La Casona Hotel at Matetic Vineyards, Rosario Valley

Location

Just 120 kilometres from the bustle of Santiago, and close to the Pacific coast, Rosario Valley comprises 9,000 hectares of prime wine making countryside. Sharing the valley floor with the seemingly endless vines are native Chilean trees, wildflowers and diverse fauna from foxes and parrots to birds of prey. The summer temperature here is an even 26ºC with a soft sea breeze, ideal for producing both red and white wines. The hotel itself – a colonial home with over a hundred years of history – embraces this wonderful setting with views across the valley and vineyards. The seaside towns of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are just a short hop away.

Accommodation

Accommodation comprises just eight rooms – expanding to ten in September 2017. All come with large en suite bathrooms – L’Occitane products included – and private terraces with garden or vineyard views. Floral flourishes combine with classic wooden furnishings and drape curtains to create a warm and welcoming place to retire to after daylong vineyard tours and tastings while those who wish to keep in touch with the outside world will benefit from cable TV and complimentary WiFi.

Dining

Backed by dense woodland and overlooking a sheltered pond, the excellent Equilibrio Restaurant – recently re-opened after a full refurbishment – serves simple yet beautifully presented Chilean dishes. Fresh, local produce is the name of the game, ably accompanied by the finest wines from the estate and wider region. At the hotel's second dining room, El Emporio, guests can enjoy breakfast, lighter lunch options and romantic, candle-lit meals.  

Facilities

For most, the chance to explore the grounds and vineyards, and of course try the wines, is enough reason to stay here. If, by any chance, you do tire of all that wine, the hotel’s seasonal pool and cosy living room with fireplace, pool table and honesty bar are on hand.