Viña Don Melchor, the Only Chilean Winery Nominated as “New World Winery of the Year 2026” by Wine Enthusiast

Viña Don Melchor, a subsidiary of Viña Concha y Toro, has been nominated by the influential specialist publication Wine Enthusiast as “New World Winery of the Year” at the 2026 Wine Star Awards. It is the only Chilean winery among the five finalists in the category, alongside Te Mata Estate from New Zealand, Leeuwin Estate from Australia, Bodegas Salentein from Argentina and Karas Wine from Armenia.

The nomination places Viña Don Melchor among the New World’s leading wineries and recognises a history defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence. In its presentation of the finalists, Wine Enthusiast highlighted the consistency of the winery’s accolades, the vision that has guided its development and its contribution to establishing a new benchmark for Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon.

This recognition reaffirms Viña Don Melchor’s standing on the international wine scene and the significance of Puente Alto, the exceptional origin that has defined its identity from the beginning. Its profound understanding of the vineyard and continual pursuit of the finest expression of each vintage have shaped a legacy that now extends far beyond Chile’s borders.

The nomination also coincides with a new recognition for the brand. Don Melchor, the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto, recently received 97 points from Wine Enthusiast for its 2023 vintage, the highest score ever awarded to the brand by this influential international publication, reaffirming a history defined by excellence and consolidating its position among the world’s great Cabernet Sauvignons.

“This nomination is both an honour and a recognition of all those who, over the decades, have contributed to building the excellence of Viña Don Melchor. It is also a distinction for the origin of Puente Alto and for the conviction that great wines arise from a constant pursuit of understanding their place of origin and expressing it in the finest possible way. Furthermore, this recognition acknowledges the value of Casa Don Melchor as the expression and stewardship of a history, a heritage and a culture deeply connected to the origin and identity of Don Melchor,” said Enrique Tirado, CEO and Technical Director of Viña Don Melchor.

Held annually by Wine Enthusiast, the Wine Star Awards recognise the individuals and companies whose vision, history and commitment contribute to the prestige and evolution of the international wine and beverage industry. In their 27th edition, the finalists were selected for their influence, relevance and capacity to contribute to the future of the sector.

The winners of the 2026 Wine Star Awards will be announced by Wine Enthusiast on 12 November and subsequently honoured at the traditional annual gala in January 2027. Regardless of the final outcome, this nomination once again places Viña Don Melchor and Puente Alto among the leading names in New World wine, recognising a history built upon excellence, craftsmanship and an enduring commitment to expressing an exceptional origin in Puente Alto, Chile.

About Viña Don Melchor

Viña Don Melchor is dedicated to producing Don Melchor, the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto. The vineyard is located in the Maipo Valley, at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 650 metres above sea level, on the third alluvial terrace of the northern bank of the Maipo River.

Today, the vineyard extends across 125 hectares, planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, along with small proportions of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It is divided into seven main parcels, which are in turn subdivided into 151 micro-parcels. A precise understanding and management of each allows the distinctive character of every vintage to be interpreted.

Its nutrient-poor soils, formed from alluvial deposits and Andean material and composed of clay, silt, sand, gravel and stones, provide excellent drainage and naturally restrict plant growth. These conditions are essential for achieving concentration, balance and maturity in the grapes.

Alongside its winemaking activities, Viña Don Melchor has developed Casa Don Melchor in Pirque, a space dedicated to sharing the legacy, culture and excellence that have shaped one of the world’s most recognised Cabernet Sauvignons. Its exclusive experiences bring together wine, gastronomy, heritage and nature, offering visitors from around the world a closer connection to the history and origin of Don Melchor.