Wondering if anyone has visited Casa Porta Winery and Hotel which is about an hr. drive from Santiago. Any comments on the hotel etc. would be appreciated. Contemplating a 2 night stay.

I have not stayed there but attended a lunch. It is a very beautiful old house set in one of the nicest bits of central Chile. This is 'huaso' country, the heartland. The area is full of small villages with their adobe houses and their typical verandas. In Donihue you find the weavers who make the typical 'chamanto'. short poncho worn by the huasos.
It isn't really a hotel as it only has about 5 rooms. They open onto a central patio. The decor is simply done in pale colors. The house is set in it's own park.
The only caveat I would have (and it is common to all wine estate lodging) is to make sure you are not there at the same time as an event or wedding reception.

Huentetu,

Thank you very much for your reply. It sounds like a beautiful area to visit. You mention having lunch at the winery and I am just wondering what you thought of the cuisine?
DJE

The lunch was a corporate event and one usually does not expect much when there are lots of people, but the food was very good. Of course, it was all washed down with lots of wine (one little glass for me as I was driving). I have lunched at a few vineyards and most were so/so, with the exception of Matetic (on our own dime) and Santa Rita (an event). I have never spent the night in one so I don't know what they serve as meals when you are staying. I would imagine it is good as these places are not cheap.
If you have a car, do explore the area a bit. If not, try to set up a tour of the area: Doñihue, Coinco, Zuñiga, the waterwheels of Larmahue.
http://www.visitingchile.com/eng/map...ins-region.htm

Huentetu,

Thank you again for your response and suggestions for the area. I will make sure to enjoy some of the vino!!