Cono Sur responds to growing Asian demand for whites
By Sarah Neish
Chilean wine producer Cono Sur spies potential for its aromatic white wines in Asian markets and will attend Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong in May to strengthen its position in the region.
Sustainable Chilean wine producer ConoSur plans to build on its presence in key Asian markets this year, having identified strong growth potential for its white wines in the region.
Speaking to db, Cristobal Bizama, regional export director, Asia Pacific, said: “The most strategic Asian markets for ConoSur’s white wines are Japan, South Korea, and China, where wine imports and interest in quality imported wines remain significant.”
He highlighted two reasons why Asia offers a sizeable pool of white wine consumers. Firstly, there is a growing trend for lighter and lower-alcohol expressions, and secondly, the superb food pairing potential that aromatic whites have with Asian cuisine. “Consumers across Asia tend to value freshness, aromatic intensity, and food-friendly styles in their white wines, often favouring wines that pair well with local cuisine or lighter courses,” said Bizama.
And that is precisely what Cono Sur’s whites offer in spades.
“ConoSur’s white wines, often bright with refreshing acidity and pronounced aromatics, pair well with Asian cuisines that emphasise delicate, fresh flavours such as sashimi, light seafood, salads and Thai herbs,” explained Bizama. “Their acidity and fruit profile help complement spicy and umami-rich dishes, making them versatile partners with food traditions across Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and beyond.”
While demand for reds is still high in some Southeast Asian markets, the needle is most definitely moving. “In Asia, as well as worldwide, around 75% of Cono Sur’s total sales for our best-selling brand Bicicleta are for white varieties and Pinot Noir,” revealed Bizam.
Portfolio push
In 2026 ConoSur will focus on showcasing its crisp, aromatic white varieties — especially Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Viognier, wines “that resonate with consumers in urban and premium segments within key Asian markets,” said Bizama.
He added that “in some markets like Japan and South Korea, there is also a growing interest in organic or sustainable wines”, which are undoubtedly Cono Sur’s calling card. The producer, located in Chimbarongo in the Colchagua Valley, has pioneered sustainable practices in Chile over the last few decades, achieving its first organic certification in 2003, followed by Wines of Chile sustainable certification in 2013 and B Corp accreditation in 2021.
Even in Asian markets where wine consumption remains modest overall Bizam said that “importers and sommeliers are showing curiosity about whites, particularly in warmer climates.”
While Cono Sur intends to balance demand for its white wines across global regions Bizam reiterated that “Asia remains a focus, sometimes in response to slower growth in traditional markets.”
Reliable source of agricultural exports
According to Bizam, Asia has a strong overall opinion of Chile, both as a nation and as a winemaking country.
“Asia generally views Chile as a reputable wine exporter, especially in markets like Japan where Chilean wines hold a strong position relative to other New World producers,” he told db. “Chilean wines have gained visibility as quality imports, often noted for their freshness, and increasingly premium offerings, increase. In broader terms, Chile is seen as a reliable source of agricultural export products and natural resource commodities.”
In the world of wine especially, Chile’s reputation also “benefits from trade ties and consistent presence in key Asian markets.”
Vinexpo Asia presence
One other place where Cono Sur has been consistently present is at the Vinexpo Asia trade show, which this year takes place in Hong Kong (26-28 May). Cono Sur will be heading to the show to connect with “current and new partners in this important market, since most of the trade and distributors from the Asia-Pacific region attend the event,” said Bizam. The Cono Sur team is open to “exploring new collaborations and learning what our competitors and the wider industry is doing. Overall, it is a very insightful and productive event for us to attend.”
Cono Sur is Chile’s third-largest producer, with 1,344 hectares under vine in regions including Bío-Bío and Aconcagua. Its wines are present in more than 85 markets.
