta 90 toward San Fernando and turn left at the sign for the Apalta valley, crossing the Tinguiririca river. The winery is on Camino a Millahue de Apalta, about a 15-minute drive.
Tip
Bring sneakers and water if you plan to do the hike. Tours run on fixed schedules and require advance booking.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Viña Montes
Why does the barrel room have music?
The winery plays Gregorian chant continuously in the room where the wine ages. It's one of the visit's signatures.
Where is Apalta?
It's a small valley north of the Tinguiririca river, about 10 km from Santa Cruz, within the commune.
Are there activities besides tastings?
Yes: a roughly 6 km trail through the hills and the Fuegos de Apalta restaurant next to the winery.