VIA Wines

Intro
Established in 1998, VIA Wines is based in the San Rafael sub-region of Chile's Maule Valley. VIA Wines produces innovative wines with good expression of terroir, targeted at international consumers. VIA Wines currently owns over 1000 hectares of vineyard in the Maule, Curicó, Colchagua, and Casablanca valleys.

Wines
VIA Wines produces wines under two labels: Oveja Negra, which combines sustainable viticultural practices with innovative winemaking, to produce an affordable range of fruit-driven wines; Chilcas, from vineyards planted in the shadow of the Descabezado volcano, and including an organic range.
VIA Wines are distributed to the UK on and off-trade by Bibendum Wine.

Winemaking philosophy
"Sustainability, expression of terroir, and quality are key," says winemaker Rafael Tirado. "The aim is to deliver wines with superior quality, at fair prices, made in harmony with nature".

Vineyards
The flagship vineyards of San Rafael Estate are located in the heart of the Maule Valley. Soils consist mainly of fine loam. Irrigation water is sourced from the Mataquito and Lontué Rivers which border San Rafael to the north and south.

Top People
Winemaker Rafael Tirado joined VIA Wines in 2007, Chilean wineries in the Maule and Casablanca valleys, as well as stints in the South of France, Rioja, and the Napa Valley. Mark Halliwell joined VIA Wines in April of 2009 as business development manager and is based in the U.K.

• Sommeliers