A prior member of the C&O Society, Mr Miguel Poklepovic (Lincoln College, Oxford 1975) - the Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of Chile in Tokyo, very kindly offered to help organize a wine tasting event. The C&O Society has held successful wine and whiskey tasting events in the past, and the committee decided to take up Mr Poklepovic's offer. Unfortunately (for us), Mr Poklepovic was assigned to a new role as first Consul-General at the Chilean Embassy in Guangdong before the event was held, and so was unable to attend. The C&O Society appreciates the Embassy's subsequent effort to follow through with the planning and running of the event. In particular, Mr Herman Beck, Director of Commercial Office, Embassy of Chile, and Ms Catalina Sànchezs, Assistant; Commercial Office; Embassy of Chile.

Chilean Wine Tasting 1

The wine tasting was held at the Tokyo 21c Club in the Shin Marunouchi building on 22nd November. As expected, the attendance was high, over 50 people. A fine selection of Chilean wines was provided, thanks to several importers who were generous enough to provide samples of their products. Red and White Wines from Vintisquero, Leyda/San Antonio Valley, Limary Valley and Emiliana Natura were on offer. In fact there were so many excellent wines, it would be hard to name them all. Both Whites and Reds were provided with a wide range of different favours, something for everyone. There was also a Chilean olive oil called Santiago provided, with a very interesting and pleasant fruity taste. A buffet was provided, and finished off in double quick time by the hungry crowd. Many vineyard maps and brochures as well as Chilean gourmet books were displayed against a slide backdrop of the beautiful Andes.

Chilean Wine Tasting 2

Many of those present placed orders and I'm sure they will enjoy the excellent wines and olive oil at home. All in all, a highly successful event, and the C&O Society's thanks go out to the Chilean Embassy, the importers, and Mr Poklepovic for making the arrangements for us.

Huw Williams (Clare College Cambridge 1984)