Decanter Presents... new event series

Few producers are synonymous with their regions of origin. However, that's certainly the case for Viña Leyda and its eponymous appellation, which it established and for which it set the benchmark.

If today Leyda Valley is known for its world class Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs that is thanks to the ongoing, relentless efforts of winemaker's Viviana Navarrete's team. Join us at the Decanter Tasting Suite on Wednesday 4 November for an evening of discovery and exploration, during which Navarrete and Ines Salpico, Decanter's Regional Editor for South America, will guide us through a selection of the characterful, Pacific-kissed wines she crafts at Leyda.

The line-up includes mini-verticals that highlight the wines' exciting ageing potential.

Viviana Navarrete is the head winemaker at Viña Leyda, the trailblazing estate that first planted Pinot Noir in Chile's coastal Leyda Valley. Having spent over thirteen years at the winery, she has dedicated her career to exploring one of the country's most challenging cool-climate terroirs, located just four kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. Through meticulous viticultural research – carefully mapping ancient granite and calcium carbonate plots – she has successfully matched specific grape varieties to their ideal micro-terroirs. Her work was instrumental in creating the distinct Valle de Leyda Denomination of Origin and consolidating Chile’s international reputation for high-end wine. Today, Viviana is celebrated for crafting elegant, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blancs and vibrant, juicy Pinot Noirs that are defined by their crisp natural acidity, freshness, and striking maritime character.

Ines is Decanter’s regional editor for Spain, Portugal and South America. Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, she grew up chasing her grandfather among his vines in Ribatejo and thus her love for all things wine began. After completing her Masters Degree in Architecture, Ines worked as a project manager while writing about wine and doing cellar consulting on the side. After moving to London nine years ago, she decided to dedicate herself fully to the wine industry and joined the sommelier team at Michelin-starred Spring, Somerset House. Stints at Noble Rot and The Laughing Heart followed, while completing her WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits.

Her work as a judge and writer eventually became her full time commitment and she joined Decanter in 2019 as wine database editor.