Wines
Enotourism
Gastronomy
In the very heart of the Colchagua Valley, a new culinary venture promises to win over those looking for much more than a simple wine tasting.
It is a Dinner pairing organised by Ravanal Vineyard, that 16th May will bring together flavours, stories and experiences in an evening designed to stimulate all the senses.
The initiative responds to a growing trend within wine tourism: offering comprehensive experiences where wine becomes a cultural focal point.
This is how Cármen Paz Ravanal, Marketing Manager at Viña Ravanal, explains it, highlighting that “the pairing dinner is a complete gastronomic experience that seeks to harmonise haute cuisine with our wines, enhancing the qualities of both in each serving”.
The day will begin with a tour of the vineyards, allowing attendees to connect with the origin of each label. Afterwards, diners will enjoy an eight-course dinner, carefully designed to enhance each wine.
“We have designed an evening that begins with a tour of our vineyards, followed by an eight-course dinner, carefully paired,” adds Carmen Paz Ravanal.
The menu will include dishes such as Salmon fillet with Chardonnay Reserve, Coq au vin with Marselan Reserva, Beef Wellington accompanied by Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva, a Traditional Salmorejo with Malbec Reserva, or a Tuna and crazy taco alongside a Chardonnay Gran Reserva, among other pairings. According to the executive, “each pairing has been designed to generate balance and surprise on the palate,” opting for a complete sensory experience.
However, the proposal is not limited to gastronomy. The evening will conclude with music and a more relaxed atmosphere, reinforcing the social nature of the event.
“The experience culminates in a more relaxed space, with music and an open wine bar, creating a balance between the sensory, the educational and the celebratory,” he/she/they state.
Wine tourism as a cultural space
From a broader perspective, this type of activity has become a key tool for strengthening wine tourism. This is how it is proposed Cristina Álvarez, professional sommelier and president of the Association of Women Winemakers Chile – MUV Chile, who states that “pairing dinners are one of the most effective expressions of modern wine tourism, because they allow the connection between wine, gastronomy, people and territory in a single experience”.
Along these lines, Álvarez highlights that the visitor profile has changed in recent years. “Today’s wine tourists are not just looking to taste a label, but to understand its origin, experience the surroundings, and create memories associated with that moment. This type of activity transforms the vineyard into an active cultural and tourist space, capable of attracting new audiences and extending the valley's appeal beyond the high season,” he explains, emphasising the emotional value of these initiatives.
The evolution of these types of events in Chile has also been significant. “A few years ago, they were isolated actions, whereas today they are part of more mature and permanent wine tourism strategies,” assures the sommelier. “Currently, we are seeing much more curated proposals, where storytelling, local products, signature cuisine, heritage, music, and sensory experiences are incorporated,” she adds.
From Viña Ravanal, they agree with that diagnosis and see these instances as an opportunity to promote the valley. “These types of experiences allow the traditional wine tourism offering to be expanded, integrating elements such as gastronomy, culture and entertainment. Furthermore, they strengthen the identity of the Colchagua Valley as a complete destination, capable of offering high-level activities throughout the year,” states Carmen Paz Ravanal.
In a territory that already boasts international prestige, the commitment to high-level experiences appears to be the natural next step. Events such as this wine-pairing dinner aim not only to delight attendees but also to establish the Colchagua Valley as a destination where wine is experienced, learned, and shared.
Check out more content at Colchagua: San Fernando prepares its 2nd Grape Harvest Festival.
