With the Andes Mountains as the backdrop to the sun-drenched regions of Chile, it is no wonder that the country's long history of producing wines has blossomed into wine tourism. Chile's endless vineyards are harvested annually from mid-March until the end of April. Locals celebrate the grape harvests during the third week of March with La Fiesta de la Vendimia, a festival highlighting Chilean food, culture, and, of course, its excellent vino.

Curico, south of Chile's capital Santiago, holds the largest of these weekend-long festivities. The festival brings locals and visitors together in the Plaza de Armes, the center of town, where local vineyards have stands set up offering a taste of wine and a look into Chile's past and present. As a producer of wines since 1851, Curico Valley is known for its high-quality Sauvignon Blanc grapes, creating wines with a crisp and fresh acidity.

Most vineyards in Chile are open to visitors. The other wine-making regions are Aconcagua Valley, San Antonio Valley, Maipo River Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Limari Valley Wine Route, Maule valley and Colchagua Valley.

Wandering the sunny vineyards of Chile and watching how some of your favorite wines are made is not a bad trip, and with Chile's attractive landscapes and adventurous possibilities (mountain biking, horseback riding, river rafting, and fishing trips), there isn't much that will keep you away.

Written by  Allison Hansen.

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