Thierry Villard, a globe-trotting visionary with roots in France, spent his formative years navigating the cultural tapestry of Switzerland and delving into the academic landscape of England during his college days. At the tender age of 19, driven by an insatiable curiosity, Thierry embarked on a life-altering journey to explore the world. By the age of 20 he was in Australia and after a year he decided to go to South America. He reached Panama by boat where he got off, making his way down to Chile where he met his now wife, Pauline.
Australia became the first chapter in his wine career. Over the next two decades, Thierry integrated himself into the Australian wine scene, leaving an indelible mark with his expertise in sales, marketing, and export management roles. The 70s and 80s saw his family making recurrent trips to Chile for holidays, and it was during these visits that Thierry’s passion for Chilean wines took root.
Intrigued by the untapped potential of Chile’s wine industry and driven by a desire to craft exceptional premium whites and Pinot Noir, Thierry made a pivotal decision in 1988. Convinced of Chile’s economic stability and foreseeing the burgeoning reputation of its wines in European markets, he bid farewell to Australia and, accompanied by his wife Pauline and two sons, embarked on a new chapter in Chile.
Thierry set his sights on the Casablanca Valley, recognizing its climatic harmony for producing the grape varieties that captivated his vinous imagination. Undeterred by the challenges of being a pioneer in a largely unexplored territory, he took the plunge. In the early ’90s, the Casablanca Valley was a hidden gem, known to only a select few. Fast forward to today, and it stands as the crown jewel of Chilean viticulture, particularly renowned for its cool-climate grapes.
The inception of Thierry’s dream, now known as the family winery, marked the beginning of a legacy. With his son, Jean Charles, at the helm, the vineyard has evolved into a paragon of excellence. Thierry’s profound influence on the Chilean wine industry resonates, as his pioneering spirit and dedication have not only shaped a successful family winery but also contributed to the global recognition of the Casablanca Valley.
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Sauvignon Blanc Expresión Reserve Casablanca Valley
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Pinot Noir Expresión Reserve Casablanca Valley
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Carignan JCV Charlie Villard Valle de Casablanca
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Le Chardonnay Grand Vin Valle de Casablanca
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L’assemblage Grand Vin Valle de Casablanca