Chile: Errazuriz postpones winery opening due to earthquake

The winery said it was important to show support for its 'fellow countrymen' and has postponed the opening of the Don Maximiano Icon Winery. It also said it was too soon to give an accurate assessment of the damage to homes and wineries in the south.

In a statement issued on March 1, Eduardo Chadwick said: “The most severely affected were the southern regions of Bio-Bio and Maule and in the centre of the country, namely Santiago, there was less damage. “At the Aconcagua Valley and further North, the earthquake was milder. In the Errazuriz family, team and relatives, we can gladly say that everyone is safe and well. We most appreciate your numerous calls of support and emails with good wishes.”

Chadwick said there has been damage to some homes and at their wineries in the South.

“At this stage we are evaluating infrastructure and material losses, with the objective of reestablishing our shipments and prepare ourselves to receive our 2010 harvest.”

Chadwick said the company will issue operative communication in the next few days.

He added: “Considering the efforts that we will have to make to get everything back on track at our wineries - and as a measure of solidarity to help our employees and our fellow countrymen out of this

tragic situation - we have decided to postpone the opening of our Don Maximiano Icon Winery until November 4th – 7th , 2010.

“Please allow us 48 hours to reconfirm these new dates.

We deeply regret this and apologize for the inconvenience that it may cause, but we are certain that it is the correct decision and that you will also consider it appropriate.”