Cousino Macul

The basics

On a Cousino Macul tour, you'll learn about wine production and do tastings, too. Tours typically take you through the cellars to view special vintages and stop at the production facilities and fields. You can book tours for the winery on its website, but transportation isn't included. Cousino Macul tours from Santiago are available, including Maipo Valley tours that visit multiple wineries. Vineyard bike tours usually include three or four tastings along the way.

Things to know before you go

• Cousino Macul is a must-visit for wine fans or people who want the winery experience but are short on time.

• Many of the winery's tours are only in Spanish, so book a tour from Santiago with an English-speaking guide if your Spanish isn't great.

• Souvenir wine glasses are included on most tours.

• While parts of the winery are wheelchair-accessible, the cellars are not.

How to get there

Cousino Macul is in the eastern reaches of Santiago, about a 25- to 30-minute drive from the heart of the city. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi or joining a tour that includes transportation. You can also reach the winery by public transit; that trip takes anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes and generally involves a transfer or two.

When to get there

The winery is open year-round and is generally at its most pleasant in summer, which runs from December through February. However, the country’s vineyards are at their prettiest and greenest in spring. Most winery tours are available on weekdays, and a few tours—including bike tours and premium tours are available on weekends.

Visiting Maipo Valley wineries

The Maipo Valley is a fantastic place for wine lovers, and its proximity to Santiago makes it an easy spot for a wine-themed day trip. While Cousino Macul is among the better–known options in the region, there are more than a dozen more, from Haras de Pirque Vineyard—with its horseshoe–shaped cellar—to Cohcna y Toro, housed in an elegant 19th-century mansion.