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The tribute ceremony was led by the President of the Chilean Chamber of Deputies, José Miguel Castro, together with the President of the Bancada del Vino, Deputy Andrés Jouannet.
It was also attended by various authorities, including the ambassadors of Japan, China and South Korea, parliamentarians, representatives of Wines of Chile and special guests.
During the event, the parliamentarians highlighted the visionary role of Aurelio Montes as one of the pioneers of premium wine in Chile, as well as his permanent commitment to strengthening the wine sector and his promotion of the cross-cutting work of the Bancada del Vino, an initiative that seeks to highlight the strategic importance of the industry, promote its legislative development and strengthen its economic, cultural and territorial contribution to the country.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of an official recognition by the Presidency of the Chamber of Deputies, as an expression of gratitude, admiration and respect for the legacy of Aurelio Montes and his contribution to the prestige of Chilean wine in the world.
In this context, the progress of key initiatives for the sector was highlighted, such as the bill that seeks to declare Chilean wine as a “national beverage”, as well as the work aimed at incorporating a budget item in the National Budget Law, which would allow resources to be allocated to the development and promotion of the wine industry.
Career and legacy
Aurelio Montes is a Chilean winemaker and entrepreneur, internationally recognised for his role in transforming Chilean wine into a world-class industry. Founder of Viña Montes, he has been a constant innovator, promoting pioneering practices such as hillside cultivation and the valorisation of new terroirs, marking a before and after in Chilean wine history.
His work has made a decisive contribution to changing the international perception of Chilean wine, positioning it in the world's most demanding markets.
During the ceremony, the President of the Chamber of Deputies stressed that “the modern history of Chilean wine cannot be understood without the name of Aurelio Montes”, highlighting his vision, audacity and commitment to excellence, as well as his ability to inspire new generations of producers and entrepreneurs.
For his part, Congressman Andrés Jouannet valued the impact of his career in the positioning of Chile on the international scene, pointing out that “the progress of Chilean wine in the world is not the result of chance, but of the work of people who dared to go further, to cross borders and to believe in the potential of our country”.
Words of a dreamer
Upon receiving the recognition, Aurelio Montes thanked the tribute with deep emotion, pointing out that he receives it not as an individual achievement, but as the reflection of a collective work: “Wine is born in the earth, but it is formed in community. This recognition also belongs to the farmers, workers, technicians, scientists and dreamers who have believed, like me, that Chile was destined to be great through its wines”.
He also highlighted the cultural value of wine, its contribution to economic development, employment, tourism and the country's identity, reaffirming his commitment to a sustainable industry, with identity and long-term projection.
“I have witnessed the transformation of Chilean wine, which today is recognised around the world without losing its identity or its respect for the land and time. To my family and to those who have accompanied me on this journey, thank you. And to the new generations, I say: take care of the land, listen to nature and always maintain the honesty of wine,” Montes concluded. More information at @vinosmontes.
About Viña Montes Viña Montes is a renowned Chilean winery located in the Colchagua Valley and founded in 1988 under the leadership of Aurelio Montes. Viña Montes has stood out for its focus on producing high quality wines and for its innovation in viticulture and enology. Among its most outstanding achievements are the creation of Chile's first ultra premium wine, Montes Alpha M, and its constant search for new frontiers, such as the cultivation of vineyards in non-traditional areas of the country. Its focus on sustainability and excellence has consolidated Viña Montes as a benchmark in more than 100 markets around the world, with a strong emphasis on Asian markets.
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