Mendoza

May 16, 2008

I have just returned from a 12km ride through the Maipu wine region of Mendoza, Argentina.

I rented a bike thorugh the following great company:

Bikes and Wine

Needless to say, I am sitting on a very comfortable cushion now!

What struck me was the the rural setting of the wine region. The 1920 tractors that help cart recently harvested grapes; the concrete vats used to ferment the grapes and the very rustic and down to earth ´bodega´ tasting rooms.

The wines themselves were delicious. But in saying that, one realises that South Africa, its wine and its wine farms have sooooo much to offer. In fact I would venture to say that we have beautiful, world class venues and there is no excuse for not dominating in the world wine scene.

The problem is this: we do not market our wines like the Argentineans do. Simple fact. We need to get proud and passionate about our wines - the effect is infectious and the world takes notice.

So my challenge is this: wine farms of South Africa - get off your asses and employ well qualified marketing professionals to go out there and market the skin of your wines.  

We need that approach - it´s the one of the only thing lacking on our industry.

Posted in Travel