Nearly 20 distinguished representatives from the Latin American gastronomic world —including award-winning chefs, sommeliers from prestigious restaurants, and specialized journalists— visited Casa Don Melchor, located in the heart of Pirque, to enjoy a unique experience centered around one of the world’s most iconic Cabernet Sauvignons.

The visit was an invitation to learn more about the story of Don Melchor, exploring its legacy, winemaking philosophy, and exceptional origin at the Don Melchor Vineyard, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains — a place that has elevated this wine to global icon status. The tour was led by Isabel Guilisasti, Vice President of Fine Wines at Viña Concha y Toro, and Enrique Tirado, General Manager and Technical Director of Viña Don Melchor, who shared anecdotes, stories, and insights that bring this great wine to life. 

The experience began with a welcome glass of Amelia Chardonnay 2023, where Marcelo Papa, Technical Director at Concha y Toro, introduced this fresh and mineral Chardonnay from the Limarí Valley, today recognized as one of Chile’s most awarded white wines by international critics. 

Enrique Tirado then led a tasting that included the 2021 vintage of Don Melchor —recently named Wine of the Year by the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine— along with the new 2022 vintage, notable for its expressive aromas and its faithful representation of each of the seven parcels that make up the Don Melchor Vineyard. 

“Wine and gastronomy are two artistic expressions that converse and enrich one another. Sharing this very special vintage, the No. 1 in the world, with people who understand and communicate that connection was profoundly inspiring,” said Enrique Tirado. 

The experience concluded with a unique and symbolic moment in the Casa Don Melchor library, the only place where all vintages of this great Cabernet Sauvignon —from its inaugural 1987 vintage— are preserved. Here, a toast was made with the historic 1988 vintage of Don Melchor, which marked a milestone by becoming the first Chilean wine to be included in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the World —an achievement that transformed the history of Viña Don Melchor and Chilean viticulture. 

“To toast with this vintage, in a place so meaningful to us and alongside such a passionate and talented group of professionals, moves me deeply. It’s a moment that invites us to reflect on everything we’ve built — and all that we still dream of and have yet to create together. Chile has immense potential, and Don Melchor is a living part of that story,” expressed Isabel Guilisasti. 

Some of the chefs and sommeliers who joined us included: Tassia Magalhães (chef) and Danyel Steinle (sommelier) from restaurant Nelita; Germán Sitz, chef at Niño Gordo, La Carnicería, Chori, Paquito, and Juan Pedro Caballero; Renzo Garibaldi, chef at Osso Carnicería y Salumería; Gabriel Oggero, chef at Crizia; Sebastián Weigandt, chef at Azafrán; and Maximiliano Rossi, chef at El Picarón, among others.