Valle del Maule

High in the Andes the River Maule is formed from the melting snow that flows east into the Pacific near the industrial town of Constitucion. In 1985 the Rio Maule was dammed to form Lake (Lago) Colbun as part of a huge hydroelectric project. Within a short amount of time summer lodges and hotels were built near the lake because of the scenic nature of the area.

Note: The wineries are listed at the end.

Hot Springs:

Just below Lago Colbun you will find the Termas (or hot springs) of Panimavida and Quinamavida. Both "termas" have your usual hot springs, mud and Turkish baths. The hotel accommodations range from old Victorian to modern with beautiful gardens and, of course, magnificent views of the Andes. Each have their restaurants and you can come for the day or stay over-night as you wish. Surprisingly, there is bus transportation from Santiago but from the nearest principal town, Talca, you will have to find a taxi or go by private car. You will want to contact the termas directly for better information on how to get there.

Talca:

Talca is the largest town in the valley and is the capital of Maule Region VII. Because of its location just off of Highway 5 or the Pan-American Highway, Talca is the agricultural and transportation center of the valley. It is also known for it part in Chile's independence from Spain. It was here that Bernardo O'Higgins grew up as a boy, where the Carrera brothers took the first step by forming the Junta de Gobierno in 1813 and in 1818 O'Higgins signed Chile's Declaration of Independence.

The Wine:

As early 1825 grapes were grown and Vina Carta Vieja began making wine. The valley, like the others in Chile, is irrigated by the cold waters from the Andes, favored with the type of soil valued for growing grapes and receives the cool breezes coming from the Pacific. When the demand for wine increased and land in the valleys to the north became more expensive, more eyes turned to the Valle del Maule. According to a very knowledgeable wine maker, Rogelio De La Fuente, the quality of the grapes from this valley rival or may be better than the grapes grown in the better known wine making valley of Maipo to the north. It is here that De La Fuente personally selects the grapes and the wine for his La Fuente Winery. With more than 40 years of experience he creates five varietals which he distributes mainly in the United States. (see Boutique Wines in the box above)

The towns of San Javier and Villa Alegre just to the south of Talca may be the center of the wine production for the valley. Nearby are more than 15 wineries that make up the Ruta del Vino Valle del Maule. Similar to other other Rutas in the Colchagua and Casablanca valleys, the Ruta Maule organizes day and half-day tours to the local wineries. Not all of the vineyards are open for tours but several are leading the way for wine tourism. Tours can be arranged at the Ruta del Vino Valle del Maule Enoteca located in the Villa Cultural Huilquilemu in Talca.

Below are a list of just some of the wineries in the area. More information will be added later.

Vina Balduzzi

Vina Vinos del Sur

Vina Gillmore

Vina J. Bouchon

Vina El Aromo

Vina Carta Vieja.