This February, we were delighted to welcome Jefry Pitronello from our Chilean partner, Valle Secreto, to join us in the North West of England. What followed was a packed few days of trade tastings, staff training sessions and time spent with some of our valued customers.
From relaxed team discussions to memorable dinners, the visit was about far more than simply tasting Valle Secreto’s wine. It was about sharing the story behind each bottle, the vineyard, the philosophy, and the people that define Valle Secreto. Visits like these give teams the confidence to pass that story on to their own guests.
Bringing Valle Secreto Wines to the North West
There is something special about hearing a wine’s story directly from the people who make it. Travelling from Chile’s Alto Cachapoal to Lancashire and beyond, Jefry brought with him not only the wines, but also the energy and enthusiasm that makes all the difference.
For many of the teams we met, this was an opportunity to go beyond just tasting notes and what they could already read from the wine list. It’s about understanding the character of Valle Secreto in a deeper way. Jefry talked to them about the influence of the Andes, the careful vineyard work, and the intention behind every blend.
Also, our customers simply got to meet someone who eats, breathes and sleeps wine, ask him questions and really get to know one of the people from Valle Secreto.
A Boutique Winery from Alto Cachapoal
Valle Secreto is widely regarded as one of Chile’s most exciting boutique wineries, producing expressive, terroir-driven reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. The winery’s emphasis on quality and detail is evident throughout the portfolio, from the approachable Key range to First Edition wines to the more structured Private range.
And, of course, the incredible Profundo. This iconic red blend frequently receives high praise from critics such as Tim Atkin and Descorchados, with many scores of 94-95 and above.
Seeing those wines tasted and discussed in hospitality settings and independent wine shops brought everything into sharper focus.
Tastings and Staff Training Across the North West
The visit centred around a series of tastings and staff training sessions with hospitality partners across the region. These weren’t formal, lecture-style events; they were open, engaging conversations around the table, with wines poured, questions asked, and plenty of discussion about how each bottle fits onto a list.
For restaurant and hotel teams, that kind of interaction makes a real difference. Understanding where a wine comes from is one thing; understanding how to talk about it confidently to guests is another entirely. Jefry’s presence allowed teams to connect directly with the story of Valle Secreto, from vineyard practices in Alto Cachapoal to the thinking behind each blend.
Turning Knowledge Into Confidence on the Floor
One of the biggest outcomes of visits like this is confidence. When staff have tasted the wines alongside the producer and heard the philosophy first-hand, they sell with greater assurance. A recommendation feels genuine, not rehearsed.
During this tour, conversations moved naturally from grape varieties and structure to practical food pairings and list positioning. Profundo sparked lively debate around premium bottle placement, while the Late Harvest Viognier created real excitement as a dessert pairing – especially when matched with a frangipane tart.
It’s this blend of storytelling and practical application that makes producer visits so valuable. Teams leave not just informed, but inspired, and that translates directly to better guest experiences.
Valle Secreto Wines & What to Pair Them With
We’ve put together a handy guide to the Valle Secreto wines currently available at EWGA Wines, along with simple pairing suggestions to help you get the best from each bottle. Whether you’re building a wine list, planning a by-the-glass option, or looking for a standout dessert pairing, this overview gives you a quick reference point for style and food match.
| Wine | What’s it like | Pair with |
|---|---|---|
| Late Harvest Viognier | Golden-hued, ripe fruit aromas with balanced sweetness and refreshing acidity. | Blue cheese, fruit tarts, pâté |
| Key Grand Reserve Syrah | Dark red and black fruit with smoky notes; structured and concentrated with depth. | BBQ ribs, spiced lamb, slow-roasted meats |
| Key Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | Red and black fruit with menthol, cocoa and tobacco; powerful yet smooth. | Grilled steak, game, mature cheeses |
| Key Grand Reserve Carmenère | Dark fruit, rosemary and black pepper; elegant structure with fine tannins. | Braised beef, hearty pasta dishes, roast pork |
| First Edition Syrah | Creamy blackberry and caramel notes with gentle oak and a long, smooth finish. | BBQ meats, grilled lamb, smoky dishes |
| First Edition Cabernet Sauvignon | Black plum, cassis and subtle oak toast with a structured, classic finish. | Roast beef, ribeye steak, aged cheddar |
| First Edition Carmenère | Ripe blackberry and dark fruit with clove and pepper spice; rounded and well-balanced. | Slow-cooked pork, chorizo, Mediterranean dishes |
| Private Edition Blend | Layered black fruit with cherry and blueberry notes, balanced by refined French oak. | Venison, grilled lamb, rich stews |
| Private Edition Cabernet Franc | Violet and red fruit aromatics; fresh, juicy palate with rounded tannins and length. | Duck breast, charcuterie, mushroom dishes |
| Profundo | Complex red fruit, spice and tobacco; concentrated, structured and long. | Steak, lamb shoulder, aged hard cheeses |
The Venues That Made It Happen
A visit like this only works because of the brilliant people who open their doors and get involved. This producer visit was no exception. Each venue brought its own personality to the tour, creating different conversations and opportunities to explore the Valle Secreto range in context.
And to top it all off, Jeffrey’s Valle Secreto tour included two incredible sold-out wine and food events at the Crow Wood Hotel and the Crown & Thistle.
This landmark waterfront hotel boasts a powerhouse food and beverage offering, making it the perfect stage to showcase Valle Secreto. The focus here was on positioning the range within a premium wine list, specifically exploring by-the-glass opportunities and demonstrating how Profundo sits confidently alongside established classics. The session provided the team with the practical language and confidence to recommend Chilean wines as a sophisticated alternative to more traditional European choices.
A leading hospitality and events venue, Crow Wood hosted a sold-out evening at Bertram’s Restaurant celebrating the wines of Valle Secreto. The event featured a specially crafted five-course menu, each dish paired with wines from the range and introduced by Jefry throughout the evening.
Events like this take careful planning and collaboration between the kitchen, front of house and wine team. The result was a full dining experience that showcased how the Valle Secreto wines perform across a menu, from the First Edition wines through to Profundo and the Late Harvest Viognier. For the team, it was a valuable opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the wines while delivering a memorable evening for their guests.
This welcoming country inn places a heavy emphasis on high-quality, locally sourced dining, making food-and-wine harmony a natural priority. During Jefry’s visit, the conversation focused on pairing, specifically on how the bold Carmenere and Syrah from Valle Secreto elevate the inn’s hearty, seasonal dishes. The session equipped the team with simple, confident pairing cues to use tableside, ensuring guests receive an expert recommendation with every plate.
A modern destination farm shop and café that blends retail and dining with a strong focus on quality produce and storytelling. During Jefry’s visit, the emphasis was on introducing Valle Secreto in a fresh, engaging way across both the retail shelf and the Basecamp Kitchen menu. The Late Harvest Viognier proved a standout, offering a distinctive dessert pairing while also presenting an exciting option for customers browsing the artisan wine selection.
Horse and Farrier, Dacre
A historic 18th-century Grade II listed pub with a warm, traditional feel. The session here focused on training and deeper understanding. The team were attentive and engaged, listening closely to the nuances behind each wine. Jefry spoke about vineyard influence, blending choices and the thinking behind the range. It was a thoughtful discussion that gave the team real confidence to tell the Valle Secreto story in their own words.
A traditional Cumbrian country pub with log fires and a warm, friendly atmosphere. This visit marked another successful collaboration with the Crown and Thistle team, who once again hosted a sold-out Food and Wine Night with 40 enthusiastic guests. Excellent teamwork and preparation led to a cosy and vibrant event centred around delicious food and wine.
Five courses prepared by the kitchen team were carefully paired with Valle Secreto wines and introduced throughout the evening by Jefry. Each wine was presented alongside the dish it was chosen for, allowing guests to explore the flavours and stories behind the range. It was a memorable evening for everyone involved and another great example of how food, wine and hospitality come together when teams work closely together.
Located in Chester’s historic 13th-century crypted cellars on Watergate Street, Vin Santo is an independent wine shop and bar run by four friends with a passion for great wine and genuine customer service. The setting lent itself to deeper discussion and focused tasting. Jefry shared the nuances of Alto Cachapoal, oak influence and structure with a team that lives and breathes wine. It was an engaged session that added detail, confidence and fresh talking points for their customers.
Garratt’s Wine Merchant
A boutique wine shop and delicatessen in the heart of Saddleworth, Garratt’s is known for its carefully curated selection and knowledgeable team. The tasting here focused on positioning Valle Secreto within the premium Chile category and highlighting what sets the range apart on the shelf. The team engaged closely with the stories behind each wine, gaining clear differentiation points and confident recommendations for their customers.
An eighteenth-century inn in the picturesque village of Askham, The Punchbowl blends traditional charm with a strong food and drink offering. With open fires, local produce and a loyal customer base, wine plays an important role in the overall experience. The session focused on building confidence with the Valle Secreto range and understanding how each wine could sit naturally alongside their seasonal menu. It was an engaged discussion that strengthened product knowledge and reinforced the value of thoughtful recommendation.
Needless to say, we kept Jefry very busy during his trip. As a result, teams across the North West spent meaningful time with the wines. They asked questions directly and gained a deeper understanding of Valle Secreto’s philosophy and style.
What stood out most at every stop was engagement. Questions were asked. Opinions were shared. Ideas were exchanged. These were not passive tastings. They were real conversations that strengthened knowledge, sharpened selling confidence and deepened partnerships.
Why Producer Visits Matter
At EWGA Wines, we have always believed that strong wine relationships are built on more than a price list. A portfolio only becomes meaningful when the stories behind it are shared, understood and carried forward by the teams who present those wines every day.
When a producer travels from Chile to sit down with hospitality teams in the North West, something changes. Tasting the range together and hearing about vineyard decisions and blending choices brings the wines to life. They stop being names on a list and become stories that staff can share with confidence.
That confidence has real impact. A team that understands why a Cabernet Franc tastes the way it does, or how Alto Cachapoal shapes structure and freshness, is far more likely to recommend it with conviction. A dessert wine introduced with knowledge and enthusiasm can transform the final course of a meal.
For us, these visits are about strengthening partnerships. They allow us to support our customers beyond supply through training, insight and collaboration. They also reinforce what makes our portfolio special. We work closely with producers who care deeply about their craft and are willing to travel to share it.
Discover Valle Secreto with EWGA Wines
The visit may have been a whirlwind, but its impact will last well beyond those few days in February. The conversations, shared experiences and practical insights gained during the tour have given teams fresh confidence in presenting Valle Secreto wines to their guests.
For venues looking to bring expressive Chilean wines onto their list, Valle Secreto offers both character and versatility. The range moves from approachable First Edition expressions to the depth and structure of Profundo. Whether refining a premium bottle selection, building a strong by-the-glass offer or introducing a memorable dessert pairing, there is a style within the range to suit.
Want to stock Valle Secreto?
If you would like to learn more about stocking Valle Secreto wines, arrange a tasting, or explore staff training opportunities, the EWGA Wines team would be delighted to help.
Simply fill in our contact form or email us at: [email protected]
FAQs About the Valle Secreto UK Visit
Jefry Pitronello is a representative of Valle Secreto, the boutique Chilean winery based in Alto Cachapoal. During his visit to the North West, he hosted trade tastings and staff training sessions with EWGA Wines customers, sharing the story, philosophy and winemaking approach behind the range.
Valle Secreto produces expressive, terroir-driven Chilean wines, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Carmenere. The range includes the approachable First Edition wines, more structured Private and Grand Reserve expressions, the flagship Profundo, and a distinctive Late Harvest Viognier dessert wine.
Profundo is the flagship wine of Valle Secreto. It is a structured, complex red with depth, balance and ageing potential, often positioned as a premium bottle on restaurant wine lists.
Producer visits create a direct connection between the winemaker and hospitality teams. They provide deeper insight into vineyard practices, blending decisions and regional character, helping staff sell wines with greater confidence and authenticity. For guests, this often translates into more engaging recommendations and better overall dining experiences.
Yes. EWGA Wines regularly supports customers with staff training sessions, tastings and portfolio introductions. These sessions are designed to build product knowledge, strengthen food pairing confidence and help teams present wines more effectively on the floor.
In many cases, yes. When producers visit the UK, EWGA works closely with hospitality partners to arrange tastings, winemaker dinners and staff sessions. If you are interested in hosting an event featuring Valle Secreto or another producer from our portfolio, we would be happy to discuss what is possible.
Valle Secreto wines are available in the UK through EWGA Wines. Trade customers can contact the team directly to discuss availability, pricing and staff training opportunities.