Wine Tourism in Chile… A Brave New Step for a Brave New World

This paper examines the development of Wine Tourism in the country of Chile. In particular it looks at the different approaches that are being adopted by both private and public organisations in Chile, in order to promote the country to the ‘Wine Tourist’, as both an attractive holiday destination and, as a provider of quality wines. Chile has much to offer the tourist. A unique landscape, a wide range of climates, and an interesting culture and history which together provide a wealth of differing holiday opportunities. Although wine can be a prime motivator for tourists visiting the country, for example, embarking on wine tours with specialist international travel companies, such as Arblaster and Clarke (http://arblaster&clarke.ww‐c.co.uk), wine can also be a secondary activity that can be enjoyed as just part of a holiday. For example, tourists might take an opportunity to ‘sign up’ for a half day tour to a winery provided by a local company or simply ‘drop in’ to a winery in order to taste and possibly buy some wine when travelling through a wine growing area.