Viña Concha y Toro is Chile’s best-known wine name and the easiest great winery to visit from Santiago. Its historic estate lies in Pirque, in the Maipo Valley at the southern edge of the city, where the Andes foothills rise just behind the vines. Founded in 1883 by Don Melchor Concha y Toro, the estate has a grand family house, old gardens and a lake, and below ground the famous Casillero del Diablo cellar. The legend says Don Melchor, tired of losing his finest bottles to thieves, spread the rumour that the Devil himself guarded his cellar, and the name became one of the world’s most recognised wine brands. Tours from the visitor centre walk you through the gardens, past demonstration vineyards and down into the cellar, with tastings of several wines along the way. There are also premium tastings and a popular night tour, with a sparkling wine, a tasting and a three-course dinner at the Bodega 1883 restaurant.
How it works: visits must be booked in advance on the winery’s official tourism site, which lists the current tours, prices and departure times, from a classic guided tour with tasting to premium and evening experiences. Tours run in Spanish and English. Pirque is about an hour from central Santiago; you can drive, take a taxi or ride-hailing car, or travel by metro to the end of Line 4 and continue by taxi.
What to expect: the classic tour lasts about an hour, mixing history, a walk through the gardens and vineyards, a visit to the dark, cool Casillero del Diablo cellar with its sound and light show, and tastings. You keep the tasting glass. Afterwards there is a large wine shop and a wine bar where you can taste more labels.
Making the most of it: book a morning slot and combine it with lunch at Bodega 1883, or pair it with a visit to another Maipo winery nearby. Do not drive after tasting; a booked driver or a taxi is the sensible option. Spring, from October to December, brings green vines and pleasant weather.
What to expect
The experience
A booked guided tour of Concha y Toro’s historic Pirque estate, with gardens, vineyards, the Casillero del Diablo cellar and tastings.
Best time
A spring or autumn morning, with lunch afterwards at the estate restaurant.
How long
About an hour for the tour, half a day with the round trip from Santiago.
Tips
Book online in advance, choose an English-language departure, and use a taxi or driver rather than driving after tasting.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want an easy, famous wine experience close to Santiago.
- Families
- Children are welcome on the walk, with juice instead of wine, but the visit is aimed at adults.
- Couples
- Book the night tour with dinner at Bodega 1883 for a memorable evening.
- Pair with
- A second Maipo winery or an afternoon in the Cajón del Maipo canyon.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Do I need to book a Concha y Toro tour?+
Yes, tours should be booked in advance on the official tourism site. It shows the current tours, prices and departure times in English and Spanish.
How do I get to Concha y Toro from Santiago?+
The estate is in Pirque, about an hour from the centre. Take a taxi or driver, or ride metro Line 4 to its southern end and continue by taxi.
What is the Casillero del Diablo legend?+
Don Melchor Concha y Toro is said to have spread a rumour that the Devil guarded his private cellar to stop thieves. The story gave its name to the famous wine.
Is there a restaurant?+
Yes, Bodega 1883 serves meals paired with the estate’s wines. The night tour includes a three-course dinner there.
Can children join the tour?+
Families are generally welcome on the walking part of the tour. Wine tastings are for adults only.