Pisco and Wine Route
Our pisco tour in Ica visits artisanal and industrial wineries in the valley, so you learn how pisco and wine are made and then enjoy guided tastings of Peru's national spirit.
The valley where pisco is born
Summary
The Ica valley is the birthplace of pisco, the grape brandy that is a national symbol of Peru. Since viceregal times, its vineyards and wineries have produced piscos and wines that are now recognized both in Peru and abroad.
On this pisco tour in Ica, you visit artisanal wineries, where traditional presses and copper stills are still preserved, as well as industrial wineries with modern production processes. At each one, you learn about the stages of production, from the grape harvest to distillation.
Meanwhile, you take part in tastings of different types of pisco, such as quebranta, italia or acholado, as well as wines and pisco creams, while you learn to appreciate their aromas and flavors. It is common to combine it with the Huacachina adventure tour in the afternoon; also, our Lima cooking class teaches you to prepare a pisco sour.
Highlights
Itinerary
10:00 - 10:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Ica or Huacachina before the tour.
Our team picks you up at your hotel and then we begin the tour of the Ica valley by tourist transportation.
10:30 - 11:30
Artisanal winery
Traditional pisco production.
First, we visit an artisanal winery where you see the lagar, where grapes were traditionally crushed by foot, as well as the copper stills, and then you enjoy a tasting of piscos and creams.
11:30 - 12:30
Industrial winery
Modern pisco and wine production processes.
Then we tour an industrial winery with vineyards and modern production processes, including a guided tasting of wines and piscos of different varieties.
12:30 - 13:15
Second artisanal winery
Family tradition and local products.
Later, we visit a second family-run artisanal winery, where you can discover other production styles and buy piscos, wines and typical Ica sweets.
13:15 - 13:45
Return to your hotel
Transfer back to your hotel when the tour ends.
Finally, at the end of the tour we take you back to your hotel in Ica or Huacachina.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in Ica or Huacachina
- Tourist transportation during the tour
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Visit to three wineries
- Pisco, wine and cream tastings
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Lunch
- Purchases of piscos and wines
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable, light clothing
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water
Cash or card for purchases
Identification document
Weather
Ica has a warm desert climate all year, with temperatures between 18 and 30 °C. It hardly ever rains; however, the midday sun is intense and nights can be cool.
Best season
The route operates all year. However, the grape harvest takes place between February and April, and in March the International Grape Harvest Festival is held in Ica, so it is an especially festive time.
Recommendations
Alcohol tastings are only for people over 18. Therefore, eat something before the tour, drink in moderation and enjoy the tastings responsibly.
Gallery
FAQ
What is pisco?
It is a distilled grape brandy, made in Peru since viceregal times and, therefore, considered its national drink.
Which types of pisco are tasted?
On the pisco tour in Ica, you usually taste pure piscos such as quebranta or italia, acholado piscos made with several grape varieties and pisco creams, depending on each winery.
Can minors take part?
Yes, they can join the tour, but alcohol tastings are exclusively for people over 18.
Can I buy piscos and wines?
Yes. All wineries have a shop, so you can buy their products directly.
Can I combine this tour with Huacachina?
Yes. It is common to do the pisco tour in Ica in the morning and the Huacachina adventure tour in the afternoon.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
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