Q&A: Eduardo Chadwick, President, Viña Errázuriz

From the Berlin tasting to biodynamic vineyards, Viña Errázuriz has never stood still. Eduardo Chadwick, President of Viña Errázuriz and the founder of Seña, shares the story. 

 
Q&A: Eduardo Chadwick, President, Viña Errázuriz

Eduardo Chadwick

Q&A: Eduardo Chadwick, President, Viña Errázuriz
  • James Lawrence
  • 2025-09-23

Seña is often credited with putting Chilean fine wine on the global stage. Looking back, what specific challenges did you face in convincing the Old World-centric trade - particularly in the UK - that Chile could produce wines of true pedigree and longevity?

When we first launched Seña in the early 1990s, the wine market was a very different place. At that time, Chile was pigeonholed as a source of affordable, everyday wines. In the UK, for example, there was a reluctance to accept the notion of a Chilean icon wine - a wine of true pedigree and longevity. Indeed, buyers had a top benchmark of £10, and the idea that Chile could compete with fine Bordeaux was almost unimaginable. Changing that mindset was no easy task.

Yet, it has been done. Critical recognition played a central role: we realised that beyond simply telling people that our wines were exceptional, we had to demonstrate it in a measurable, objective way. Participating in tastings, organising events, and gradually showing that these wines could not only match but sometimes surpass expectations helped shift opinions. It required patience, persistence, and a long-term vision.

Meanwhile, we needed to establish credibility with merchants and critics - gatekeepers who influence broader market perception. Over time, we won people over, especially as the early vintages came into maturity, showing their potential for ageing and complexity.

The 2004 Berlin Tasting was a watershed moment. How do you see the significance of that event today in terms of Chile's wine identity, and what do you believe still needs to happen for Chile to be consistently recognised among the world's top fine wine regions?

Indeed. The event was a key moment for us - it was modelled on the Judgement of Paris as Chilean wines were tasted blind alongside First Growth Bordeaux.The results were extraordinary: Viñedo Chadwick 2000 took the top slot, followed by Seña 2001. The outcome stunned many in the industry and demonstrated, beyond all doubt, that Chile could produce wines of world-class quality.

Since that landmark tasting, critics have played an increasingly important role in cementing Chile's reputation. James Suckling, beginning his regular reviews of Chilean wines in 2012, has been invaluable in giving international recognition. Luis Gutierrez and Robert Parker have also helped greatly in this regard; milestones such as Chile's first 100 point wine in 2014 marked both a symbolic and practical turning point. However, the work is ongoing!

With sustainability and terroir-driven expressions becoming central narratives in the global trade, how is your broader portfolio responding to this shift in values?

Sustainability and terroir expression are fundamental at everything we do at Viña Errázuriz. Over the years, we have carefully transitioned to biodynamic farming, which allows us to work more closely with the land and produce wines that truly reflect their terroir. But this approach is not just about environmental responsibility; it is also about crafting wines with a sense of place, expressing the character of each site.

Of course, climate change keeps us on our toes. It has created new challenges for Chilean winemaking - drought is now a growing issue as global warming reduces the amount of Andean snowmelt. In response, we have constructed water reservoirs and adapted our vineyard management techniques to ensure the quality and consistency of our grapes. It is essential for Chile to differentiate itself by championing a broad commitment to sustainaiblity, biodiversity, and ethical winegrowing. By doing so, we're positioning our wines in a global marketplace increasingly attentive to these values. Yet the work never ends.

Are you concerned or sanguine about the worldwide trend for declining wine consumption, and why?

Declining wine consumption is definitely an area of concern, however, I remain optimistic. We offer a range of high-quality wines, including some that are very affordable. We cater to different sections of the market, and I therefore feel that Errazuriz is well-positioned to navigate these challenges. But in terms of the wider industry, the key lies in resilience and education. By continuing to promote high-quality wines and telling their stories effectively, producers can remain relevant in a changing world. I have no doubt that Chile has the tools, talent, and vision to maintain its presence on the world stage.

More Insight Articles

International Wine Challenge 2026

Enter Now
  • IWC Supporter
  • Sponsor of the Buying Team of the Year category
  • Sponsor for the Large Retailer of the Year category
  • Official Water Partner of the IWC 2025
  • Sponsor of the Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Sponsors of the Great Value Sake Award
  • Sponsors of IWC Sake Prefecture of the Year Award
  • Sponsors of IWC Champion Sake of the Year
  • Trade Partner
  • Sponsor of the Small Retailer of the Year Award
  • Sponsor of the Supermarket of the Year Award
  • Sponsor
  • Sponsor
  • Sponsor