When it comes to viticulture, regions in places such as California, Italy, France and Spain are top of mind. Chile, however, is staking its claim as a reputable wine region, as well. Viña Santa Rita, located 45 minutes outside Santiago in Alto Jahuel, was awarded first place as the “Best Wine Tourism Experience” by the “Wine Tourism Chile Awards.” The awards seeks to reactivate Chile’s tourism sector, while also highlighting the best wine tourism experiences the country has to offer.

Travel Pulse notes that Viña Santa Rita’s preservation of Chile’s national heritage and its dissemination were the deciding factors that led to the winery clinching the top spot.

“We are very honored by this incredible recognition of our work to preserve more than 140 years of history. The purpose is to offer our visitors a proposal that combines the tradition of Chilean wine with innovation in an unparalleled environment of culture, heritage, nature, and gastronomy, always trying to provide excellent service,” said Elena Carretero, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager of Viña Santa Rita.

Viña Santa Rita was founded by Chilean businessman and public figure, Domingo Fernández Concha, in 1880. Concha brought the best French grape varieties to the Maipo Valley wine region and collaborated with French winemakers to introduce specialized winemaking equipment and techniques that were previously unknown to Chile.

Concha also commissioned German architect Theodore Burchard to build his Pompeian-style summer home, which is now the location of the Casa Real Hotel that resides on the property. The 16-room boutique hotel provides guests with an exclusive and unique experience, made even better with wine, in what has been declared a historical monument.

The history-ladened aspects of the property don’t stop at the hotel. In addition to the accommodations, Viña Santa Rita also has a neo-Gothic style chapel on the property. The chapel is surrounded by a nearly 99-acre park, which has also been declared a historical monument, designed by French landscape architect Guillermo Renner. The Casona Doña Paula, which houses the Doña Paula Restaurant, dates back to 1760 and was named in honor of Paula Jaraquemada. Jaraquemada gave shelter to 120 Chilean soldiers who fought for Chile’s independence in the Battle of Cancha Rayada.

The Museo Andino of the Claro Vial Foundation is also housed at Viña Santa Rita and contains a collection of approximately 3,000 archaeological and ethnographic pieces of pre-Columbian peoples who inhabited the territory, as well as representations of mestizo cultures of America and Chile, reports Travel Pulse.

“Thanks to the restoration work done, Chilean and foreign visitors can access an integrated tourism and heritage proposal that seeks preservation for future generations. The work of disseminating culture and heritage, together with the integration of the communities, is a central axis to enhance the value of activity with so much history and roots in Chilean territory,” Carretero added.

Viña Santa Rita continues to honor the heritage and history of the winery through its Tres Medallas line of wines, which features Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere varietals.

To explore the rich history of Viña Santa Rita and, of course, enjoy delicious wine, visit their website for information about tours, events or booking a hotel stay.