Jon Wyand has been a photographer for over 40 years, specializing in capturing the beauty of vineyards and wine cellars worldwide. His stunning photos are regularly published and have received numerous awards. Due to the impressive nature of Jon's pictures, he often shares the stories behind them. Today, he writes about his trip to visit wineries and taste wines from Chile, where he met Eduardo Chadwick from the renowned winery Viña Seña and took some breathtaking photos at the estate.

When I first visited Errazuriz Panquehue winery (as it was known then) in 1989, I had organized my own independent trip parallel to that of the Masters of Wine. Having my own transport and timetable to suit my preferences proved beneficial, sparing me the need for lengthy meals and tastings, or competing for the proprietor's attention. It worked well, I was wonderfully received and entertained.

Despite my initial plans to spend the day crossing the Andes to Mendoza, Errazuriz persuaded me to synchronize my visit with the Masters of Wine, offering additional time and covering the cost of a taxi. It enabled me to meet, albeit briefly the then owner Alfonso Chadwick, a renowned polo player who had his own polo field at home.

After Alfonso's passing and many years of discussion, the polo field was transformed into a vineyard under the leadership of his son, Eduardo. However, the red and white goalposts remain to celebrate Alfonso’s polo prowess. I discovered this story during my assignment to photograph Eduardo and his Viña Seña estate, part of the expanding Errazuriz estate. Errazuriz is situated an hour's drive north of Santiago amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Aconcagua valley.

The Viña Seña project started in partnership with Robert Mondavi, aimed at producing an iconic Chilean wine. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carmeniere, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, grown using biodynamic principles, exemplified Eduardo's commitment to excellence. After 10 years of success, Eduardo Chadwick bought Mondavi’s share and now owns 100% of the estate.

On the day I arrived in Santiago I directly visited the estate. Seeing the stunning location from its mountain look out, surrounded by vines and wildflowers, I decided to do a sunrise shoot the next morning. Eduardo kindly agreed to meet me then for his portrait

So, it was a very early morning drive with fingers crossed if the weather would cooperate. My return to the estate, timed with a sunrise shoot, showcased the unparalleled beauty of the location, with Eduardo graciously joining me for his portrait. As we awaited the sun's ascent, nature unfolded its splendor, illuminating the vineyards and wildflowers in a mesmerizing display. As we are told “He who dares, wins. It remains one of the most beautiful vineyard locations I have seen.

I continued to work, moving from between my chosen viewpoints as the sun rose stopping as the cloud hid the sun for the rest of the morning. Despite the early hour, the vineyard manager ensured our comfort with a well-deserved breakfast of local pastries and coffee (to ward off the early morning chill among the mountains). Eduardo appeared bringing me the gift of a bottle of Vina Sena and I worked rapidly to make the most of his presence before we returned to the Errazuriz winery in Panquehue.

Eduardo has the intelligence, energy, and knowledge to not only create great wines, but he is also a highly successful ambassador for his country’s vinous possibilities. In a quarter of a century the Panquehue winery underwent a remarkable transformation. It survived an earthquake and is now home to a state-of-the-art winery. A winery that is surrounded by vines and beautiful hills. So much for the huge old creaking vats I had found throughout Chile all those years ago. Eduardo Chadwick has led the charge to put Chile on the world wine map and improve quality, even to the extent of ploughing up his father’s beloved polo field. But he knows Alfonso would approve of the results.