In this blog post, we invite you to discover the history of the Ain Karim Vineyard in Sutamarchán – Boyacá, which many believe is located in Villa de Leyva, from its beginnings to its international recognition. We will also tell you about the different activities that you can enjoy in this wine oasis, such as guided tours, tastings of its different types of wines, and culinary experiences.
A dream come true
Nestled amidst the tranquil embrace of Sutamarchán, Boyacá, lies an unexpected oasis: the Ain Karim Vineyard. Here, passion for grapes and winemaking intertwines with the captivating beauty of the Andean landscape, crafting an unparalleled experience for connoisseurs of this ancient beverage.
A Testament to Perseverance and Expertise
The vineyard’s inception was not without its challenges. It demanded meticulous study of the terrain, the selection of suitable grapevines, and the implementation of innovative techniques to adapt to Colombia’s tropical climate. Nevertheless, the unwavering perseverance and expertise of Pablo Toro, Ain Karim’s founder, coupled with the collaboration of international experts, culminated in the production of exceptional wines.
International Recognition: A Landmark in the Vineyard’s History
Over time, Ain Karim’s wines not only captivated the palates of Colombians but also garnered international acclaim. In 2008, the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a gold medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, a milestone that solidified Ain Karim’s position as one of Latin America’s premier vineyards.
Beyond a Vineyard: An Unmissable Tourist Destination
Today, Ain Karim is not only a vineyard, but also a renowned tourist destination known for its natural beauty, colonial architecture, and exquisite cuisine. Visitors can enjoy:
- Guided tours of the facilities
- Tastings of their different types of wines
- Unique culinary experiences at the vineyard’s restaurant
- Accommodation at the Casa de Campo
- Cultural events and activities
Price for the Ain Karim Vineyard Tour from Villa de Leyva
Choose from one of the customized plans of the Ain Karim Vineyard and live a magical moment:
Tropic Plan ($179,000 COP – 46.38 USD per person)
- Immerse yourself in a guided tour of the sun-kissed vineyards.
- Taste 4 glasses of exclusive wines, carefully selected for you.
- Savor a 5-course pairing, created by our expert chef, that perfectly matches each wine.
Spring Plan ($139,000 COP – 36.02 USD per person)
- Embark on a sensory journey through the vineyards, full of history and innovation.
- Enjoy 3 glasses of exceptional wines, paired with a 4-course menu that will awaken your senses.
- Be surprised by the unique flavors of its wines and the creativity of the Ain Karim vineyard cuisine.
Summer Plan ($99,000 COP – 25.65 USD per person)
- Stroll through the vineyards in a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.
- Connect with the tradition and history of the vineyard while enjoying 2 glasses of wine.
- Savor 3 tapas made with fresh and high quality ingredients.
Autumn Plan ($79,000 COP – 20.47 USD per person)
- Discover the magic of viticulture at its finest.
- Tour the vineyards and learn about the unique characteristics of the Ain Karim vineyard strains.
- Participate in a comparative sensory tasting of 2 wines, where you can appreciate their nuances and flavors.
Purchase Plan ($100,000 COP – 25.91 USD per person)
- Enjoy an exclusive space to purchase Marqués de Villa de Leyva brand products at the Ain Karim Vineyard.
- Your purchase allows you to redeem 100% of the Ain Karim Vineyard menu, accompaniments and souvenirs.
- This plan does not include tours or tastings.
Special celebrations at the Ain Karim vineyard
- Add a special touch to your anniversary, birthday or proposal for an additional cost of $60,000 COP – 15.55 USD.
- Includes a delicious dessert tart for 4 to 6 people and decoration for the occasion.
Book your unique experience at the Ain Karim Vineyard and let yourself be captivated by the passion for wine and the magic of the Colombian tropics.
Please note:
- All prices are per person.
- Children under the age of 18 are allowed free of charge with the Autumn Plan.
- Groups of more than 14 people must request special information by contacting the vineyard at +57 (601) 258 9933 option 2.
- Make your reservation in advance.
- To find out more about the specifications of each plan and its exact price, please visit the visits tab on the Viñedo Ain Karim website. There you will find all the information you need to choose the experience that best suits your preferences.
Viñedo Ain Karim Vineyard Hours of Operation
You can visit the Ain Karin Vineyard on the following days and times.
- Monday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Holidays: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How to get to Viñedo Ain Karim from Villa de Leyva
Getting to Viñedo Ain Karim from Villa de Leyva is very easy, just follow these instructions. The drive takes about 15 minutes by car and the distance is 8.7 kilometers:
- Take the Villa de Leyva – Santa Sofia highway.
- Drive on the Villa de Leyva – Santa Sofia highway for about 13 minutes until you see the turnoff for the town of Sutamarchán. Take this road for about 2 minutes or 850 meters until you reach Viñedo Ain Karim.
How to Get to Viñedo Ain Karim from Bogotá
Viñedo Ain Karim is approximately a 3-hour 15-minute drive from Bogotá. To get there, take the route that leads from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva. When you reach the Y de Sáchica, continue straight to Sutamarchán. In Sutamarchán, take the Sutamarchán – Santa Sofía road and travel about 10 kilometers (or 7 minutes) until you reach Viñedo Ain Karim.
Pet Policy at Viñedo Ain Karim in Villa de Leyva
Yes, you can bring your pet to the vineyard, but there are some areas they will not be able to access, such as the winery, the factory, and the warehouse. To make your furry friend feel comfortable while you enjoy these areas, the vineyard has a place where you can leave them without worry.
Tours of the Ain Karim vineyard are for adults only.
At Ain Karim Vineyard, we are passionate about sharing our love of wine and wine culture with our visitors. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, our tour packages are designed and reserved for adults only.
Marqués de Villa de Leyva: Wines with the flavor of history and tradition
Marqués de Villa de Leyva wines are one of the most recognized and emblematic brands in Colombia. Produced in the heart of Boyacá, on the Cundiboyacense plateau, these wines are characterized by their high quality, unique flavor, and strong connection to the land.
History of Marqués de Villa de Leyva Wines
The history of Marqués de Villa de Leyva wines dates back to colonial times, when Spanish conquistadors introduced the vine to the region. Since then, wine production has been an important part of Villa de Leyva’s culture and economy.
¿What is the terroir of Marqués de Villa de Leyva wines like?
In the heart of the Colombian tropics, at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, lies a wine-growing oasis: the Ain Karim vineyard. Here, nature has created a special microclimate, with cool, bright days that contrast with refreshing nights, generating an ideal thermal range for the cultivation of high-quality grapes.
Soil Characteristics in the Ain Karim Vineyard
The vineyard land possesses unique characteristics of the Sutamarchán Municipality: heavy clay-rich soils, a neutral pH, and an abundance of special minerals. This combination, together with the complicity of the climate, has resulted in an exceptional environment for the development of vines.
Thanks to these privileged conditions, the Ain Karim vineyard produces grapes of exceptional quality, which are the basis for the production of unique wines, with intense aromas, colors and flavors that reflect the essence of the region.
Marqués de Villa de Leyva Wine Varieties
Marqués de Villa de Leyva offers a wide selection of wines, encompassing reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling varieties. Among their most renowned offerings are:
Marqués de Villa de Leyva Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé is a wine with a rewarding flavor profile, featuring fresh red fruit characteristics and floral notes. On the palate it is ripe and refreshing, with great concentration, a smooth and round finish without an astringent aftertaste. It is recommended to pair with pasta in shrimp sauce, salmon carpaccio with capers or as an appetizer.
Marquis of Villa de Leyva Merlot
Marqués de Villa de Leyva Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine. On the palate, it is attractive and voluptuous, with fresh tannins and a long, lingering finish. It pairs perfectly with meats such as duck and rabbit, as well as semi-mature cheeses.
Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve
The Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva is a highly regarded red wine, renowned for its intense aroma and flavor. It is a medium-bodied wine with mature and integrated tannins, making it very appealing and balanced on the palate.
This wine pairs perfectly with red meats, grilled lamb chops, rabbit, game meats, blue cheese, and nuts.
Marqués de Villa de Leyva Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva is a highly regarded red wine, known for its intensity and complexity. Its aroma is intense, with notes of black fruits, spices, and cedar. On the palate, it is refreshing and balanced, with firm tannins and a persistent finish. It is ideal for pairing with red meats, grilled lamb chops, rabbit, game meats, and blue cheese.
Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Especial is a world-renowned red wine. It is characterized by intense aromas, a robust body and firm tannins. On the palate, it is attractive and true to the variety, with ripe and integrated tannins, juiciness and flavors of ripe fruit. Its aftertaste is long and persistent. It pairs ideally with slow-cooked or grilled meat stews, marinades with spices and grilled vegetables.
Sauvignon Blanc Viñedo Ain Karim
Ain Karim Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc is an emblematic wine of the region, with tropical and illustrious characteristics. It stands out for its flavors of citrus fruits, passion fruit and peach, with a fresh and persistent sensation. It pairs perfectly with seafood pasta, fish, ceviches, goat cheese and vegetable tarts.
You might also like: Top 10 best milhoja in Villa de Leyva
International recognition for Marqués de Villa de Leyva wines
Marqués de Villa de Leyva wines have been recognized for their quality in various international competitions, making them one of the best ambassadors of Colombian wine in the world.
Pairings for Viñedo Ain Karim Wines
Marqués de Villa de Leyva wines are ideal for pairing with a wide variety of dishes, from red and white meats to fish, seafood, and pasta.
Nestled in the peaceful landscape of Villa de Leyva, Viñedo Ain Karim stands as an oasis of unique experiences for wine and culture lovers. Its carefully cultivated vineyards bring to life exceptional wines that have conquered palates nationally and internationally.
Best Ain Karim Vineyard Reviews
Ain Karim Vineyard in Villa de Leyva stands out as an exceptional wine experience, backed by the excellent reviews of its visitors. The highlights include beautiful landscapes, quality service, delicious wines, and an unforgettable experience. The complete plan is recommended to fully enjoy the experience and take home an unforgettable memory.
Exceeded Expectations:
- Beautiful place, excellent guided tasting by Ricardo (friendly and knowledgeable).
- Spring Plan with delicious wines and food.
- Gold Medal Plan: Excellent experience with Dayro (friendly and patient guide).
- Tasting of 4 fabulous wines, delicious pairings and exquisite final meat.
- Support for regional wine production.
Atmosphere and Service:
- Beautiful vineyard: Delicious wine and food, excellent service from the guide.
- Two relaxing and special hours.
- Impeccable organization: Very good tour and pairing.
- Excellent detail of the glasses.
- Beautiful place: Explanation of the grape planting process, complimentary glass of wine, visit to the cellar and pairing.
Recommendations:
- Full Plan: Enjoy the experience to the fullest with tasting, pairings and delicious wines.
- Wine purchase: Don’t forget to take some wine from the store.
Areas for improvement:
- New guide: Lack of security and knowledge in some aspects by the initial guide.
Overall:
- Highly recommended experience: Beautiful scenery, excellent service, delicious wines and a unique experience.
Additional opinions:
- Positive rating: 5 stars in most reviews.
- Highlights: Scenery, service, wines, food, organization.
- Recommendation: Full plan to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Conclusion of the best reviews of Ain Karim Vineyard:
Ain Karim Vineyard stands out as an exceptional wine experience in Villa de Leyva, offering a pleasant atmosphere, quality service, delicious wines and a memorable experience. Opinions agree on the high rating of the place, highlighting the beauty of the vineyard, the quality of the wines and the excellent service of the staff. The full plan is recommended to enjoy the experience to the fullest and take away an unforgettable memory.
Lower reviews of the Viñedo Ain Karim in Villa de Leyva
Customer service:
- Obligation to buy: Several users mention feeling pressured to buy plans or consumable vouchers, even if not everyone in the group wants to consume alcohol. It is considered consumer abuse.
- Lack of kindness: There are reports of staff being unfriendly, disinterested, and even cold in their service.
- Lack of information: The guides do not provide complete or clear information, and in some cases they refer to a video that contains the same information.
- Difficulty tasting: The staff is described as not facilitating wine tasting, even having to beg for a small amount.
Overall experience:
- Value for money: The price is considered not to justify the quality of the experience, especially in the case of the picnic plan.
- Disorganization: There are reports of long waiting times and disorganization in service, especially during peak season.
- Lack of flexibility: The lack of flexibility to attend to customers who already know the vineyard and only want to consume wine and a cheese platter is criticized.
Products:
- The cheese platter of the picnic plan is described as basic and with low quality products.
Alternatives:
- Wines: Some users recommend finding better wines in supermarkets at lower prices.
- Landscapes: It is suggested to enjoy similar landscapes in hotels or restaurants in the area without paying an additional entrance fee.
In general, negative opinions focus on customer service, value for money and lack of flexibility. Users recommend considering other options in the area to enjoy wines and landscapes.
It is important to note that these are just some of the opinions expressed by users and that the individual experience may vary.
¿And what do you think about the Ain Karim Vineyard?
We would love to know what you think about this blog post. Did you find the information useful? Have you visited the Ain Karim Vineyard in Villa de Leyva? What was your experience like? What would you like us to add to this blog post?