A group of sommelier students from the Ter Groene Poorte catering school in Brussels, Belgium are currently in Chile visiting different wineries and wine regions in order to learn more about the different varieties of Chilean wine. They will be here until 21 January and their trip will take in the Colchagua, Maule, Curicó, Cachapoal, Aconcagua Costa, San Antonio and Maipo valleys.

They were welcomed by the manager of ProChile’s European department, Patricia Matta, who told them about the institution and the new Foods from Chile campaign, which promotes wine as one of Chile’s main products. Wines of Chile’s Europe Manager, Álvaro Arriagada, gave a presentation about the Chilean wine industry, details of Chilean wine production, as well as important facts to consider during their tour of the country.

This trip will give students the chance to learn actively, seeing for themselves the products, Chile’s landscapes, terroir, climate and culture, all of which will make for an enriching experience. This is also an opportunity for Chile to have as ambassadors sommeliers who will soon be taking purchasing decisions for high-end Belgian and European restaurants and hotels.

The Ter Groene Poor school in Brussels is one of Belgium’s most prestigious catering schools and is recognized as the starting point in the careers of many important Belgian chefs and sommeliers. The school’s graduates include the holders of 18 Michelin stars, important sommeliers working in famous restaurants, as well as wine importers and store owners.