World Cruise Shoreside Experience in Casablanca Valley Wine Country
We traveled north of Valparaiso, Chile to Casa Valle Viñamar in the heart of the Casablanca Valley for food, wine, and entertainment.
We arrived in Valparaiso, Chile, around 7:00 AM and began the disembarkation process for about 250 guests. It was then the World Cruisers’ turn to leave the ship, but under happier circumstances. We were on our way to the first of three World Cruise events, an exclusive lunch, and wine tasting at Casa Valle Viñamar.
Casa Valle Viñamar, nestled in the Casablanca Valley, provides a stunning backdrop for a party! Upon arrival, we were greeted by traditional chinchinero dancers and invited to pick up our party favors. This leather gadget conveniently holds a 2025 World Cruise Away in Wonder wine glass. (Check out the photos below for examples of happy wine-tasters wearing their wine glass holders!)
We wandered the vineyards and examined a few of the ripening grapes. Harvest is typically in April, so these grapes have a lot more growing and ripening to do in the next two months.
A magnificent spread of appetizers whetted our palates for the lunch that was to come.
Wine tasting stations were set around the perimeter, offering everyone a chance to do some taste comparisons. Sherpa settled on a selection of wines from Tarapack Winery in Valle del Maipo—a smooth red blend and a Carmenere (one of Chile’s signature wines).
Captain Abhi and Olivia, the Social Hostess, enjoyed some time away from the Mariner, mingling with guests and sampling the wine and food. The weather was perfect — sunny and 70 F — and smiles and laughter were abundant.
A buffet lunch was served after the appetizers, although I had eaten enough before lunch that I wasn’t very hungry for the chicken, beef, salads, and vegetables served for lunch. House wines accompanied the meal. We were serenaded by music, and then traditional folk dancers took the stage and shared their national dances with us.
Sherpa also tasted several wines from Donnaluna Winery in the Santiago area and purchased a few bottles of the fruitier, semi-sweet Blanco wines for Bo.
Growing grapes requires sunshine, soil, time, and patience. Soon, these grapes will be harvested and made into wine.
This area of Chile shares many characteristics with California: a dry climate and cooling ocean temperatures.
As the event ended, we waved goodbye to the endless fields of grapes, and now we can only imagine how wonderful the wine that we purchased from the vineyards will taste.
Tomorrow, we sail the ocean blue and then arrive at Robinson Crusoe Island the day after tomorrow.
World cruise events always look so inviting!
What a gorgeous day!! Looks simply incredible.