As the industry evolves, Montes Wines remains at the forefront, guided by a commitment to craftsmanship and a passion for producing wines that transcend the norm: Aurelio Montes

“Montes Wines, as the pioneering premium winery in Chile, strategically focuses on three key principles: quality,excellence, and sustainability.”

Aurelio Montes is a revered figure in the Chilean wine industry who has reached the pinnacle of his profession, earning descriptions such as ‘patriarch’ from Britain’s Decanter and ‘industry leader’ from the Wine Spectator. Serving as Vice President of Wines of Chile, he has received multiple lifetime achievement awards for his visionary contributions.

Born into a family with a moderate interest in wine, Aurelio’s exposure to the countryside during summer holidays at El Monte influenced his decision to study agronomy. Despite Chile’s comprehensive winemaking education, in which oenology is now the most popular agricultural science, Aurelio initially pursued agronomy, later shifting to oenology because of a growing passion.

Aurelio’s journey in winemaking took off at Undurraga, where, under Alfonso Undurraga’s leadership, he became the first full-time winemaker. This family-run business provided him with the freedom to experiment and develop his own wine-making philosophy.

Undurraga became Aurelio’s graduate school, allowing him to explore techniques, styles, and global winemaking practices. His daring experiments, such as oxidizing an entire Riesling harvest pre-fermentation, showcased his willingness to take risks and innovate.

After 12 years at Undurraga, Aurelio’s ambition led him to Viña San Pedro, another significant player on the Chilean winemaking scene. Taking on the role of production manager, he met Douglas Murray, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership.

Aurelio’s influential career, marked by risk-taking and pioneering effort, reflects his commitment to pushing boundaries in the Chilean wine industry. From experimenting with artificial yeast strains to exploring new cooling devices, his legacy as an industry innovator continues to shape Chile’s winemaking landscape.

The Silicon Review reached out to Mr. Montes for an interview, and here’s what he had to say.

Interview Highlights

Please tell us about the circumstances or events that led to the founding of Montes Wines.

In 1987, two of the visionary founding partners of what was to become Viña Montes, Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, set out on a mission to produce wines of significantly higher quality than those being crafted in Chile at that time. The addition of two more original partners in 1988, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand, brought Montes Wines to life.

It all began when Viña San Pedro, where Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray were both employed, faced an economic crisis, and the company was sold. The new owners came in with their team, and Aurelio found himself literally on the street, at the age of 39 and with five children to support. It was an emotional blow, but fortunately Aurelio had the support of his wife, Bernardita.

Aurelio Montes, drawing inspiration from his experience at Viña San Pedro, envisaged uniting four friends who, beyond being just work colleagues, shared a passion for wine. With Douglas Murray specializing in marketing, Alfredo Vidaurre in finance, Pedro Grand in engineering, and Aurelio Montes as the winemaking expert, a unique team was formed.

In 1988, these visionaries founded Chile’s first premium winery, with the dream of creating wines capable of competing globally. What began as a retirement project, with each partner having another primary occupation, exceeded all expectations. They achieved their annual goal within the first six months, and by the second year, expecting to sell 15,000 cases, they had reached 30,000. This lift-off was crucial for Viña Montes, generating public interest and establishing them as a benchmark in the world of Chilean high-end wines. Through perseverance, that dream became a reality, and Montes Wines is now recognized in more than 100 countries across five continents.

Setbacks are a part of every growing business. Tell us about a few roadblocks and learning lessons that helped Montes Wines grow through the years.

After successfully establishing operations in Argentina, a new challenge emerged. Recognizing the limitation of harvesting once a year, Aurelio Montes looked north to Napa. The decision to venture into Napa was a personal challenge, aiming to showcase Montes’ ability to thrive independently without the need for a joint venture. The Napa wine, crafted in line with Montes’ signature approach to viticulture, grape ripeness, and winemaking style, served to underscore Aurelio’s meticulous approach to his work.

Following the inclusion of his sons in the business, both of whom studied oenology at the Catholic University of Chile, Aurelio Montes acknowledges the challenges brought by being both a demanding boss and a father. The experience in Napa and the inclusion of family members exemplify the dynamic nature of the challenges faced and overcome by Montes Wines, contributing to its growth over the years.

Q. As the first premium winery in Chile, what are Montes Wines’ key focus areas?

Montes Wines, as the pioneering premium winery in Chile, strategically focuses on three key principles: quality, excellence, and sustainability. These pillars underscore our commitment to crafting wines of the highest calibre, reflecting dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Devotion to quality remains paramount, driving our pursuit of excellence in winemaking.

Additionally, our commitment to sustainability aligns with our broader vision for environmental responsibility in the wine industry. We implement practices that minimize our environmental impact, from vineyard management to production processes. This year, Viña Montes was recognized as one of the ‘Top 10 Sustainable Farming Companies in Latin America 2023’. This prestigious award celebrates our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Q. Can you introduce us to your products? What are their main features?

Montes Wines proudly introduces its icon wines, specifically the standout Super-Icons, Muse, and Taita. These wines are arguably the epitome of Chile’s finest, showcasing exceptional character, distinction, and significant ageing potential. This achievement is the result of our extensive experience in producing top-tier wines, coupled with the instinct that has led us to create two wines of this calibre.

In addition, we offer other icons, such as Montes Alpha M, Montes Folly, Purple Angel, and Wings, all epitomizing the best of Chilean wine. Sourced from Colchagua, one of the world’s most prestigious wine-growing valleys, these wines exemplify exceptional character, distinction, and significant ageing potential, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to producing wines of the highest quality.

Q. Will Montes Wines be expanding and bringing on any new products that we should be aware of?

Montes Wines is excited to unveil its upcoming creation—a rosé meticulously crafted to cater for a new generation of women who appreciate quality and elegance. This wine is a tribute to passionate, empowered women. With a keen focus on innovation and a commitment to meeting evolving tastes, Montes Wines continues to set the stage for new, exciting experiences in the world of fine wines.

Q. How is the industry you serve currently evolving? Where does Montes Wines stand at the moment relative to other participants in the industry?

In an industry increasingly driven by volume and mass production, Montes Wines stands unwaveringly in its dedication to quality and consistency. We believe that these two pillars are non-negotiable for delivering exceptional wines. As the industry evolves, Montes Wines remains at the forefront, guided by a commitment to craftsmanship and a passion for producing wines that transcend the norm. Our position is not just about keeping pace; it’s about leading the way in setting new standards for excellence in every bottle we craft.

“With a keen focus on innovation and a commitment to meeting evolving tastes, Montes Wines continues to set the stage for new, exciting experiences in the world of fine wines.”