Clos Apalta Residence

Clos Apalta Residence has for a long time produced some of the best red wines as part of their Cuvee Alexander range, from their beautifully positioned vineyards in the Colchagua Valley. Now you can go and stay there, in one of four stunning casitas built on the valley wall.

The 90 sq m (968 sq ft) casitas are completely secluded from one another, allowing for an undisturbed view across the valley. They are named after the four varieties of wine with their decor also matching their particular wine-type, for example the Merlot cabin is decorated in rose and white and the Petit Verdot in red. Each casita consists of one main room with a large bed (double or twin), an open fire and a seating area which opens out onto a private balcony. There is also a huge walk-in wardrobe and a large bathroom.

The casitas are reached by golf car from the main house, where there is a dining room for all guests, an infinity pool and asado, as well as a great sundeck; the perfect place for a glass of wine at the end of the day. Yoga classes and massages are also offered for further relaxation.

Tasting rooms, and of course tastings, are available to guests as well. The winery itself is on the same site and can be accessed via a corkscrew staircase that goes six floors down into the bedrock (it is deep enough for a pendulum to show the rotation of the earth), and below that are the two further floors of the private cellar of the French owner (who also happens to own Grand Marnier).

This is a truly top-class place to stay and although you will not find staff dressed in suits or wearing white gloves, you will find they are incredibly knowledgeable about wine and very attentive to your requirements.

OUR RATING: Deluxe