Teresita Ovalle is the winemaker for Viña Santa Rita Floresta Range in the Maipo Valley of Chile. Teresita was born in Santiago, Chile, was raised in a family of farmers and winegrowers, immersed in vineyard life from an early age. She studied Viticulture and Enology at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile before gaining hands-on experience in Europe—working with Alberto Antonini in Tuscany, Le Vins de Vienne in the Rhône Valley, and Paul Preiur in Sancerre.
Returning to Chile in 2015, she joined Viña Carmen and later Viña Santa Rita, where she collaborated with Sebastián Labbé and completed a 2018 internship at Château Lafite, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon for Maipo Valley and Alto Jahuel. Today, she leads winemaking for Floresta, a minimal-intervention range that reimagines Chile’s classic varieties, and contributes to Medalla Real, Triple C, Pewën de Apalta, and Bougainville.
In 2024, she was named “Young Winemaker of the Year” by La CAV’s Mesa de Cata, recognizing her as a rising star for her versatility and deep connection to Chilean terroir.
Media Inquiries: Alida Munir amunir@colangelopr.com | https://www.santarita.com/en/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
The most authentic and memorable aspect of Viña Santa Rita is its unique ability to bring together history, heritage, nature, and great wines in one place — a setting that continues to evolve without losing its essence. Declared a National Monument, our winery boasts vineyards in Chile’s most renowned valleys, a tourism offering ranked among the best in the world, and a strong commitment to sustainability, making it a truly singular benchmark.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
If there were no constraints, I would travel the world visiting vineyards—exploring different wine regions, understanding their unique histories, and connecting with the people behind each project. I’d immerse myself in the cultural and human stories that shape each wine, learning from every terroir and tradition. My dream would be to bring those experiences together to craft wines that not only reflect a place, but also a journey—an emotional and personal narrative that transcends borders.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
It’s very hard to choose just one! But if I had to pick, it would be Floresta Carmenère.
This wine comes from a very special place: old dry-farmed vineyards, planted over 90 years ago in the heart of the Apalta Valley, a terroir that has become one of the world’s most iconic for this variety. The grapes are harvested early, between late February and early March, which brings freshness and tension to the wine. It also stands out for not being aged in oak: instead, it spends 12 months in concrete eggs, giving it texture, depth, and a pure expression of Carmenère. It’s a flavorful, long, characterful wine with a strong sense of place. Stay tuned, this wine review is coming soon!
Bonus Question: Why Winemaking?
Because it combines everything I’m passionate about: nature, culture, and people. I grew up surrounded by vineyards, witnessing the magic of each harvest and the stories behind every bottle. Winemaking allows me to stay connected to the land while also expressing creativity and precision. It’s a constant journey of learning and discovery, where no vintage is ever the same. I love how wine brings people together, and how each bottle can carry the identity of a place, a time, and a team. That’s what inspires me every day.