Small wine regions band together to form new wine alliance

Nine wine regions from as far away as California, Mexico, Hungary, Brazil and Texas have banded together to form a new wine alliance to share ideas and exchange information.  The Global Artisan Vintners Alliance - which is calling itself by the acronym Global AVA - will collaborate and the exchange information between winemakers, wine associations, government representatives, as well as tourism and economic development organizations, and business associations, it said. The aim is to further professional development opportunities through discussions about winemaking techniques and sustainability methods, it said. It will also institute a student and professional intern exchange, and share best practices on topics such as economic development, agri-tourism and marketing initiatives "elevate the global presence of the participating wine region" it said in a statement.  The regions involved in the project comprise:

• Livermore Valley Wine Community, California
• Texas Hill Country Wineries, Texas
• Chilecito, Argentina
• Dalmatia, Croatia
• Chinon, France
• Alentejo, Portugal
• Vale dos Vinhedos, Brazil
• Badacsony, Hungary
• Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

Brandi Lombardi, executive director for the Livermore Valley Wine Community, which is one of the founding partners said that “As one of the oldest wine regions in California, Livermore Valley has a rich history of winemaking tradition side by side with new winemakers and new techniques. This alliance will allow all partner regions to work together and expand opportunities for their winemakers and wineries as well as enhance tourism to their respective parts of the globe.” David Haubert, Alameda County, District 1 supervisor added that he had envisioned creating a network of global wine region partners, and was thrilled to see this come to life. “This Alliance will bring great value and innovation, and I’m excited to be part of this trailblazing group of industry leaders,” he said.