Aurelio Montes was named 'Chilean Winemaker of the Year' in 1995, and the SNA (National Agriculture Association of Chile) named him 'Personality of the Year 2002', an honour directly bestowed by the President of Chile.

Aurelio studied Oenology at the Catholic University in Santiago and graduated in 1971. He then travelled extensively acquiring Old World winemaking knowledge and New World technology. From 1972 to 1984 he worked at the Undurraga Winery as chief oenologist before moving to Vina San Pedro where he worked as technical manager and chief oenologist for four years.

He co-founded the Montes Winery in 1988 along with three partners who each had experience in winemaking and the wine trade. Together they set out to produce top quality premium wines for the export market. At the time there were only 10 wineries in Chile who exported their wines - now there are over a hundred. ''In the last two decades,'' says Aurelio, ''the main objective for winemakers has been to focus on improving quality rather than volume and building our export markets.''

Aurelio's great strength lies in his understanding of the 'terroir' that he works with and this has made him a very sought after consultant around the country.

He is convinced that great wine is really made in the vineyard: ''I've been converted more into a vine grower than a winemaker; out of good grapes I can make either good or bad wine, but from bad grapes I can only make bad wine.'' Aurelio Montes is broadly recognised as one of the finest winemakers in Chile.