Marcelo Retamal, affectionately known in the wine world as ‘Reta’, has announced his departure from Viñedos de Alcohuaz, closing a defining chapter in Chilean winemaking. After 18 years at the helm of one of Chile’s most innovative wine projects, Retamal is stepping back to focus fully on his personal label, RETA, and expand his consulting work both in Chile and abroad.

The announcement marks a significant shift for Viñedos de Alcohuaz, the trailblazing estate located high in the Andes, where Retamal helped forge a unique identity centered on high-altitude, minimal-intervention winemaking. Known for its use of Mediterranean varieties, traditional techniques, and natural materials, Alcohuaz has earned a global reputation for pushing the boundaries of what Chilean wine can be.

A legacy at over 2,200 meters above sea level

When Retamal joined Viñedos de Alcohuaz nearly two decades ago, he played a key role in building the winery’s physical and philosophical foundations. He oversaw the construction of the winery and the planting of Chile’s highest-altitude commercial vineyard, located more than 2,200 meters above sea level. His commitment to minimal intervention and terroir-driven practices made the wines of Alcohuaz stand out in a crowded global market.

The winery’s signature approach—foot-treading grapes in traditional stone lagars and aging wines in large wooden foudres and cement tanks—has been widely praised for its authenticity and craftsmanship. The portfolio of Syrah, Garnacha, Carignan, Malbec, and other Mediterranean-style blends quickly earned accolades for their complexity and character, thanks in no small part to Retamal’s vision.

“I dedicated 18 years to the project,” he said, reflecting on his journey. “But really I dedicated my soul and all my knowledge from 28 years travelling around the world to make Alcohuaz the very best project that I was capable of.”

A new era at Alcohuaz

Retamal’s departure coincides with a broader leadership transition at Viñedos de Alcohuaz. Over the past year, Simón Prudencio Flaño—the grandson of late founder Álvaro Flaño—has taken on a leading role in guiding the estate into its next phase. Meanwhile, Rosario Fillol, previously assistant winemaker, has been promoted to head winemaker. The team’s goal is to continue building on the strong foundation Retamal established while embracing a new generation of leadership and innovation.

Though Retamal is no longer in charge of winemaking at Alcohuaz, he retains a minority stake in the company, signaling continued faith in its direction and long-term vision.

RETA: A personal and global pursuit

Stepping away from Alcohuaz will allow Retamal to devote his full attention to RETA, the boutique wine label he launched in 2019. RETA represents the culmination of Retamal’s decades of experience and philosophy, with wines produced in Chile’s Limarí and Maule regions as well as in Jerez, Sierra de Salamanca, and Rioja in Spain.

“The wines of RETA are conceived not for me, nor my children, but for future generations,” Retamal explained. “It is the end of a cycle, but a new one is beginning.”

RETA showcases his deep commitment to terroir expression and natural winemaking, reflecting both his Chilean roots and global perspective. The wines are crafted in small quantities, with a focus on purity, sustainability, and long-term ageability.

Continued influence through consulting

Beyond RETA, Retamal will remain an influential figure in the global wine scene through his consulting work. He continues to advise several top Chilean estates, including Viña Sutil and Sierras de Bellavista, and is active in international projects as well.

While Retamal’s departure from Viñedos de Alcohuaz may come as a surprise to many in the industry, it also marks the beginning of an exciting new phase—one where his expertise will be shared more widely across regions and generations.

As South America correspondent Amanda Barnes notes, Retamal’s impact on Chilean wine has been profound. Now, with RETA and a new slate of projects on the horizon, his influence is set to expand even further. For fans of his thoughtful, boundary-pushing wines, the best may still be yet to come.