Can I drive across the Andes?

Yes, but the 'Paso Internacional Los Libertadores' is frequently closed during winter due to snow. In spring and summer, it's a 7-9 hour drive. Flights are safer for a luxury schedule.

How do I bring wine home?

Use a specialized wine suitcase with foam inserts. Check it as luggage. You are generally allowed to bring 12 bottles per person duty-free to most countries.

Planning a Luxury Wine Tour from Chile to Mendoza

The best way to combine Chilean and Argentine wine regions is to fly from Santiago to Mendoza, as the land crossing via the Andes is beautiful but can be delayed by snow and border bureaucracy. Allocate 7 days to split your time between the Maipo/Colchagua Valleys and the Uco Valley to experience the best high-altitude viticulture in South America.

Book an open-jaw flight. Fly into Santiago (SCL) and out of Mendoza (MDZ). Booking this as a multi-city ticket avoids the need to backtrack across the mountain range.
Select your harvest window. Visit during the harvest season from late February to early April. This is when the vineyards are most active and the weather is reliably mild.
Arrange private ground transport. Hire private drivers for your winery visits in both regions. Do not rely on ride-shares, as many top-tier estates are located on remote rural roads where signal is spotty.
Book winery tours 3 months out. Luxury estates like Montes in Chile or Zuccardi in Argentina require advance reservations. Email their concierge departments directly to secure private tastings and barrel room access.

Can I drive across the Andes?: Yes, but the 'Paso Internacional Los Libertadores' is frequently closed during winter due to snow. In spring and summer, it's a 7-9 hour drive. Flights are safer for a luxury schedule.
How do I bring wine home?: Use a specialized wine suitcase with foam inserts. Check it as luggage. You are generally allowed to bring 12 bottles per person duty-free to most countries.