Viña Carmen welcomes new winemaker as Emily Faulconer heads to Chadwick

Viña Carmen has appointed former Château Margaux winemaker to its team following Emily Faulconer’s move to Viñedos Familia Chadwick as technical director.

Ana María Cumsille, formerly of Château Margaux and Domaines Barons de Rothschild Chilean winery Los Vascos, has joined Santa Rita Estates-owned Viña Carmen as its new winemaker.

She previously served as a winemaker at Altair Winery in Cachapoal, overseeing the production of wines such as Altair and Sideral. Cumsille has also worked in the Itata Valley, focused on the revival of traditional and native grape varieties of the region, including País, Cinsault, and Moscatel de Alejandría in her work as the winemaker in charge at Cucha Cucha winery.

“We invited Ana María to be part of this project due to her extensive winemaking career, her experience in crafting high-end wines, the valuable contributions she has made to small producers, and her innovative vision. She is an asset that will undoubtedly further enrich our entire team and winery,” commented Jaime de la Barra, Winegrowing Director of Santa Rita Estates, the group to which Viña Carmen belongs.

Cumsille will assume her role on 2 November, leading the winery’s oenological projects. She will replace former Carmen winemaker Emily Faulconer, who has taken on the role of technical director for Errázuriz winery Viñedos Familia Chadwick.

Faulconer joined the winery in August 2023. Francisco Baettig remains in his role as technical director for the Viña Errázuriz Group.