Agricultural Engineer and Enologist, Professor Alejandro Hernández Muñoz has spent more than six decades exploring the vineyards and wines of Chile—from the Elqui Valley to Itata. His unmatched experience and deep respect for tradition have inspired generations of winemakers since 1960, earning him the title of Professor Emeritus at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

After graduating with an Enology diploma from the University of Bordeaux, Hernández developed a remarkable career at leading Chilean wineries such as Undurraga, Concha y Toro, San Pedro, and Haras de Pirque, as well as several family estates in Maule and Itata. His vision culminated in the founding of Viña Portal del Alto in 1971—a brand that achieved national and international acclaim over the next 50 years.

Recognized as “the man behind the wine,” Hernández has served as a technical advisor across the Americas and Europe, including Domecq Mexico and Domecq Spain, and has shared tasting tours and research with the legendary Émile Peynaud, considered the greatest enologist of the 20th century.

His passion for wine transcends borders. Beyond his acclaimed books—honored by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in Paris—he became the first non-European to preside over the OIV between 1994 and 1997. Yet, for Hernández, true recognition lies in sharing his knowledge and a fine glass of wine with those eager to learn.

In 2019, applying the same technical precision that has defined his legacy, Hernández launched a new venture in Maipo Alto, at 800 meters above sea level in San Juan de Pirque. Here, the altitude and proximity to the Andes create ideal conditions for exceptional wines. Alongside his partner, Carolina Arnello—an Agricultural Engineer and Enologist with over 30 years of experience and former president of the Chilean Association of Agronomist Enologists—they continue crafting award-winning wines, including the Syrah Tardío of Portal del Alto, 800 Metros Cabernet from Pirque Andino, and Carmenere from Viña La Ilusión in southern Maule.

Together, they embody the soul of Chilean winemaking: heritage, excellence, and passion shared through every glass.