Don Melchor takes Chile to the top after being crowned the world’s NO. 1 at the most important global wine industry event

The 2021 vintage of Don Melchor, the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from Viña Don Melchor, was officially recognized as the “No. 1 Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator during the prestigious New York Wine Experience, in front of more than 1,000 attendees. This historic achievement makes Don Melchor the first Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon to receive the highest distinction from the influential U.S. publication, marking a turning point for Chile’s wine industry and proudly positioning the brand as a global ambassador for world-class Chilean winemaking. 

Don Melchor had the honor of representing Chile at the exclusive New York Wine Experience, the most important global event in the wine industry, considered the Oscars of wine. This event brings together the main international leaders of the sector and proudly positions Chile at the pinnacle of global winemaking. 

The 2021 vintage was officially celebrated in New York after being chosen as “No. 1 – Wine of the Year” among more than 10,500 labels evaluated by Wine Spectator. This vintage of the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from Viña Don Melchor not only became the first Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon to reach this historic achievement but also marked a turning point for the Chilean wine industry. 

The recognition was awarded at the recent edition of the New York Wine Experience, where Don Melchor represented Chile and officially received the accolade granted by the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine, thus consolidating this unique and proud moment for the Chilean wine industry.  

“While there’s no doubt that he has a sizable team working underneath him, producing the wines each and every year, it was Enrique’s vision in 1997 when he joined the company to divide and extract the uniqueness out of each vineyard parcel to more intimately understand the vineyard and to make a singular, exceptional wine from that vineyard. Having tended to the vineyard and made the wines for nearly 30 years now, I don’t know if Don Melchor could have risen to the status it has today among the world’s best wines without Enrique’s diligent and meticulous stewardship,” comments Aaron Romano, Senior Editor at Wine Spectator. 

Winemaker Enrique Tirado had the opportunity to present and share a tasting of the award-winning vintage with an audience of more than 1,000 people, highlighting this unique moment and the exceptional character that defines Don Melchor 2021. This distinction represents a before-and-after moment—not only for the brand but also for the global prestige of Chilean wine.   

“It is a source of pride and gratitude that Don Melchor 2021 was chosen as number one by the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine. For me, this is undoubtedly the highest distinction ever received by Don Melchor in its remarkable journey. This is largely due to the exceptional terroir of Puente Alto, one of the best origins in the world for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, but also, without a doubt, to a dedicated team that for more than 35 years has worked with the highest standards of excellence in agricultural management, winemaking processes, and constant innovation. This dedication and relentless pursuit of outstanding quality is the great obsession of Don Melchor and its entire team,” said Eduardo Guilisasti, CEO of Viña Concha y Toro. 

CELEBRATING CHILEAN WINE EXCELLENCE AROUND THE WORLD 

During 2024 and 2025, the Viña Don Melchor team brought this prestigious recognition to key global markets through its “Don Melchor – Top of the World” global roadshow, visiting more than 35 cities in 12 countries and connecting with clients, collectors, and wine lovers who have followed the brand’s journey since its first vintage in 1987. 

Isabel Guilisasti, Vice President of Fine Wines at Viña Concha y Toro, shares: “This global tour gave us the opportunity to share not only a historic recognition but also to reaffirm our commitment to the excellence and authenticity of Don Melchor. Each event was a valuable opportunity to connect with those who appreciate our tradition and to strengthen relationships. We are deeply grateful to our clients and distributors whose unwavering support has been essential in bringing Don Melchor to consumers around the world. None of this would have been possible without them.” 

The recognition of Don Melchor 2021 as the N°1 Wine of the Year marks a new chapter for Chilean viticulture. The consistency, elegance, and excellence that define this Cabernet Sauvignon—with over 35 vintages of history—have become the pillars of its global success, valued by consumers who appreciate its quality and legacy. Viña Don Melchor thus reaffirms its commitment to authenticity and the Puente Alto terroir, proudly elevating Chile to the very top of the global fine wine elite.