Santiago: Viña Cousiño Macul Wine Tasting & Cellar Tour

Summary

Old vines, city edges and family stories at Cousiño Macul

You’ll wander historic vines on Santiago’s edge, taste six premium wines in cool stone cellars with a local guide who shares real family stories, and enjoy thoughtful pairings along the way. Expect warmth, laughter, and a sense of place you can actually feel long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so calm stepping out of Santiago’s noise and into Viña Cousiño Macul — it’s right in the city but suddenly there’s this hush, like the vines swallow up the traffic. Our guide, Valentina, greeted us with a grin that made me relax straight away. She started telling us about the Cousiño family, how they’ve been making wine here for over 150 years. It felt more like visiting someone’s home than a big vineyard tour — she even joked about her own attempts at pruning (apparently not great). The air smelled faintly sweet, almost earthy, and I kept noticing how the light shifted through old trees as we walked between rows of vines.

The historical cellars were cooler than I thought — literally and figuratively. Stone walls, low ceilings, and that musty wine-barrel smell that sticks to your clothes a bit. Valentina handed us our first glass (a Carménère, I think?) and talked about how each grape tells its own story here. I’m not a wine expert but tasting in those old cellars just hits different; maybe it was the echo or maybe just being surrounded by all that history. She pointed out little things too — like faded chalk on barrels from decades ago. I tried to say “salud” properly and she laughed because my accent was hopeless.

We ended up tasting six wines in total (three during the walk, three at a proper sit-down). Each came with small bites for pairing — cheese, nuts, something sweet I can’t pronounce but really liked. There was no rush; people lingered over their glasses or swapped stories about other vineyards they’d visited. At one point someone’s toddler started giggling in the background and nobody minded at all. It just felt easygoing — not stiff or scripted. I left with a little kit of treats tucked under my arm and honestly? Still thinking about that mellow silence among the barrels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour premium vineyard and wine tasting

• Visit oldest vineyard in Chile
• Tour premium vines and historical cellars
• Enjoy tasting three high-quality wines

Top questions

Is Viña Cousiño Macul accessible by public transport?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby the vineyard.

How many wines are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste six wines total—three during the tour and three more during a guided tasting session.

Are children or infants allowed on this wine tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is this wine tour at Cousiño Macul suitable for wheelchairs?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Do you get any food or snacks with the wine tasting?

Yes, there’s a pairing kit included with snacks matched to each wine.

What’s included

Your day includes six tastings of premium Cousiño Macul wines—three as you stroll through historic vines and cellars with your guide, plus three more during a relaxed sit-down tasting session with thoughtfully paired snacks in your own kit before heading back into Santiago’s bustle.