During my tenure as a wine merchant, I’ve witnessed a multitude of remarkable changes in the world of wine. When I first arrived in Asheville years ago to work for Eb back when he owned the AWM, organic wines were few and far between. It took a pretty serious effort to research the property and the vigneron to identify them as organic. Well, times have changed, and indeed for the better. Organic and sustainable farming practices are now a baseline expectation for a growing number of wine lovers.
In recent editions of this newsletter, I’ve opined quite a bit about organic wines and the idea of “Local Global” trade. For many wine lovers, there’s an even broader focus on these principles, prioritizing the individuals and communities engaged in winemaking along with the environment. I refer to this “enhanced” version of this concept as “wines made with integrity.”
Independent vignerons and cooperatives worldwide, from Europe to the U.S. and South America to South Africa, are embracing this (w)holistic approach. Even some of the larger estates and forward-thinking corporations are joining this movement, adopting initiatives that go beyond merely organic farming. This global movement is beginning to connect wine lovers across the planet with this shared commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Many of these wineries focus on community support in rural regions with significant social and economic challenges. They’ve established programs to improve local infrastructure, such as schools and medical centers, and are engaging with their communities to help preserve the local viticultural heritage. Even some of the big corporate producers are stepping into the game. They’ve learned that supporting their local communities and workers pays off handsomely.
For me, the true future of wine isn’t only about what happens in the vineyard and cellar. It’s about encouraging an equitable future that values the contributions of each and every individual involved in bringing our favorite beverage to your glass.
So, what does all of this mean for AWM customers? Easy: We do all the hard work and research so you can choose from our curated selection of wines made with integrity. All of the AWM Hand-Picked Selections are, at the very minimum, sustainable; most are organic, some even biodynamic, and all of them provide an equitable piece of the pie for the family or cooperative that makes the wine.
When you shop for new wines, consider the people, the communities, the stories behind them, and the tremendous value they represent. Support the independent vignerons, cooperatives, local businesses, and forward-thinking companies that prioritize social responsibility along with sustainability; it enriches our palates and our world.
I raise my glass to all of you, making choices that count!