Wine Festival

Wine and Dine Wine.

    Portillo boasts a spirited drinking culture. If you put the pieces together, it totally makes sense: Chile is the world’s fifth largest exporter of wine, and Mendoza, home of the Malbec, is right next-door. Add a mountain man’s fondness for aprés-ski to these geographical (and cultural) considerations, and you get a hotel that honors the beverage and those who drink it. But don’t get me wrong, Portillo is not a frat party and canned beer is a rarity – a “specialty” I’ve only enjoyed in my Siberia. The drinks of choice here are premium Pisco sours and fine wines. Considering our location, how couldn’t they be?

    This week, however, Portillo is all about WINE. Good wines from all over Chile. Remember Wine Week from July? Well now it’s late August, we’re entering the season’s final stretch, and we’ve renamed it WINE FESTIVAL. Is this week any different from our last vino extravaganza? Of course not! With nightly wine tastings and giveaways from such vineyards as Casas del Bosque (Sunday), Concha y Toro (Monday), and Anakena (Tuesday), what is there to improve? Only the most naïve and intrepid drinkers, and I’m mostly talking about gringos my age, would want more free alcohol. Let us not forget that skiing is still the (adult) priority. But speaking of skiing, free booze, and good times, and I hope I’m not out of line here, allow me to outline Sunday.

9am to 5pm - Ski Portillo (maybe a beer at lunch?)
5pm to 6 pm – “Once,” meaning Tea and Coffee
6:30pm to 7:30pm – Wine Tasting of Casa del Bosque
8pm to 9pm – Welcome Cocktail (pisco, more wine, pisco, wine)
10pm- 2am – Bar/Disco/Posada migration

My point is that here, in a little place called Portillo, the beer flows like wine. Moreover, this week the beer is wine! To be honest I’ve yet to attend a tasting this season. I enjoyed my share last year, and, if things are going my way, I’m working by then anyways. From the desk, all I observe is the crowd of well-dressed people trolling the lobby, waiting for the doors to open. Then, an hour later, I get to salute the purple-lipped passersby, who are already asking to sign up for tomorrow. Que bueno.

Season Calendar

     At Portillo every week is special. Of course, some weeks are more special than others, and throughout the year the hotel offers a number of different promotions and events for guests to enjoy. So in line with my goal to make this blog as informative as possible, I`ve outlined each and every one of these deals. Further details can be found at:

- http://www.skiportillo.com/espanol/special_weeks
- http://www.skiportillo.com/espanol/promotions

June 9 - 30 : Family Weeks
For three weeks in June, there will be tons of activities designed especially for children and young adults, as well as combined events for the entire family. Let the games begin!

*(Associated Promotion)*
1 Child without charge
During the following dates, each family can bring one child between the ages of 4 and 11 to ski and sleep entirely for free:

• June 25 - July 2
• September 10 - 24

2 Children without charge
During the following week, any mother or father paying in full can bring two of their children between the ages of 4 and 11 to ski and sleep entirely for free:

• September 24 - October 1

July 30 - August 6 : Wine Week
As in years past, wine week offers guests the delicious chance to taste, as well as hear the stories behind, some of the best wines in Chile. The week, which consists of a different tasting each night, is easily one of our most popular, so it is  recommended that reservations are made far in advance.

August 20 - 27 : Friends Week
Friends week aims to provide a memorable experience for younger guests, large groups of friends who want a fun and lively vacation. Like Family Week, there will be activities organized throughout the week in the hope that guests can build new friendships and solidify old ones.

August 27 - September 3 : Wine Fest
Wine Fest is essentially a glorified continuation of Wine Week. Accordingly, guests will have the opportunity to try incredible wines and learn about the world of wine making. At the end of each presentation, guests will be asked a few questions, with the winner receiving special prizes.

*(Associated Promotion)*
Free Night at the Ritz-Carlton Santiago
During the following dates, upon reserving a Ski Week in Portillo, guests may solicit a night free in the hotel Ritz-Carlton in Santiago. It´s a great way to ease the stressful transition between the airport and Portillo.

• August 20 - September 3

     If any of this is confusing, or just seems to good to be true, leave a question and/or comment below and I'll be sure to clear things up. With so much going on, it's important to get the details straight. Anyways, hope this helps!.... Also, it's snowing like crazy right now. Powder day tomorrow.