Lake District-born Terry Pennington, Export Director for the UK, Ireland & Iberia of Santa Rita Estates, has spent more than four decades in the wine business, and now spearheads the marketing of Santa Rita’s premium South American wines, including the legendary Casa Real.

I never considered myself overly competitive. But perhaps Ranald Macdonald brings it out in me. “First into the Pacific Ocean!” was the challenge. Twelve months on, we’re still arguing over who was the true winner. Of course, it was me. Wading into the shallows up to one’s knees doesn’t count: true victory belongs to the one who dives headfirst into the alarmingly cold Pacific. For me, there’s no dispute.

That moment capped off our Boisdale Grand Tour of Chile, a journey that took us from the foothills of the Andes through the heart of Chilean wine country, finally reaching the volcanic sands of Matanzas, the coastal town beloved by windsurfers and wanderers alike.

Recently, Ranald and I found ourselves reminiscing over a bottle of Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon, one of Chile’s great icon wines. As contemporaries in both age and experience, we’ve each spent decades immersed in food and wine. But it’s only in the past ten years that our paths have crossed, and evolved into friendship.

From the Lakes to the Vineyards

For me, wine wasn’t a calling; it was an accident. Growing up in England’s Lake District, it was inevitable that I’d spend summers working in hospitality. Those summer jobs turned into a career, first in restaurants, then in wine, with one failed attempt at being a restaurateur along the way. I thought owning a restaurant would be straightforward, even glamorous. I was wrong. I failed spectacularly, and ever since, I’ve held all successful restaurateurs in the highest regard.

Over the next 25 years, I worked across importing, buying, selling, and hospitality before taking on a new adventure: becoming Export Director for one of South America’s leading wine producers. That shift brought not only new challenges but new horizons, and a renewed sense of connection with the people behind the wines.

Lessons from the Road (and the Glass)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the defining characteristic of the wine business is people. Whether drinking tea with partners in China or sharing sake in Japan, I’ve found that warmth and generosity transcend language and culture.

My first night in Shanghai was a baptism by fire (or perhaps by wine). Jet-lagged and bewildered, I faced more than 80 guests, each determined to personally toast me with “Ganbei!” (bottoms up). I quickly learned that tea ceremonies were merely a prelude to the real meeting over dinner.

Then there was Mr. Ma from Kunming, a diminutive man with a giant spirit. Over endless hot pot and bottles of fine wine, we discovered we shared not only a Chinese zodiac sign — the Water Rabbit — but also wives born in the same month. Thirty-six hours later, we concluded our marathon lunch, two men united by good humour and too much Cabernet.

Traveling through Asia also led to some unexpected fame. Across Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea, I was often mistaken for Boris Johnson — especially during his tenure as Mayor of London, Foreign Secretary, and Prime Minister. Aside from the laughter of colleagues (and the occasional questionable photo), I owe the former PM a quiet thankyou: his notoriety opened a few doors, and perhaps even sold a few cases of Chilean wine.

A Changing World of Wine

In my day-to-day work, I deal with an eclectic mix of clients, from global retailers to boutique restaurants. The wine world is more competitive than ever, with consumers demanding sustainability, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences.

While I believe that Bordeaux and Burgundy will always hold their esteemed place at the top, there’s no denying that the so-called “new world” producers – from Chile, Argentina, and beyond – are crafting exceptional wines that deserve a seat at the same table.

A Friendship in Full Pour

My first formal meeting with Ranald came, fittingly, over lunch and fine wine. The ever-hospitable Martin Krajewski, owner of vineyards in Pomerol and St. Émilion, invited me to join him at Boisdale Belgravia. At the table sat Ranald, and as Martin poured another bottle of Château Séraphine, a friendship was born.

Since that day, Ranald and I have spent many hours together evangelising the wines of Chile and Argentina at Boisdale’s restaurants and beyond. Bringing the premium wines of South America to British consumers is about more than selling bottles, it’s about sharing experiences.

At Boisdale, guests can now enjoy curated selections from Aluvia, Carmen, Doña Paula, and Santa Rita, a collection that showcases the very best of South America: coastal Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs, high-altitude Cabernet Sauvignons and Malbecs, and the proudly rediscovered Chilean grape, Carmenère.

The Spirit of the Grand Tour

Through my role at Santa Rita Estates, I was thrilled to co-host the Boisdale Grand Tour of Chile with Ranald: a trip designed not for trade veterans but for fellow enthusiasts eager to explore the intersection of travel, food, and wine. Guests experienced Chile’s breathtaking landscapes and world-class vineyards firsthand, forging a lasting connection with the country and its people.

Looking ahead, plans are already underway for the Boisdale Grand Tour of Argentina in 2026. Readers of Boisdale Life are warmly invited to join us: to become new friends, share in the adventure, and discover the vinous treasures South America has to offer.

A Final Toast