Adolfo Hurtado leaves Cono Sur

Adolfo Hurtado, chief winemaker and general manager at Chilean winery Cono Sur, has left the company after 20 years.

Adolfo Hurtado, head winemaker at Cono Sur

Hurtado left Cono Sur, which he joined in 1997, on 31 March and is now out to pursue other – as yet unannounced – winemaking projects.

Given the reins at Cono Sur in 1997 while still a relatively young and untested winemaker, Hurtado was given licence to develop a number of projects that were, at the time for Chile, rather daring; including working with Riesling, Gewurztraminer and the grape that has become most closely linked with Cono Sur, Pinot Noir.

Concha y Toro’s CEO, Eduardo Guilisasti, commented: “I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Adolfo for his many years of great work, commitment and involvement in the Cono Sur project. The accomplishments achieved are numerous, including, to name just a few: the quest of innovative wines and excellence in winemaking; commitment to sustainable agricultural and environmental practices; and sustained growth, which has made Cono Sur the third largest wine exporter in Chile, and the largest in Pinot Noir sales in the UK.

“Adolfo has worked with great passion and enthusiasm, which he transmitted to this cherished project for the company, and we wish him every success in this new stage on which he is embarking.”

Hurtado’s role as general manager will be taken over by Paul Konar, the head of Quinta de Maipo, and Matias Rios will take over winemaking duties.