Viña Carmen partners with Schenk Family to expand UK presence

Viña Carmen partners with Schenk Family to expand UK presence

Viña Carmen, Chile’s first and one of its most iconic wineries, has announced a new strategic distribution partnership with Schenk Family in the United Kingdom. With immediate effect, Schenk Family will manage the Carmen portfolio across both the on- and off-trade channels, reinforcing Carmen’s ambition to accelerate growth and strengthen its position in one of the world’s most competitive wine markets.

Under the new agreement, Schenk Family will distribute premium Viña Carmen wines with a focus on the core single vineyard wines, into both the off trade and the on-trade channels.

For the on-trade and specialist off-trade channels, Schenk Family will focus on award-winning single vineyard wines, including Carmen Gran Reserva, Carmen Delanz and Carmen Gold Reserve.

Frida Kahlo by Carmen will look to offer the multiple retail and convenience channels incremental value through its innovative range of wines

The multi-tier approach ensures Carmen wines are positioned across key consumer touchpoints, from accessible everyday wines to premium and artisanal offerings, with a clear path for long-term brand building.

With more than 130 years of history, Schenk Family is one of Europe’s largest and most respected family-owned wine groups. Its extensive distribution network, multi-channel expertise, and reputation for sustainable growth make it an ideal partner to steward Carmen’s UK development. Schenk Family UK’s Sales Director, Andy Rawlinson, will act as the key point of contact for all Carmen-related enquiries in the UK.

Helena Martin, Managing Director of Schenk Family UK, commented:
“Schenk Family UK are delighted to begin our partnership with Viña Carmen. Their commitment to producing authentic, sustainable, and high-quality wines aligns perfectly with our own values. As a fellow family-owned business, we share a common vision of bringing brands to life through compelling storytelling and genuine passion. We look forward to building a strong and successful relationship together.”

Terry Pennington, Export Director SRE UK, ROI and Iberia, added:
“This partnership brings together two companies with proud histories and a shared vision for the future. Viña Carmen, with its pioneering legacy in Chilean wine, and Schenk Family, with over 130 years of multi-generational expertise in Europe, are perfectly aligned. Schenk’s premium offering, strong multi-channel presence, and outstanding reputation make them an ideal partner to take Carmen to the next level in the UK. Their deep roots, proven track record across major wine regions, and commitment to organic viticulture and sustainable growth ensure that together we can build a strong foundation for long-term success.”

About Viña Carmen

Founded in 1850, Viña Carmen is Chile’s first winery and a benchmark in the history of South American wine. For over 170 years, it has combined tradition with innovation, pioneering key milestones such as the rediscovery of Carmenère in its vineyards in 1994. Today, Carmen is present in over 40 countries and produces wines across some of Chile’s most renowned terroirs, including its acclaimed Carmen DO and Delanz ranges. Actively committed to sustainability and authenticity, Viña Carmen continues to shape the future of Chilean wine with creativity, quality, and a pioneering spirit.

About Schenk Family

Schenk Family, founded in 1893 in Rolle, Switzerland, is one of Europe’s largest family-owned wine businesses. Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, the group operates across Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Benelux, Germany, the US and the UK with distribution to more than 60 countries worldwide. Producing over 96 million bottles annually, Schenk combines a rich 130-year heritage with a forward-looking commitment to organic viticulture, sustainable growth, and multi-channel distribution. Its reputation for quality, scale, and innovation makes Schenk Family a trusted partner for some of the world’s most respected wine brands.