By Andrea Eby

Almost 200 years ago, a young English doctor left London on a ship bound for the New World. Two generations later, his descendents laid down their vineyard roots in Chile. What began as a small family business has evolved into the world-class Luis Felipe Edwards winery, which produces over 1 million cases per year and exports around the globe. Surprisingly, in an age when multinational corporations controlled by boards and shareholders are the norm, the company remains 100 per cent owned and operated by the Edwards family. Hard work and traditional family values such as honesty, loyalty, and diligence have contributed to Luis Felipe Edwards’ s esteemed reputation on the world wine stage.

The Edwards winery is located in the heart of the Colchagua Valley region, two hours south of Santiago. Few places on Earth are as well-suited to growing highquality grapes as this picturesque valley. With cooling Pacific breezes, mineral-rich soils and pristine run-off from the nearby Andes Mountains, a grape grower could ask for little more. Despite the natural advantages afforded to the vineyard sites, the Edwards family is not one to rest on its laurels. They continue to expand and invest in their company by acquiring new vineyard locations, improving existing vineyards, and implementing new technology. Sustainability is also a focus: the Edwards ensure that their winemaking practices remain environmentally friendly.

Elevating quality is a common manifesto at Luis Felipe Edwards and is reflected in their newest vineyard plantings: at 800 – 1000 m above sea level, they represent the highest plantings in the Colchagua Valley. Growing grapes at such extreme altitudes allows for slow ripening and results in fruit with very concentrated flavours. Despite the benefits, these vineyards also present technical difficulties and additional costs. Irrigated water must be pumped up to the vines and handpicking is a necessity due to the heavily terraced sites. Why go through all this additional work and expense?

One taste of the Edwards’ iconic wine Authoritas should be all the evidence you need. This full-bodied premium blend( 85 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 per cent Syrah) is packed with plum, blackberry, and violet flavours, all wrapped in a soft blanket of French oak. If the Authoritas is out of your price range for everyday drinking, you will enjoy the great quality-to-price ratio in their Gran Reserva and Reserva lines. Ideal growing conditions coupled with careful winemaking have produced Luis Felipe Edwards wines that exceed consumer expectations at every price point. Join the growing community of wine lovers, in Winnipeg and around the world, as they discover the strong family traditions of excellence and dedication that will keep the LFE label on tables, and in hearts, for a long time to come. � www. banvilleandjones. com 19