Acquaviva’s Winemaker, Sergio Benavides, is a graduate with maximum distinction of La Frontera University, Chile, where he earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering. He later attended the prestigious Universidad de Chile where he specialized in viticulture and oenology.
While working in several of his country’s premium wineries (De Larose vineyard, Morande vineyard, La Rosa vineyard, Errazuriz vineyard), he perfected his philosophies on making fine wine. He learned the hands-on skills of a winemaker through managing the vineyards and learning both the old and new world techniques on caring for the vines. Sergio continued seeking experiences to improve his skills and eventually decided to leave his country in search of new opportunities.
His international experience started when he came to the United States to harvest at the Alexander Valley Winery in Sonoma, CA in 2003. In 2004, he was recruited by an International French company to represent them in Spain as their Consultant Winemaker.
In 2010, after years of making fine wine and developing new wine programs, Sergio accepted the position of head winemaker at the new and luxurious ACQUAVIVA WINERY where he was put in charge of 20 beautiful acres of vines, more than 23 varietals, and the entire wine and vinification process.