Montes Vineyards and Chilean Earthquake

Montes reports minimal damages as a result of the recent earthquake:

Santiago, Chile; March 4, 2010

Along with most Chilean wineries, Montes S.A. suffered a test to its facilities in the recent earthquake. However, after a thorough evaluation of damages, Montes is pleased to report minimal losses. While the main winery in Apalta suffered more than Curicó and Chimbarongo, its foundation is structurally sound and the team is planning to clean up and proceed with harvest as originally scheduled.

Despite a loss of some wine intended for future bottlings, Montes remaining supply is in high quality condition. They consider these controllable losses that have no negative effect on sales dispatches now or in the future. With harvest around the corner, at least 40% of the tanks were empty and ready so the inventory was low for seasonal reasons. With equipment and bottling lines 100% operative, Montes has resumed operations and expects to handle normal demands with ease now that the energy supply has returned.

Last but certainly not least, all Montes staff and families are safe and sound. Kaiken, in Mendoza (Argentina) only had a smaller quake and sustained no damage.

The Montes team is in high spirits, eager and ready to return to their normal routine at the winery.