Santa Cruz is a small city in the Colchagua Valley region of Central Chile, famous for its surrounding vineyards.

Understand

Proclaimed "Wine Valley of the Year" in 2005 by Wine Enthusiast magazine, Colchagua Valley is Chile's premier wine-producing region. The valley is best known for its red wines – carmenère in particular.

See

Colchagua Museum

• Colchagua Museum – a world-class (seriously) museum of Chilean history. Don't miss it.
• Vina Santa Cruz Observatory – the winery itself is a bit of a joke, but there is a small observatory at the top of a hill which, following a cable car ride, offers an enjoyable "tour of the cosmos".

Do

• Book a wine tour. Tours can booked from Santa Cruz (or Santiago if you prefer). Popular vineyards include:
  • Clos Apalta
  • Laura Hartwig
  • Montes
  • MontGras
  • Viu Manent

Eat

• Club Unión Social Santa Cruz – Located in a restored mansion with a terrace. Spanish and Chilean food
• Sumaq Ñusta – A cozy restaurant serving Peruvian dishes

Drink

Wine.

Sleep

Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza

• Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza – A five-star hotel offering plush colonial rooms