La Sirca Boutique Winery

The winery

La Sirca was born in 2009 in the Santa Ana area of Peralillo, about 40 kilometers from the Pacific and in the most coastal part of the Colchagua Valley. It is a project of the Etienne family, who describe it as a winery that is small by choice and who welcome visitors in person. The name comes from the Quechua word for “veins”: the idea that wine, like life, expresses itself best when it flows freely and without shortcuts. Santa Ana gathers several boutique wineries less than a kilometer apart, and La Sirca is among those with the most intimate, family atmosphere.

The vineyard grows on clay, sand and granite soils, in a Mediterranean climate tempered by the sea breeze and the nearby rivers, which gives fresh fruit and balanced ripeness. All the grapes are hand-picked and vinified in small lots in two cellars equipped with stainless steel, concrete vats and eggs, clay amphorae (tinajas) and French oak barrels. The winemaker is Alexander Vera, with Marco Puyo as consultant. The lines are Wasi (a Gran Reserva of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere), Ojo en Tinto (Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere), Kokon (Chardonnay) and the icon La Sirca Red Blend, an age-worthy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere that the winery's website presents with 95 points from Tim Atkin MW and from Alistair Cooper MW. The cellar also works as a collaborative space where winemakers and amateurs can make and store their own wines.

The visit revolves around the lake, the pool and the vineyards. Tastings are held in the cellar, among the barrels: from the Cata Ojo en Tinto, with a guided tour, to the Cata Sensorial, with an aroma class and food pairing. Out on the land there are carriage rides and horseback rides with a huaso guide (a Chilean horseman) that end with a glass of red, kayaking or boating on the lake to spot birds, and picnic baskets for spending the day at the water's edge. On weekends there are also lunches and dinners with wine (barbecue, paella, fondue, pizzas) and, on particular dates, events such as open-air cinema among the vineyards. If you want to stay, there are two suites with vineyard views, a country breakfast and activities exclusive to guests, such as creating your own blend or a campfire with s'mores. All experiences are booked at least 24 hours in advance, online or by WhatsApp.