DC Update
This will be brief: Nothing of note happened this week, at least that affects the wine industry.
Vital Associations
FIVS
Est: 1951
HQ: Paris, France
Members: Wine, beer and spirits producers, distributors, importers, exporters, and trade associations
Mission: Serve the beverage alcohol industry around the world on public policy issues
FIVS is the official name of an organization that began as the Federation Internationale du Vin et des Spiritueux (International Federation of Wine & Spirits). It is essentially a mirror image of WineAmerica, but on an international level. Just as WineAmerica represents wineries and associations from 45 states, FIVS has about 50 members from 25 countries which represent the vast majority of wine produced in the world.
In 2017, FIVS reorganized its work to fit within the “triple bottom line of sustainability”, taking into account significant economic, social, and environmental matters for the wine, spirits, and beer sectors. Fivs focuses on priority issues that arise in an effort to promote a more sustainable sector.
While the nature and importance of issues may fluctuate, at present some key ones include alcohol and health, climate change, and trade barriers. Dealing with these issues effectively involves:
–Gathering and sharing relevant information
–Developing and communicating positions on key issues
–Serving as an international networking platform
–Interacting with international organizations
WineAmerica strongly supports FIVS, and encourages all wineries and trade associations to do so as well.
Colorado Cellars: A Toast!
How could I…?
Last week I wrote about Colorado wine country, including thumbnail descriptions of three of our member wineries…but not Colorado Cellars, which decades ago was the first to support WineAmerica and is also first in many other ways. My apologies to owners Richard and Padta Turley, and our thanks for their long support. Richard even served with me on our Board decades ago when the organization was still the American Vineyard Association, with the late Bob Kalik at the helm..
Colorado Cellars is also the state’s oldest, largest, and most award-winning winery, and Padta is its premier female winemaker. The family has Colorado roots from 1824, the vineyards were planted in 1975, and what began as Colorado Mountain Vineyard opened in 1978, with the name change to Colorado Cellars in 1986.
Today they produce about 12,000 cases of wine, with about 30 different types plus a wonderful array of wine-based food products like Chardonnay with different spice blends (Italian spiced; Garlic and Chili Pepper; Lemon and Pepper), Cabernet Chocolate Cherries, Merlot BBQ Sauce, and Grapeseed Oils. Colorado Cellars is definitely worth a visit—virtually or, better yet, in person.