Carmen in the City: Sipping Chilean Elegance with Winemaker Ana María Cumsille

When Chile comes to town, you know it’s going to be a vibe—and Vina Carmen brought all the flavour, flair, and finesse to Toronto. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the brilliant and talented Ana María Cumsille, head winemaker for the iconic Vina Carmen, one of Chile’s oldest wineries—and let me tell you, she’s as bold and elegant as the wines she makes.

Set against the stylish backdrop of a downtown soirée, Ana María poured not just wine, but stories. Stories of sun-drenched vineyards nestled between the Andes and the Pacific. Of Carmenere vines once lost to history, now reborn in Chilean soil. And of her own journey, blending tradition with innovation in every bottle.

Let’s talk wines. From the first swirl, I was swooning. These wines don’t just speak of Chile—they sing, and they’re in perfect harmony with today’s modern palate.

Carmen Brut Nature  - What a wine! Made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this brilliant sparkling wine was simply divine! Reminiscent of brioche and aged wine, never had I ever tasted something like this from Chile! I was both surprised and delighted! A pure charmer! 

Carmen DO Semillon 2021  - This Semillon was really special, notes of rustic apricot and ripe pear, the palate was textured and  beautifully layered, with a silky mouthfeel and just the right amount of freshness to keep things lively. Subtle notes of citrus zest and a whisper of spice round out the finish, making it an ideal partner for rich seafood dishes, creamy pastas, or a sunset cheese board. Elegant yet approachable—this one’s a hidden gem.

Carmen Reserva 1850 Premier Carmenere - An icon in the glass, the Carmen Reserva 1850 Premier Carménère has vibrant aromas of ripe blackberries, plum, and a hint of sweet spice. The palate delivers a fresh, fruit-forward expression with velvety tannins and a soft, lingering finish. Juicy, polished, and effortlessly stylish, this wine is always in season—proof that Carménère, when done right, is simply lovable. LCBO# 169052  $15.00

Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc 2023 - I was so excited to taste this beauty—and it absolutely delivered. The Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc 2023 is a stunning showcase of just how gracefully Chile is embracing this noble varietal. Fresh and delicate with lifted red fruit notes—think raspberry, cherry, and a whisper of violet—this wine is pure elegance in a glass. Silky tannins, bright acidity, and a subtle herbal edge make it irresistibly drinkable. For Cabernet Franc lovers (like me!), this was the standout of the tasting—refined, refreshing, and full of personality. A total crush. Front Line Vintages Release - August 16 2025 - 224 cases $18.95 LCBO# 44596

Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon - A gorgeous expression of Chilean Cabernet, the Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is everything you want in a classic Cab—bold, structured, and effortlessly smooth. Packed with dark fruit notes like blackberry, cassis, and plum, it’s layered with hints of cedar, tobacco, and just the right touch of spice. The tannins are polished, the finish is long, and the price point? Totally on point. If you love Cab Sauv, this bottle brings serious style and substance without breaking the bank. A true crowd-pleaser. LCBO# 358309 $18.00

Maria's Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard 2022 - A true standout, the María’s Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard 2022 exemplifies everything we love about this iconic varietal. Deep, expressive, and beautifully structured, it offers layers of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and dark cherry, wrapped in notes of graphite, cedar, and subtle spice. The palate is refined and powerful, with silky tannins and an elegant, persistent finish. This wine is a benchmark for excellence—an elevated, single-vineyard expression that captures the soul of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon with finesse and precision. A bottle to savour.

A photo of Viña Carmen winery

Vina Carmen is more than a winery; it’s a wine legacy and still slaying with serious style, it represents the new wave of Chilean wine: sustainable, terroir-driven, and totally crush-worthy. . Chile’s pioneering winery, founded in 1850 by Christian Lanz and named in honor of his wife, Carmen—making it one of the oldest winery in the country Over its 170‑year journey, Carmen has been at the forefront of innovation: it was the first in Chile to revive the nearly extinct Carménère grape in 1994—following its rediscovery by French ampelographer Jean‑Michel Boursiquot—and went on to become a global ambassador for the varietal The winery boasts a diverse portfolio sourced from prime Chilean terroirs—from warm Maipo, Colchagua, and Apalta to cooler sites like Casablanca, Leyda, and Limarí—and is acclaimed for its flagship Cabernet- and Carménère-based Gran Reserva, as well as its commitment to sustainability and organic viticulture. Today, Viña Carmen exports to over 50 countries, continuing to blend tradition, terroir, and innovation in each bottle

Big cheers to Ana María for sharing her passion and pouring with purpose. Meeting her was a reminder that behind every great wine is someone with vision, heart, and hustle—and in her case, also flawless fashion sense.

Next time you're wine shopping, reach for a bottle from Vina Carmen. It's a taste of Chile with a whole lot of charm.