Casas del Bosque Winery + RE Wineries : Exclusive Tour + Transfer

This private wine outing takes you from Santiago to two respected Casablanca Valley wineries in one morning and early afternoon. You get a four-wine tasting at Bodegas RE followed by a tasting at Casas del Bosque, with private transportation handling the long drive.

I like the small-group format and the chance to compare two wineries in one outing. I also like the clear 8:30 am start, which gives you a useful half-day outside the city. The main catch is value: at $220 per person, this is a costly option, and the schedule may leave too little time for lunch at Tanino.

Key points to know before booking

• Two wineries, two different tasting stops: You visit Bodegas RE first, then Casas del Bosque.
• Private transportation included: Only your group takes part, rather than joining a large shared coach.
• Four wines at Bodegas RE: The first tasting lasts about one hour and admission is included.
• Casas del Bosque tasting at 12:15 pm: Lunch at Tanino is optional and costs extra.
• Plan for five to seven hours: The advertised schedule starts at 8:30 am, with the return time depending on traffic and timing.
• High price, mixed value: The private vehicle and two tastings explain part of the cost, but a shorter day or extra winery visits may suit some budgets better.

Two Casablanca Valley wineries in one private outing

The appeal here is simple: you get out of Santiago, visit two wineries, and avoid the usual large-group bus. The Casablanca Valley is about 110 kilometers of total driving for the two winery stops, according to the tour provider, so private transport matters more than it might at first appear.

You are not paying only for two glasses of wine. You are also paying for a vehicle, a driver or guide, and the convenience of having someone manage the route between Santiago and the valley. Still, $220 per person is a serious price, especially if you are traveling alone or as a couple.

The tour is listed as lasting about five to seven hours. That range is important. Winery visits can run on a fixed timetable, while road traffic and the pace of your group can affect the return to Santiago. Set aside most of the day rather than planning a tight afternoon appointment in the city.

The experience is private, so your group is the only group participating. That usually makes it easier to ask questions, keep the pace comfortable, or spend a little longer at a tasting. It also means you do not have the cost advantage of filling a large minibus.

Starting at Bodegas RE

Your first stop is Bodegas RE, where you taste four wines. The tasting lasts about one hour, and admission is included in the tour price.

That gives you a focused introduction rather than a long winery visit. You should expect the tasting to be the main event at this stop. The available details do not promise a full cellar tour, production walk, or extended vineyard visit, so book this with the right expectation.

The name Bodegas RE points to a winery with an emphasis on unusual or renewed wine ideas, but the supplied tour details do not specify the exact labels or grape varieties. Ask your guide what is being poured that day. Wine selections can change, and knowing the wines in advance may help you decide how much attention to give each glass.

I like the order of the day. Starting with four wines at the first winery gives you a useful reference point before arriving at Casas del Bosque. You can compare the two tastings rather than treating the whole outing as one long, blurry sequence of pours.

The tradeoff is time. One hour is enough for a tasting, but not much more. If you want a slow visit with time for photographs, a tour of the winemaking areas, or a long conversation with staff, this may feel brisk.

There is also a naming detail worth checking before departure. The main tour description identifies the first stop as Bodegas RE, while a provider response connected with a complaint refers to a tasting at Emiliana instead. That may reflect a change in the route or a mistaken reference, but it is sensible to confirm the actual first winery when you book or shortly before the tour.

Casas del Bosque and the 12:15 pm tasting

The second stop is Viña Casas del Bosque, with a scheduled tasting at 12:15 pm. This is the longer winery visit, listed at about four hours including the tasting and the opportunity to eat at Tanino.

Casas del Bosque is the more important stop for anyone hoping to turn the outing into a relaxed winery lunch. The property includes Tanino, a restaurant described in the tour information as one of the top ten restaurants located at a vineyard in the world. That is a strong draw, but remember that the meal is not part of the $220 price.

You should treat lunch as optional, not guaranteed. The tour description says you have the option to eat at Tanino after the tasting, but one complaint raised a practical concern: the schedule may not leave enough time for a proper meal before returning to Santiago. That is the most useful warning in the available feedback.

If Tanino is central to your plans, confirm the restaurant timing before booking. Ask whether lunch is reserved, how long you will have at the table, and when the vehicle must leave. Do not assume that a stated four-hour stop automatically means four leisurely hours available for lunch.

The restaurant can change the value calculation. If you order a full meal and wine, the total cost rises well above the advertised tour price. If you skip lunch, you may finish the outing hungry, especially if the two tastings are your only food-related stops.

Pack a small snack if appropriate, but do not treat it as a substitute for a planned meal. The supplied details specifically state that lunch is not included, and no food is promised during transport or at the tastings.

What the private vehicle adds

The private transfer is one of the clearest benefits of this experience. You do not need to navigate the route from Santiago, arrange separate winery transportation, or coordinate taxis between distant properties.

The drive is also a sizeable part of the day. The provider states that the route covers about 110 kilometers for the two wineries, not merely 60 kilometers. That distance helps explain why the vehicle is not a minor extra.

Private transport is especially useful if you are traveling with family or a small group that values control over the day. You can focus on the valley rather than watching the clock for a shared coach departure. The format also avoids a large group of roughly 20 people, which some visitors may find tiring.

But transport alone does not make $220 a bargain. One complaint calculated about $50 of the total as transport for the journey and compared the experience with alternatives that visited four wineries for only about $15 more. That comparison is worth considering, even though a four-winery itinerary would probably provide less time at each stop and may not be private.

The right question is not simply how many wineries you can count. Ask what you want from the day. If you want privacy, two tastings, and less time loading and unloading a big coach, this format has a clear advantage. If you want the highest number of cellar doors for your money, another tour may fit better.

Is two wineries enough for the price?

At $220 per person, this tour is aimed at people who value convenience and privacy more than the lowest possible cost. The price includes private transportation and tastings at two vineyards. It does not include lunch, extra drinks, or other personal expenses.

The advertised rating is 4.8 from 37 reviews, and 95 percent of visitors recommend the experience. Those figures suggest that the basic combination of transport, winery access, and small-group service works well for many bookings.

Still, the low rating included a sharp objection to the cost and timing. The complaint argued that the experience offered too little time, did not leave enough room for lunch, and compared poorly with tours visiting four wineries. That criticism is not something to brush aside. It identifies the two areas most likely to affect your satisfaction: the total price and the pace.

The tour provider responded that the tastings together cost about $40 when booked directly, that the route is around 110 kilometers, and that the private or semi-private format is designed for small groups rather than a large vehicle. That explanation makes the price easier to understand, but it does not remove the need to judge the value for yourself.

For a group of several people, the private format may feel worthwhile because you are buying a dedicated outing rather than a seat on a standard bus. For one or two people, the per-person price deserves closer comparison with other Casablanca Valley options.

You should also compare the number of tastings with the amount of time you want at each winery. Two substantial stops can be more pleasant than four rushed ones, especially if lunch at Tanino matters. On the other hand, if your main goal is to sample as many Chilean wines as possible, the limited number of wineries may frustrate you.

Timing, food, and how to make the day work

The start time is 8:30 am. The first tasting takes about one hour, and the Casas del Bosque tasting is scheduled for 12:15 pm. That gives the day a firm structure, with limited room for delays.

I would eat breakfast before leaving Santiago. The tour details do not include breakfast, snacks, or lunch. A proper morning meal makes it easier to focus on the tastings and reduces the risk of relying on an uncertain lunch window.

If you want Tanino, make it part of your booking conversation rather than a casual possibility. Ask the provider to confirm how the restaurant fits the schedule. The restaurant is a major reason to choose Casas del Bosque, but it only adds value if you have enough time to enjoy it.

The return to Santiago is expected within the five-to-seven-hour duration, though traffic can affect the exact arrival. Avoid booking a fixed-price afternoon activity too soon after the listed return window. A little breathing room is wise.

The schedule also means this is not an evening wine experience. You start early and finish around the middle or later part of the afternoon, depending on the pace of the day. That can work well if you want an open evening in Santiago.

Who will get the most from this experience?

I would recommend this tour most strongly to a small private group that wants an easy route from Santiago and prefers two wineries over a crowded, high-count itinerary. It is also a good fit if you dislike large coaches and want the freedom that comes with a vehicle reserved for your group.

Wine-focused couples may appreciate the comparison between the two tastings, but they should look carefully at the price. Families can benefit from private transport, though the supplied details do not provide specific child pricing or a child-focused itinerary.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking a budget wine day. It is also not ideal if you want four or more winery visits, a long vineyard walk, or a guaranteed full lunch without arranging it in advance.

The experience may suit you if Casas del Bosque and Tanino are the main attractions. If Bodegas RE is your priority, confirm the first stop because the supplied descriptions contain a reference to Emiliana as well as Bodegas RE.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The activity is private, meaning only your group takes part. Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this Casablanca Valley wine tour?

Book it if you want private transportation, two included tastings, and a small-group day with a clear early start. The 4.8 rating and 95 percent recommendation rate support the idea that the format works well when your priorities match the design.

Pause before booking if $220 feels high, if lunch is essential, or if you want the greatest number of wineries for your money. Confirm the first winery, ask exactly how much time is available at Tanino, and treat lunch as an extra cost.

My advice is straightforward: choose this tour for comfort and privacy, not for bargain pricing. If you make that trade knowingly, the day can be a pleasant and efficient way to reach Casablanca Valley from Santiago.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?

Private transportation and wine tastings at two vineyards are included. The first stop includes a tasting of four wines at Bodegas RE.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price. You may have the option to eat at Tanino at Casas del Bosque, but you must pay for the meal separately.

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 8:30 am.

How long does the tour last?

The approximate duration is five to seven hours.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group takes part in this private activity.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund.