Clos Apalta

Clos Apalta was created by the Marnier Lapostolle family from France and the Rabat family from Chile and stands as a testament to old world winemaking traditions coupled with new world innovations.

Founded in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier-Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet, the winery was established with the vision of producing world-class wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Apalta Valley (D.O. in Colchagua). The estate is renowned for its commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, with vines dating back to 1907, some of the oldest in the region.

At the heart of Clos Apalta’s winemaking philosophy is its gravity-fed winery, an architectural marvel carved 35 meters into granite rock. The massive display of exposed granite in the wine library demonstrates their intentions to connect man and nature, and the tall wood posts in the overlook point stand high to frame visitors’ views across the Colchagua Valley.

Completed in 2005, the seven-level structure minimizes mechanical intervention, allowing gravity to guide the winemaking process from grape reception to bottling.

Clos Apalta’s flagship wine is a Bordeaux-style blend predominantly featuring Carmenère, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The original vines at this winery were brought over from France in the last century which descended from a great French lineage. The 2017 vintage achieved a perfect score of 100 points from renowned critic James Suckling, marking the third time a Clos Apalta wine has received such acclaim. Previous vintages, including the 2005, 2014, and 2015, have also garnered perfect scores, with the 2005 vintage being named Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator in 2008.

Visitors to Clos Apalta are invited to experience the estate through private tours that showcase its rich history and winemaking process. Guests can explore the organic vineyards and witness firsthand the meticulous care that goes into each bottle.

The estate also offers luxurious accommodations at the Clos Apalta Residence, where guests can indulge in gourmet dining and personalized experiences amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Colchagua Valley.

Reservations are required.