Chilean winery Viña Carmen has announced a new strategic partnership with Schenk Family UK. The collaboration is expected to lay the groundwork for long-term brand building, combining Carmen’s heritage and innovation with Schenk’s established distribution network and expertise.

One of South America’s oldest wineries, Viña Carmen has appointed Schenk Family to handle its UK distribution as part of a strategy to strengthen its position in the UK on and off-trades.

Under the new agreement, Schenk will distribute Carmen’s premium wines – including the Gran Reserva, Delanz and Gold Reserve ranges – into the on-trade and specialist retail channels. Its consumer-facing Frida Kahlo by Carmen label will also receive targeted marketing support as part of a multi-tiered approach designed to reach a broad audience.

Helena Martin, MD of Schenk Family UK, highlighted how Viña Carmen’s “commitment to producing authentic, sustainable and high-quality wines aligns perfectly with our own values. As a family-owned business, we share a common vision of bringing brands to life through compelling storytelling and genuine passion.”

Terry Pennington, export director for Viña Carmen across the UK, ROI and Iberia, added: “This partnership brings together two companies with proud histories and a shared vision for the future. Schenk’s premium offering, strong multi-channel presence and outstanding reputation make it an ideal partner to take Carmen to the next level in the UK.”

Founded in 1850, Viña Carmen is known for rediscovering the Carmenère grape in its vineyards in 1994. Its wines are now exported to more than 40 countries.

Schenk Family, meanwhile, was founded in 1893 and is now in its fifth generation. Today, the business is one of Europe’s largest family-owned wine businesses and distributes to 60 countries.

Previously known as Buckingham Schenk, the company rebranded to Schenk Family UK earlier this year in order to better align with its Swiss parent company, Schenk Wine Group. This change reflects the company’s ambitions for its brands and customers in the UK under new MD Martin, who joined in the first half of 2025.

From left to right, top photo shows Helena Martin (Schenk Family), Ana Maria Cumsille (Vina Carmen) and Lucy Ward (Santa Rita Estates).