Un Viaje a la Viña – A Trip to the Winery

There are a large number of wineries here in Chile, and the wine they produce is some of the best in the world. There are all types of wines, the spectrum of whites and reds, but for me, the best are the reds (los vinos tintos). I am rather fond of the Cabernet Sauvignon style wines, but there is also a unique red here called Camerere that is a bit smoother and not as dry. The wineries stretch from north to south, but a large number are located, like most of the people in Chile, around the Santiago area.

We set out to check out the winery, Concha y Toro, which lies at the southern end of Santiago, just past the Metro Stop to Puente Alta and a short bus ride to the winery itself. This in itself was a big step for us as we got directions from an instructor at Sarah’s Spanish class, and with a plan to see the winery and a reservation for an afternoon tour; we embarked on what would (or could) be a journey to the far reaches of our known environment. You see, I have been around the city, but going to the outskirts of the city was something that I had not done, at least not without a native guide or some local friends who know the streets, paths and areas throughout Santiago. This was not a “being lead by the hand” experience, we were on our own, free falling if you will into the big wide-open spaces, stretching our limits, and looking for adventure.

Well, we found it, and as I am often fond of noting, without ambiguity and risk, no real learning takes place. This trip was filled with ambiguity, which metro line do you take? How do you get to the bus? How do you know you are going in the right direction? At which stop do you get off? How much does it cost? How will I get back home? Well, we found risk and ambiguity, and I think I know I learned a lot as well. Yet, we made it out and back, through some interesting and scenic areas that are all around the city. We rode the Metro underground and over ground, took buses out and back and even negotiated the these tasks in the day and in the evening amidst the throngs of people making their ways to and from the city.

I think the transition to adulthood is beginning here in Santiago, and this is one example of the change that is occurring as I make my way from infant to adolescent and hopefully, back to an adult. I didn’t think this was a big deal until I related it to an acquaintance who was impressed with the journey we had undertaken. I guess that is something to really pay attention to as well and a good reminder that even though there is still a long way to go, some good and solid ground has already been covered.