“Hotel Casa Real’s location within the Viña Santa Rita vineyard gives guests direct access to history and wine culture, from the early days of Chilean viticulture to now.”

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Located in Chile’s iconic Maipo Valley, Hotel Casa Real offers a transporting retreat for travelers eager to explore the country’s deep connection to wine culture. Set within the historic Viña Santa Rita vineyard, this 16-room hotel is surrounded by nearly 100 acres of park designed by French landscape architect Guillaume Renner. The hotel itself, a restored 19th-century mansion, reflects the heritage and culture of the region, making it one of Chile’s most notable wine tourism destinations with the identity of Chile through its history, both for pleasure and responsible hospitality practices.

How a Hotel Embodies the Heritage Value of Chilean Wine

Originally built as a summer residence in 1880 by Domingo Fernández Concha, when he founded Viña Santa Rita, Hotel Casa Real became part of the extensive property 100 years later when it was acquired by businessman Ricardo Claro in 1990. The hotel’s Pompeian architecture, gardens, and adjacent neo-Gothic chapel are all designated as protected historical monuments, offering visitors a unique opportunity to stay in a place with significant cultural importance. The property’s historical relevance is further highlighted by its connection to Chile’s independence movement. Paula Jaraquemada, who in 1860 once lived on the estate in a house prior to Santa Rita’s foundation, famously sheltered 120 soldiers during the war for independence. Today, that house, Doña Paula Restaurant, serves as one of the estate’s key attractions.

Hotel Casa Real’s location within the Viña Santa Rita vineyard gives guests direct access to one of Chile’s oldest and most prestigious wineries. Founded in 1880, the vineyard played a central role in introducing fine French grape varieties to Chile, and it is known for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard offers tours and tastings that allow visitors to explore the winemaking process, from the vines to the bottle. Guests can also enjoy wine-pairing dinners at the hotel, with menus designed to showcase the best of the estate’s wines alongside traditional Chilean cuisine.

Beyond its wine offerings, Hotel Casa Real provides a range of experiences that showcase the area’s cultural and natural heritage. The Andean Museum, part of the Claro Vial Foundation and located on the property, features a collection of over 3,000 pre-Columbian and post-colonial artifacts that offer insights into Chile’s archaeological and ethnographic history. The century-old park surrounding the hotel is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including native species such as the Andean fox and great horned owl. Visitors can stroll through the landscaped gardens, explore Roman-style baths, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Building Sustainability into the Hospitality Experience

Viña Santa Rita’s commitment to sustainability is a core part of its identity, and this is reflected in the way Hotel Casa Real operates. In 2023, the vineyard was recognized by the Global Wine Tourism Organization (GWTO) as the “Best Responsible Wine Tourism Experience” for its leadership in ethical practices, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. The estate has committed 2,840 acres of high ecological value land to conservation, including native forests, biological corridors, and aquatic areas. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to protect biodiversity within the Mediterranean ecosystem, which is recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Sustainability practices extend beyond conservation. The vineyard uses drip irrigation in 99% of its vineyards, achieving a 90% water efficiency rate. In waste management, the estate has achieved a 95% recycling rate, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Viña Santa Rita is also committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, adhering to the Science Based Targets initiative, with ambitious goals to reduce emissions by 30% across its operations by 2033.

The hotel’s connection to the local community is another key aspect of its sustainability efforts. Viña Santa Rita actively supports local development through educational programs through its Territorial Valorization projects. These initiatives, which have engaged with 800 students since 2013, teach the importance of biodiversity conservation and taking pride in regional wine culture as an agricultural activity that preserve development of territories. Additionally, for 11 years, the Santa Rita Season Concert Cycle has featured renowned musicians in classical and early music such as Jordi Savall, Philipe Jaourouskky, and Magdalena Kozena, while inviting over 6,800 students to participate with more than 65 concerts.

The winery also hosts annual public events like Wine Day and Heritage Day, in which the winery is open to the community with free tours, folkloric shows, providing a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their work while attracting thousands of visitors.

Experiences Beyond the Hotel

For those looking to explore beyond the hotel grounds, the Maipo Valley offers myriad activities. More than 30 wineries welcome visitors, providing ample opportunities for tastings and vineyard tours. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy horseback riding, visit nearby natural reserves, or explore the area’s hiking trails. The hotel is just a 45-minute drive from Santiago, making it a convenient escape from the city.

Each season offers something unique for visitors. Summer brings colorful blooms to the park’s extensive bougainvillea gardens, while the amber and golden hues of autumn mark the start of the grape harvest. The peaceful winter months are ideal for those seeking quietude in the Maipo Valley’s serene landscape.

Hotel Casa Real offers a singular guest experience, blending the best of Chilean history and wine culture with sustainable practices. As a leader in responsible wine tourism, the hotel provides an immersive experience that goes beyond the vineyard, inviting guests to engage with the region’s cultural and natural heritage. Whether visiting for the wine, the history, or the tranquil surroundings, Casa Real stays with you long after the last drop of Cabernet Sauvignon.