Santa Rita moves Vina Carmen’s UK distribution

Santa Rita Estates is moving the UK distribution of its oldest wine brand, Viña Carmen, to independent-retail specialist Walker & Wodehouse from April.

The wine brand, which was founded in 1850, had been distributed in the UK by Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines since 2010.  Santa Rita Estates export director Europe Terry Pennington said the brand had been established strongly in the premium on-trade by Hallgarten, but the move followed a ‘re-valuation’ by the distributor of its Chilean portfolio.

‘Viña Carmen has a long history of combining tradition and innovation and, as a brand, it is constantly evolving.  UK distributor, Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines, has worked with Carmen since 2010, establishing the range across all sectors but particularly within the premium on-trade. However, after re-evaluating their Chilean portfolio Hallgarten, with the agreement and support of Santa Rita Estates, has decided to part company with Carmen,“ he said.

“Viña Carmen will continue to play an innovative role in winemaking and to support this has entered into a distribution agreement with Walker & Wodehouse to help them achieve their goals in the British market.”

Andrew Shaw, group wine buying director at Conviviality, said the Chilean wine brand was a perfect fit and he was proud of the quality and diversity of Walker & Wodehouse’s Chilean portfolio.

“Sitting alongside producers such as Garage Wine Co and Caballo Loco, these wines offer class and heritage alongside originality and modernisation. We are very proud of the quality and diversity of our portfolio and this addition highlights our growing strength in Chile”

Gareth Groves, managing Director of Walker & Wodehouse added that independent retailers were “justifiably demanding “ nd always on the look-out for exciting wines that offer drinkers a real point of difference to the rest of the High Street“.

Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines will continue to distribute Santa Rita Estates Doña Paula wines.