Viña Tabontinaja/Gillmore

Viña Tabontinaja/Gillmore Review

The Gillmores, who own this winery, are a creative bunch. In addition to making truly fine red wines (sold as Viña Gillmore), they have created a fun place to stop and spend a couple of hours or stay on for a night or two. There's an impressive zoo on-site that includes a pair of puma, a rare Chilean deer called a pudu, and a raucous group of peacocks, as well as other animals. An adobe chapel has been turned into a museum. This is a great place to stay while on the way south. Its odd-looking guest houses made from ancient recycled fermentation tanks provide all the comforts of home, as well as a wood-burning hot tub and great food. Take the Pan-American Highway to the "Camino a Constitución" south of San Javier. Head east over the Loncomilla River and through the rolling hills of the Coastal Mountains for 20 km (12½ mi); Tabontinaja is on the right. This building suffered significant damage during the February 2010 earthquake and, as of this writing, was closed until further notice. Please check to see if the property has opened prior to your visit.