Sometimes you just get lucky!

Arriving at the Vina Montgras for a tour and tasting - without a reservation - we didn't expect that we would witness the arrival of the first grapes of the 2012 harvest and to see them start their journey into the press even if they were only run of the mill Chardonnay destined for their basic table wine.

Getting to taste the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc direct from a 37,000l vat was a definite first - although it could have been chilled a little more!

The tour was one of the best I have experienced anywhere - a very friendly, informative guide to wine production in Chile in general and Montgras in particular and the chance to taste each of the grapes as they were ripening on the vines.

The tasting was also excellent - and a little snack to match each wine - a spicy shrimp with the Sauvignon Blanc, Cheese with the Carmenere and lamb with the Cabernet Sauvignon.