Emiliana’s GM José Guilisasti dies

José Guilisasti Gana, general manager of Chilean wine estate Emiliana, has died unexpectedly aged 57.

A statement from the winery confirmed that Guilisasti Gana died on Wednesday 19 November.

“It is with deep sadness that we have to inform you of the death of José Guilisasti Gana, our general manager.

“Emiliana’s personnel, executives and management team share the sadness of his family and accompany them in these difficult moments, joining them in their prayers.

“Those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him will remember his extraordinary warmth, passion, approachability and charisma,” the statement read.

“José always encouraged relationships based on excellence that allowed his workers and their families to be fulfilled,” said Emiliana’s president Rafael Guilisasti Gana.

“He worked hard to practice good agriculture both in terms of technical efficiency and overall balance that allowed him to understand the earth as living thing that needed to be cared for,” he added.

With sustainability and the environment a key focus, Guilisasti Gana was pivotal in the estate’s move to becoming 100% biodynamic.

Prior to Emiliana, Guilisasti Gana worked as the agricultural director of Concha y Toro where brother Eduardo is general manager.

In 1987, he moved to Emiliana as assistant director for agriculture, becoming general manager of the estate in 2005. He leaves behind his wife and five children.