Lapostolle - Two Days of Luxury

Early and thoughful planning by Tina allowed some extreme luxury following our daily re-packing, jungle hopping, Andes climbing, Inca trail and Machu Picchu learning and so off to the wine country of Chille we go. Santiago awaits and a rental car - so we thought. We missed the pick up time for our car and it was no more. Part of a big trip is the adventures that go along. So we think. Krimhilde has other problems as she has now joined the weight loss program and leaves a little memory behind for the rental car people to remember us.
Our plan is hatched and back we go to the hotel where they find us a driver to deliver us to the wine country. All it takes is money to solve a problem - sorry kids, you are on your own! The Tina planned luxury is called Lapostolle and it is way above anything we ever experienced. Upon arrival our bags are loaded on a golf cart and says the kind french lady" Have you had lunch? We have been waiting for you". We are delivered to a deck over looking the vinyard when appears an angel with a nice glass of Savenion Blanc. A simple already completed form is presented needing only our signature and is followed by the first of several appetizers. Eventually we are invited to a table for the main course and several flights of wine. Maybe an hour or two passes when we are invited to travel by cart to our casita where we will live for the next two nights.

Our Angel...

She was always there for us. Breakfast, lunch and dinner...

Executive Chef, Rodrigo Acuna-Bravo

Now a word about the fabulous chef at Lapostolle. Not only did Rodrego make wonderful food but he is so humble and sweet. He personally took us on a tour of the herb garden and the next day took us on a tour of the vegetable garden and orchard that supplies the restaurant. Rodrego had cancer when he was 18 years, underwent 12 months of chemotherapy During this time he decided that he did not want to go to college to be whatever, but took some culinary classes and decided that was the art he wanted to pursue. He is now is in his 30s and a chef who has cooked for many famous people such as Kofi Anon, the US Ambassador and many other diplomats and of course now, Madam Alexander Monet.

Our Casitas....

The Casitas rest against the hill overlooking the property with complete privacy. It is beautiful is all I can say. The bathroom has a full glass front and the shower has no enclosure so you look out to the vines and Andes as you shower. After dinner with more flights of wine, several courses, great conversations with the other guests (the place only has four Casitas) and two hours of gastronomic joy, we walk to our Casita and get our first sighting of the Southern Cross. The Southern Cross is of course the southern hemisphere equivilent of the North Star and Big Dipper.

After two nights at Lapostolle, we hate to leave this paradise but we have reservations at another place down the road - Vina La Playa. This hacienda is located in the country and limited, very limited English speaking staff we smile a lot and depend on first year high school spanish. But the people are so friendly and helpful we get along great. It also helps that the food is delicious, fresh, and cooked to perfection. It is home cooking but up a notch and we almost have the place to ourselves. We are mellow and resting and enjoying ourselves.

Our Driver, Francisco

For the next 3 days as we left Lapostolle, Franciso was our driver. The very first day with Francisco, Jim and Clyde each needed to find an ATM for Chilean cash so Francisco took us to Santa Cruz. Well, Francisco pointed to the ATMs and off they went. Then, Francisco looked at Krim and I and asked if we wanted to get out and walk around. Apparently Jim and Clyde forgot to mention to Francisco not to let us out of the van. We looked at each other and quickly got the hell out of the van. Best shopping in 3 days... until Jim, Clyde and Francisco caught us with us. Francisco never made that mistake again. Below is Francisco saying "no shopping" to us.

Vina La Playa

We checked into a very nice, quaint and just a bit quirky on the good side. No one spoke English. Occasionally there would be a guest who spoke just enough Spanish to help us out just a bit. There was little choices on the menu, really just this or that... which helped. Bicycles were availble and horseback riding was free. Krim and I took them up on the horseback riding, however the horses would only go about a block or two and head back to their food and water. One of the workers would shoo the horses out (with us on them) and another block or two and back again. No matter what we did, those horses had their agenda and too much experiance with other greengos to cater to us.

Wine Tastings...

Montes first and then Viu Manent for tastings on the first day...Then Montgras. Not only did we taste at Montgras, but we had a wine blending competition with four other groups. We had to keep track of the combinations we used and then each group selected which wine would go forward for the competition with the other groups...We beat the French team! Actually... we beat everyone!!!Last winery we visit in the Calchagua Valley is Casa Silva, which is one of the oldest wineries in Chile. After lunch at Casa Silva, we journey back to Santiago for our final adventure to wine areas making the best whites and fabulous Pinot Niors.