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