Maipo: Wine Heritage and Nature

Maipo brings together wine traditions and natural and cultural heritage in a variety of places. The following descriptions of places and themes offer guidance without making assumptions about individual accommodations or their amenities.

Landscape and Nature Reserves

Parque de la Viña Santa Rita lies at the foot of the Andes in the Alto Jahuel sector, in the municipality of Buin. The Chena and Lonquén hills are considered natural areas of high ecological and cultural value in the Región Metropolitana, as well as priority areas for biodiversity conservation. This means that Maipo is distinguished both by a clearly defined Andean foothills setting and by landscapes whose significance is linked to natural and cultural heritage.

The El Ajial Natural Sanctuary covers 2,134 hectares in the municipality of Paine. The Reserva Natural Altos de Cantillana is also dedicated to biodiversity conservation; it is located on Camino Champa–Rangue, at kilometer 20 in Aculeo. The private reserve is also a center for biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and scientific research. These details distinguish a designated natural sanctuary from a private Reserva Natural with a broader conservation and research mission.

Historic Places and Cultural Themes

In 1972, the park, houses, chapel, and wine cellars at Parque de la Viña Santa Rita were declared historical monuments. The designation therefore includes more than a single building. The remains of an Inca archaeological site can also be found on Cerro Chena. If you are interested in history, both places offer connections to different themes: the historic ensemble at Santa Rita and archaeological traces on Cerro Chena.

Winegrowing and history also intersect in Maipo’s timeline: the Santa Rita winery began selling its wines in 1882. Mujer Andina Wines offers a different perspective: it is a family wine and sparkling wine project founded in 2012. Its philosophy is predominantly organic and environmentally friendly. The two examples therefore represent different stages in wine culture without telling the same story.

Wine and Local Products

Mujer Andina Wines’ featured products include the sparkling wine «Levita», a 100% organic Syrah, and «Ai!» Brut Chardonnay–Pinot Noir. If you are looking for one of these products in particular, check its current availability separately. The family project opened a bodega to sell its products, intended as a contribution to the development of wine tourism in the municipality.

Maipo’s connections to wine are varied: alongside Santa Rita’s historic start in wine sales, Mujer Andina Wines represents a more recent family project, a range of wines, and a connection to wine tourism. When planning your trip, you can treat these as separate points of interest rather than combining them into a single visit offering.

Zoo and Event

Buin Zoo is considered Chile’s largest private zoo. The educational program at Bioparque Buinzoo is a separate offering specifically for school groups. Self-guided or guided visits are available at discounted prices and are tailored to classroom subject matter. If you are planning such a visit, confirm booking details directly with the operator; the offering described is for school groups.

The Fiesta de la Vendimia de Buin is described as a family outing in April. When planning your trip, check the dates for the specific edition.

Discover more destinations: Paine, San Bernardo.

Discover more destinations: Chacabuco Province, Melipilla Province, Cordillera Province, Talagante Province, Santiago Province.

See the overview for the wider travel area: Región Metropolitana.