Recognized in categories such as "Best Wine in the World", "Best Vineyards" or awarded at the "Wine Star Awards", the national wine industry continues to reap international success. Find out here what they are.
Between January and August of this year, Chile exported more than 500 million liters of wine, 5.5% more than in the same period of 2023, according to figures from the Office of Agricultural Studies and Policies of the Ministry of Agriculture. Emblematic varieties such as Chardonnay, Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah reach markets such as Brazil, China, the United Kingdom and Japan, consolidating the country as a reference in wine and wine tourism. Proof of this is the presence of the national wine industry in prestigious rankings, competitions and culinary sections of renowned international media.
"The wine industry is one of Chile's best-known calling cards in the world. The quality and scope of exports respond to the solid work of the sector, in close collaboration with the public world. These awards are a reflection of this national effort," said Rossana Dresdner, executive director of the Fundación Imagen de Chile.
"The best wine in the world"
Wine Spectator, a specialized wine magazine, recognized Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 as the best wine of the year. After evaluating more than 10,500 global wines, it highlighted its meticulous winemaking and its legacy of more than three decades as a benchmark of excellence in Chile.
"Chilean wine has set new standards in recent years. Don Melchor's meticulous approach over more than three decades has ensured its legacy as a true benchmark for the country and has made Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon, Viñedo Puente Alto, one of Chile's most coveted Cabernets. Today it is honored as Wine Spectator's 'Wine of the Year 2024'".
Ventisquero, Vineyard of the Year 2024
Each year, Wine Enthusiast magazine celebrates the most influential players in the world of wine and spirits. The publication, which has been choosing the best representatives of the wine world for a quarter of a century, this 2024 highlighted Ventisquero as the Best Winery in this hemisphere in its "Wine Star Awards".
Among the attributes that earned him this award are "his innovation and ability to overcome limits, from the creation of vineyards in the Atacama Desert to his recent incursion into Patagonia". His outstanding lines include Tara, Pangea and Vértice.
VIK, first in Latin America and second in the world
The Chilean winery VIK appears as the second best vineyard in the world and leader in its region in the 2024 ranking of the World's Best Vineyards. This recognition is due to its winemaking excellence and the unique experience it offers its visitors, which combines a wine tour with the privileged environment of Maillahue, in the O'Higgins Region.
The list of the 50 best vineyards is compiled by an international academy of wine and tourism specialists, organized by region and led by presidents from each area, who vote for their favorite vineyards, choosing seven experiences that are accessible to the public without requiring specific criteria.
Carmenere, from Chile for Thanksgiving Day
In a Forbes article on recommended Thanksgiving wines, Chilean Carmenère was highlighted for its velvety fruit and unique structure, ideal for accompanying traditional dinners.
"It has this beautiful velvety fruit characteristic, very similar to Merlot, but also great structure and overall a quality that pairs very well with a full Thanksgiving dinner," noted Alex Cuper, wine director at El Che Steakhouse & Bar and Brasero in Chicago.
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