Ep 3. Wine Country and the Lake District

In season 1 episode 3 of Flavours of Chile, viewers are taken on a journey through some of Chile's most picturesque locations - the Wine Country and the Lake District.

The episode begins with a visit to a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley, located between Santiago and the port city of Valparaiso. The valley is known for its cool temperatures, which make it ideal for producing white wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The host of the show meets with a local winemaker who explains the process of making wine, from harvesting the grapes to fermentation and aging. Viewers can watch as the expert pours wine from a barrel, taking in the aroma and swirling it around in a glass. They also learn about the history of wine production in Chile, which dates back to the Spanish colonial era.

The next stop on the journey is the Lake District, located in southern Chile. The region is famous for its stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped volcanoes, glacial lakes, and dense forests. The host explores the town of Puerto Varas, which is situated on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Here, viewers can see the traditional architecture of German immigrants who settled in the area in the 19th century. They can also watch as the host tries local dishes such as seafood ceviche and smoked salmon.

One of the highlights of the episode is a visit to a farm that produces mussels, which are a popular seafood in Chile. The host meets with the farmers who explain how the mussels are grown in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the fjords. Viewers can see the ropes that the mussels attach to, and watch as the farmers pull them up from the water. The host also tastes the mussels, which are cooked in a local style with onions, garlic, white wine, and cream.

Another interesting stop on the journey is a visit to a cheese factory. This family-owned business makes a variety of cheeses from the milk of their own cows. Viewers can see the cheese being made, from heating the milk to adding rennet and cutting the curd. The host samples several types of cheese, including a soft ricotta-like cheese called queso fresco.

The final segment of the episode takes viewers to the town of Valdivia, which is known for its craft beer scene. The host visits a brewery that uses local ingredients such as hops and honey to make their beers. Viewers can see the brewing process, from mashing the grains to fermenting the beer in large tanks. The host also tastes several different brews, ranging from a light ale to a dark stout.

Overall, season 1 episode 3 of Flavours of Chile offers a diverse look at the country's culinary and cultural offerings. From the vineyards of the Casablanca Valley to the cheese factories and craft breweries of the Lake District, viewers can get a sense of the variety of tastes and experiences that Chile has to offer.