7 Best Sights in The Central Valley, Chile

The Gillmores, who own this winery, were instrumental in creating the VIGNO label, a type of appellation of origin for Maule Valley Carignan whereby wines must be made from at least 65% old-vine, dry-farmed grapes. This experimental vineyard has also raised the profile of Chile's long neglected País grape, which was previously used only for bulk wines. Try both, as well as the lush red blends, on a tour or tasting. In addition to making fine red wines, the Gillmores have created a fun place to stop and spend a couple of hours or stay on for a night or two. Take the Pan-American Highway to the "Camino a Constitución" turnoff, south of San Javier. Head west over the Loncomilla River and through the rolling hills of the Coastal Mountains for 20 km (13 miles); Viña Gillmore is on the right.

Bouchon Family Wines' historic Mingre Estate, about 10 minutes west of Viña Gillmore on the road to Constitución, is a wild and atmospheric setting for an afternoon of wine tasting. Tours start in the wine cellar and barrel room, and end in tastings of three wines, including two unique interpretations of the rustic and long maligned grape País (one of which is made from extremely old vines). The attached Casa Bouchon hotel is one of the region's most luxurious stays.

You can make out the city's orderly design from this hill that affords a panoramic view of Talca and the vineyards in the distance.

There may be no better way to get to know the Central Valley than by taking a ride on one of Chile's few remaining narrow-gauge buscarril lines, which runs from Talca to the wine region of Gonzalez Bastias and on to the coastal port of Constitución. It departs from Talca's Estación de Tren three times daily. A good option is to stop at the Estación González Bastías and visit Gonzalez Bastias winery to get a tasting and traditional campestre (countryside) lunch. You can then continue to Constitución or return to Talca.

This town 16 km (10 miles) southeast of Talca, hosts the best rodeo in the region, with riding, roping, dances, and beauty-queen competitions. The events take place 11–6 on weekends from September to April. The national championship selections are held here near the end of the season.

Albano Balduzzi, descended from 200 years of Italian winemakers, built this 1235-acre estate in San Javier in 1900; today it is run by his great-grandson and produces more than 7 million liters a year. One of the most tourist-friendly wineries in the region, it does not require any advanced reservations for tastings or tours, the latter of which include a peek at the cellars that stretch underneath the property. Within the estate is a small wine museum and a beautiful expanse of oak and cedar trees perfect for a picnic; lunches can be organized on request.

Ten minutes east of Talca along a dirt road are the massive iron gates that mark the entrance to this historic hacienda with barrel-tile roof. The estate was once called Domain Oriental because it is east of the city, but today it bears the name of the family who owned it for generations before it was purchased by four Frenchmen in 1989 (it's been back in Chilean hands since 2010). The vineyards themselves climb up into the Andean foothills, while the grounds are ideal for a leisurely picnic (which can be booked in advance).