LCBO Food & Drink Travel 2025

GRAPE GETAWAYS

CHILE: COLCHAGUA VALLEY

South American Terroir Visitors to the Southern Hemisphere on our side of the globe find everything from crisp whites to bold reds, along with broad avenues, charming plazas and sophisticated tastes in cities from Santiago to Mendoza.

STEP BACK IN TIME The renowned Colchagua Museum in Santa Cruz features exhibits on Chilean history from pre-Columbian times to the present. GIDDY UP The valley has a strong cowboy tradition, with local farms and haciendas delivering a real cowboy-culture experience, including horse manship training. REACH FOR THE SKY Hot-air balloon rides at sunrise provide life-altering views of the vineyards and sur rounding countryside. and the Andes makes for cooling influences that bring about a welcome freshness and balanced acidity. The warm and dry climate helps generate bold reds replete with herbal nuances and signature spiciness. Cono Sur Pinot Noir Organic LCBO 16363, $15.95 Casillero del Diablo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon LCBO 278416, $13.95 tasting-room tours and overnight winery expe riences. Visit the Vik Chile Hotel and Nature Reserve for its 360-degree views and dramatic titanium rooftop, or the stunning Relais & Châteaux–designated Clos Apalta Residence. WINES TO TRY The valley’s proximity to both the Pacific Carménère is the flagship grape of the Colchagua Valley. Visitors can engage with the region’s wine heritage on a histori cal steam train trip through the valley,

ARGENTINA: MENDOZA

Malbec is the grape of choice in Mendoza, which is the name of a province, city and wine region at the foot of the Andes Mountains. The enjoyment of wine is embedded into the culture here. The high-altitude vineyards deliver intense flavours and luxe experiences. Lodges set within the wine estates include the tranquil Casa de Huéspedes Bodega Gimenez Riili and The Vines Resort & Spa, where you can help harvest grapes or make your own custom wine.

GET SPORTY Mendoza is an outdoor-­ enthusiast’s dream, filled with opportuni ties for cycling, hiking, horseback riding, climbing, rafting and skiing. Whew!

TAKE THE WATERS A day trip to The Cacheuta Thermal Baths delivers hydrotherapy and moun tain scenery via 10 stone

WINES TO TRY Mendoza’s dry and sunny days and cool nights deliver fresh, intense and concentrated flavours, plus an integrated acidity. The Malbecs are espe cially noted for their rich fruit character and plush texture.

La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 292110, $19.95

Alamos Chardonnay LCBO 448761, $16.75

Kaiken Estate Malbec VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 58339, $18.95

pools of hot-springs water. There’s also a craft brewery.

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———————— TRAVEL 2025