Updated on 04/19/2024
Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!
Content
Why support wine culture in Colombia?
Colombia isn’t a major player in the global wine market; it mostly imports wines from Argentina, Chile, Spain, and France.
However, it does have quality local brands like Casa del Rhin, Cariñoso, Libertador, and Rivelino.
This blog will delve into Colombia’s top vineyards, showcasing 100% local wines and their production processes.
Discover the tourist and cultural potential of each vineyard, contributing to the growth of the national wine scene.
Vinos Viña Sicilia – Santafé de Antioquia
Vinos Viña Sicilia is a family project in the municipality of Santafé. Essentially, it is a hotel-winery where artisanal wines are produced with grapes harvested from their own fields.
Here, you can find guided tours of the vineyards and the winery, guided tastings, and wine-making workshops.
At Vinos Viña Sicilia, you can taste international varieties such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Sicilian varieties such as Nero D’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Frappato, as if they were made in their homeland.
Location
The vineyards are situated 20 minutes from the historic center of Santafé de Antioquia, near the Cauca River. The trip from Medellín to Santafé de Antioquia takes just over 1 hour, covering roughly 55 kilometers (about 34 miles).
Activities
- You can participate in the grape harvest, where you will collect grapes and learn about the different varieties cultivated in the vineyard.
- Experience a guided tasting by an expert sommelier who will teach you to appreciate the sensory characteristics of Viña Sicilia’s wines.
- Take part in wine-making workshops where you can learn about the winemaking process and create your personalized wine.
- Enjoy the ‘Wine Spa’, which offers a wine bath or facial and body therapy with essences of Sicilian grapes. It is the only wine spa of its kind in Colombia.
- Indulge in a diverse menu with typical local dishes paired in the Viña Sicilia style.
Recommendations
- To enter the vineyard, wear comfortable clothing, suitable footwear like sneakers, a hat or cap, and sunscreen.
- Respect the guide’s instructions and do not damage the plants or fruits.
- Pets are not allowed.
Entrance
The entrance has a cost per person, and you must make a prior reservation from the official website.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Viñedos Ain Karim – Sutamarchán, Boyacá
Established in 1988, Viñedos Ain Karim cultivates a variety of grapes on their own farms, producing red, white, and rosé wines. The journey began with the planting of the first Sauvignon Blanc vines in Colombia, and since then, the vineyards welcome visitors to explore their original plantations.
Notably, Viñedos Ain Karim has garnered both national and international acclaim for the exceptional quality of their wines. Beyond their commitment to crafting outstanding wines, the company actively promotes tourism in the region by fostering a culture of wine appreciation and embracing environmentally friendly artisanal processes.
Location
Km 10 via Villa de Leyva – Santa Sofía, 6 km from Sutamarchán, Boyacá, about a 10-minute drive.
Activities
- Visit the grape cultivation and learn about the different stages of the vine’s vegetative cycle, from pruning to harvest.
- Take a tour of the underground cellar where wines are stored in French and American oak barrels. Additionally, learn about the fermentation, clarification, filtration, and bottling process.
- Taste Ain Karim wines accompanied by cheeses, hams, and nuts while receiving an explanation of the organoleptic characteristics of each wine and the basic principles of wine tasting.
- Have the opportunity to enjoy ‘Ain Karim’ style pairings with typical regional dishes.
- Participate in wine-making workshops where you can create your personalized wine with the grapes you choose. You can take home a bottle with your name and label.
- Enjoy a picnic in the vineyard gardens while savoring Ain Karim wines along with a basket of local products.
Recommendations
- No entry for individuals showing signs of intoxication.
- Do not collect stones, animals, or any type of vegetation.
- Do not swim in the lake or litter in any way.
- Avoid smoking.
- Pets must be on a leash and are not allowed in the cellar, warehouse, or event hall.
- Parking is free; ensure not to leave valuable items inside the vehicle and secure it.
Entrance
Access to Viñedos Ain Karim has a cost, and you must make a reservation in advance. More information about the fees can be found on the official website.
Opening Hours
Monday, Wednesday to Sunday, and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Viñedo Umaña Dajud – Sutamarchán, Boyacá
Viñedo Umaña Dajud offers expert-guided tours, providing a firsthand look at the vine-to-bottle production process.
Known for high-quality wines in the Colombian mountains, the vineyard produces limited but popular artisanal wines, including the classic Crianza red and various Rosé varieties.
It’s a must-visit for a satisfying wine experience that exceeds expectations.
Location
Sáchica, Kilometer 2 via Sutamarchán, Boyacá, about 10 km from Sutamarchán.
How to get there?
- Take a bus service to Tunja, the nearest city to Sutamarchán.
- In Tunja, take another bus service at the transport terminal to Sutamarchán, approximately 1 hour journey.
- From Sutamarchán, take a taxi to the vineyard, a journey of approximately 11 minutes.
Activities
- Explore the cultivation of Chenin Blanc, Malbec, and Tempranillo vines, where you will learn about the soil and regional climatic conditions for grape growth.
- Learn the detailed process of wine production and refinement, starting from cultivation, fermentation, and aging in barrels.
- Taste red and rosé wines; you can accompany them with a board of mature cheeses and a selection of cold meats.
- Have a guided tasting where you will learn all the sensory characteristics of wine, such as color, aroma, and taste.
- Have a picnic in the vineyard with a gourmet basket that includes tapenade, baguette bread, water, and two glasses of wine per person, among other snacks of your choice.
Entrance
Access to the tour has a cost, and you must make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance from the official website.
Opening Hours
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Viñedo Abarán – Sutamarchán, Boyacá
Viñedo Abarán, a family-owned venture and tourist hotspot in Boyacá, offers a comprehensive insight into the wine production process.
Opened to tourism in 2021, it has quickly gained significance in the region. Adapting well to the Colombian climate and soil, Viñedo Abarán is known for producing some of the finest wines in the country.
For an affordable exploration of Boyacá’s local wine culture, this winery comes highly recommended.
Location
Located 14 kilometers from Villa de Leyva, on the ‘Sutamarchan-Santa Sofia’ road, Sutamarchán, Boyacá.
How to Get There
- Take public bus transportation from Villa de Leyva to Sutamarchán, the nearest town to the vineyard, approximately a 20-minute journey.
- Once in Sutamarchán, take a taxi or private service to the vineyard, about a 10-minute ride.
Activities
- Participate in guided tours of the facilities, where you will learn the process from harvesting to bottling. Gain insights into grape selection for the winemaking process.
- Enjoy educational sessions, developing your sense of smell by identifying aromas in fruits, flowers, chocolates, and more. Taste a selection of wines and describe the aromas you perceive.
- Taste a selection of artisanal wines accompanied by nuts, olives, homemade cookies, and a local cheese platter at the end of the tour.
- Purchase local products such as red wine, rosé, grape jam, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, among other artisanal items.
Entrance
Access to the tour has a cost. Visit the official website for more information.
Recommendations
- It is advisable to bring hats or caps for sun protection.
- Pets are allowed.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Marqués Puntalarga – Nobsa, Boyacá
Marqués Puntalarga, located in Nobsa, cultivates three grape varieties—Pinot Noir, Dry Riesling, and Sweet Riesling—to produce high-quality wines recognized nationally and internationally.
Visit to learn about the production process and taste wines from Chile, Argentina, Spain, and Colombia.
You can also buy local artisanal wines while enjoying panoramic views of Valle del Sol in Boyacá.
Location
Km 7 Duitama – Belencito Highway, Nobsa, Boyacá, approximately 60 kilometers from Tunja and 10 kilometers from Duitama, the nearest town to the vineyard.
Activities
- Visit the Sutamarchán museum, where you’ll learn about the history and culture of wine in Boyacá. Explore ancient objects related to wine culture and taste artisanal wines.
- Tour the vineyard, where you can see Pinot Noir and Riesling plantations and their production process, from planting to the final product.
- Taste wines from the winery accompanied by cheeses and cold cuts, among other local snacks.
- Explore the cellar and participate in guided tastings with a variety of Chilean, Argentine, Spanish, and Colombian wines, exploring their pairings. Don’t forget to take a Marqués de Puntalarga bottle.
- Participate in the welcome party at the Valle del Sol Vid & Vino international event in December, where producers, experts, wine enthusiasts gather, and the Regional Wine Queen is chosen.
Entrance
There is a per-person cost for access to Marqués Puntalarga. Reservations are recommended.
Recommendations
- Wear comfortable and warm clothing; the weather tends to be very cold.
- It’s better to visit between December and March to avoid rains and enjoy both activities and the landscape.
- It’s advisable to have private transportation or hire a taxi service, as the location is not close to the main road, and there is no nearby public transportation.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Bodegas del Rhin – Cota, Cundinamarca
Bodegas El Rhin, a Colombian company with over 80 years in the market, is a key player in the production and distribution of wines and spirits across the nation.
Renowned as one of the most representative brands in Colombia, their diverse portfolio includes national wines such as peach or cherry wine, along with various fruity, sweet, sparkling, cooking, and sacramental liqueurs.
Notably, the traditional “Cariñoso” wine, a staple during the Christmas season, has been enjoyed in Colombia for many years.
Location
It has 2 locations:
- Carrera 30 No 9-35, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Zona Franca Metropolitana Predio San Rafael, Vuelta Grande district, Cota, Cundinamarca. From Bogotá, take a bus service from the Portal del Norte station to Cota. It’s about a 20 to 30-minute journey, depending on traffic.
Activities
- Enjoy tours, wine tastings, and paired tastings at different bars and restaurants in the city, temporarily organized by the company.
- Participate in cooking schools and temporary academic programs offered by the winery to become a sommelier.
- Visit the facilities of Bodegas del Rhin, where you can learn about the history and production process of wine and all national spirits.
- Take part in practical classes to learn culinary recipes with Bodegas el Rhin wines and spirits.
- Participate in tastings led by an expert sommelier, who will teach you to appreciate the sensory characteristics of their wines and spirits.
Entrance
Yes! The entrance is free. However, to enter the cellars, you must send a letter explaining the reasons for visiting the facilities. They will then schedule an appointment for you to visit at no cost.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Casa Grajales – La Unión, Valle del Cauca
Casa Grajales is a Colombian wine company dedicated to marketing wines made from grape varieties adapted to the tropical climate.
It is known as the pioneer in the Colombian wine market, with a history of over 40 years and an extensive inventory of products distributed nationally and internationally.
At its main headquarters in Valle del Cauca, you will learn about the mass production process, with a capacity to produce around 7 million liters of wine per year.
Casa Grajales is also renowned for its famous National Grape Park, the first theme park in Valle del Cauca.
Here, you’ll discover everything about grapes and wine culture in the country, from plantation and cultivation conditions in the tropical climate, all presented in a recreational manner.
Location
Km 1 Vía Unión La Victoria, La Unión, Valle del Cauca, located 1 kilometer from the National Grape Park and 5 minutes from the municipality of La Unión.
Actividades
- Visit the Grape National Park, a tourist and educational space that offers a tour of the vineyards, the wine plant, wineries and various tourist attractions related to wine tasting, wine production and agrotourism.
- Visit the Grajales Grape and Wine Museum, where you can learn about the history and process of wine, including planting, pressing and fermentation. In addition, you can enjoy an enoteca, where you will take part in a wine tasting session.
- Visit the cellars and cellars of aged wine in the vineyards of Casa Grajales, where you can learn about the process of wine from its selection to its packaging. I recommend you try the regional wines offered there.
Free Admission
The tour at Casa Grajales has a cost. Contact them through the provided channels for access.
Recommendations
- Bring a hat or sun hat, sunscreen, and hydration, although there are food options inside.
- Choose between a horse-drawn carriage or walking for the park tour; walking is cost-effective. However, horses are well-maintained and a good option.
Opening Hours
- Wine and museum tour: from 9:00 a.m. every 40 minutes.
- Grape Museum: from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday.
- National Grape Park: from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
Viña Aldana – Bucaramanga, Santander
Viña Aldana is an ecological vineyard and countryside hotel in the department of Santander.
Covering an area of 2,000 square meters, this vineyard introduces you to the iconic American Isabella grape, one of the planet’s most important species for wine production. It is versatile, also used for making jams, sweets, and juices.
When you visit, explore other products from La Mesa de Los Santos, such as coffee, Colombian cheese, and panela, all artisanally crafted.
Located near the Chicamocha Canyon, this destination is a must-visit in Santander, ideal for visitors from around the world.
At Viña Aldana, you can learn about the wine-making process and taste aged wine stored in the cellars for years.
Location
Vereda el Tabacal, Los Santos. It is located 10 minutes from the La Plazuela station of the Chicamocha National Park cable car.
Activities
- Participate in didactic sessions, here you will learn to detect the different aromas of aged wine, taste it blind, pair it with different foods and learn about the whole process.
- Tour the vineyard with almost 2 hectares where you can walk and learn about the Isabela grape varieties that are used for the process of elaboration and conservation of the grapes for the production of local wines.
- Here you can learn about the wine culture through the temporary art galleries and the cultural events room offered by the inn where experts will teach you the art of sustainable artisanal harvesting.
- It is recommended that you visit the airplane factory near the vineyard, where you can see the antique airplanes that the engineer Aldana has collected. This is an event that surprises many visitors, since this place also has a close history with wine.
Admission
Access to the tour in the facilities comes with a cost. Visit the official website for more information.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Viñedo Sierra Morena – Guane, Santander
Viñedo Sierra Morena is a tourist destination in Santander, where wine is produced with grapes cultivated in the tropics.
Here, you can take guided tours to learn about the cultivation and care of the vine. In this place, you will receive focused talks where you’ll learn about the benefits of both grapes and wine for health.
Above all, I recommend trying the Vino Perú la Croix, an organic wine characterized by its ruby red color, fruity aroma, and smooth taste. It is also a local and national emblem.
Some reviews praise the quality of the wine, the owners’ hospitality, and the landscape of the place.
Location
Viñedo Sierra Morena is located in the vereda Cuchilla de San Pablo, 5 minutes from Zapatoca, on the way to Mirador Guane, in the department of Santander.
Activities
- Be part of a sensory experience with white or intense red wines. You’ll have the opportunity to taste different local vintages and identify various flavors.
- Participate in the grape harvest, where you explore different harvesting methods, and the guides reveal the step-by-step process of winemaking ‘Sierra Morena’ style, as if you were a local harvester.
- Tour the trails leading to the wine cellar.
- Enjoy the exclusive restaurant where you can taste a great menu. I recommend trying the local wines.
Recommendations
- To fully enjoy this experience, it is advisable to visit during the harvest season, when a large quantity of grapes is collected, between March and May. During this time, there is much activity, and you can take advantage of harvesting activities.
- No pets are allowed.
Admission
The entrance has a cost. Reserve through +573044334817.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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