Chile is once again shining on the international stage. The prestigious Women in the Wine & Spirits Awards (WINWSA 2024) recognised two outstanding Chilean women for their contribution to the wine industry, consolidating the country as the only Latin American country with two winners in this edition.

Viviana Navarrete, head winemaker at Viña Leyda and part of VSPT Wine GroupViviana Navarrete, head winemaker at Viña Leyda since 2007 and part of VSPT Wine Group, was awarded for her career and leadership. Navarrete has previously been recognised as Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin (2020) and the Descorchados Guide (2022), as well as being included among the 13 best female winemakers in the world by Wine Enthusiast.

Alongside her, Claudia Gacitúa, journalist, professional sommelier and director of the Diploma in Wine Communication and Gastronomic Studies at the Andrés Bello University (UNAB), was awarded in the Wine & Spirits Educator category. Gacitúa, with an outstanding academic and professional career, has been key in the training of new generations in this industry, combining her technical knowledge in gastronomy with an innovative approach in the communication of wine culture.
The WINWSA awards, which cover seven categories such as production, service, marketing and educationare the first to exclusively recognise women's leadership in the wine and spirits industry. This year, 17 winners stood out from more than 110 entries from 26 countries and regions across four continents, demonstrating exceptional achievements that are transforming the sector.
More information at http://www.winwsa.com/