I'm excited to attend the third edition of ProWine in São Paulo. Brazil has become an important market for our winery, where we've cultivated strong partnerships in the off-trade sector for over 10 years. Along the way, I've not only done business but also made lasting friendships and learned something fundamental about wine.
Ironically, in a country where wine consumption is relatively small compared to regions like Europe or North America, I’ve discovered two key lessons that have reshaped my perspective on the wine industry.
First, because wine is still relatively new to many Brazilian consumers, both the off-trade and on-trade sectors often employ Sommeliers to guide customers in choosing the right wine. This presents an incredible opportunity to educate consumers one-on-one, a level of personalised service that’s rare in more mature markets like Europe. In these established markets, consumers often feel confident in their knowledge of wine, having grown up around it, and are less likely to seek advice. They may even feel reluctant to admit that guidance from a more experienced source can enhance their experience.
This leads to my second observation, which was somewhat of a revelation to me: Consumers in wine-producing countries tend to be fiercely loyal to their domestic wines. Spaniards typically drink Spanish wine, Italians prefer Italian wine, and so on. Suggesting they try a wine from another country often elicits a strong reaction—after all, why drink anything else when you believe your country’s wine is the best?
While this national pride is understandable, it can limit the variety of wines they experience. This mindset isn't only prevalent among consumers but also among producers, who can become blind to the innovations and diversity happening beyond their borders.
In contrast, Brazilian wine consumers—unbound by centuries of tradition or attachment to domestic wines—are open to exploring wines from all over the world. With Brazil's wine industry still in its relative infancy, there's a freedom and excitement in discovering wines from different regions, without the influence of long-standing "wine beliefs." This openness allows them to engage with a broader, richer wine experience.
What makes wine such a wonderful drink is its diversity—its ability to vary based on grape variety and the unique terroirs spread across the globe. Every time I visit Brazil, I’m reminded of this when I gather with my Brazilian friends. We share incredible moments over wines from all corners of the world.
Here's to celebrating the diversity of wine, and to the wonderful experiences it brings.
PS. I will be with my wines on stand M4.
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