Mexico, France Share a Wine Agenda

During the 43rd World Vine and Wine Congress in Ensenada, Baja California, the governments of Mexico and France agreed to partner in the wine sector, cooperating on public policies, matching standardization programs, technological innovation for irrigation, development of improved grape varieties, improvement of oenological practices and the link between farmers and vine producers from both nations. 

Santiago Argüello, General Coordinator of Agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), said that France’s interest in strengthening its relationship with Mexico is encouraging. He also highlighted the opportunity to promote the exchange of experiences with a renowned country in the wine industry.

Jean-Pierre Asvazadourian, the French Ambassador to Mexico, pointed out that SADER is an important partner for the French Embassy and said that there is much to gain for both countries from this alliance. In addition, he highlighted the importance of Mexican women’s associations that work in wine production

“The Mexican wine market is young, and the French market is old, so it will be necessary to reinvent and boost marketing, at a key time when Mexico is on the global map of wine producers and prepared to establish a platform for collaboration between the two countries,” said Hans Backhoff, President, the Mexican Wine Council. 

Argüello said the Mexican Government and SADER will contribute to the development of vines and wine. SADER, in collaboration with the government of Baja California, the Northwest Educational Institute (IENAC) and the Technical and Higher Education Centre (CETYS), recently inaugurated the Centre for Wine Studies (CEVIT), which aims to develop oenology and link it to applied science. 

Marina del Pilar Ávila, the Governor of Baja California, stressed that at a national level, this complex is the only one dedicated to the research and innovation of vines and wine, which makes it a landmark in Mexico.

Gustavo Vildosola, President, IENAC, pointed out the important role of the different players that supported the creation of the center and therefore helped consolidate Baja California as a regional and national wine sector promoter.

Enrique Herbert, Head of the Scientific Delegation of Mexico, said that the new center will coordinate research regarding "wine’s footprint," as well as obtain new vine varieties and their productive impact, by using technology developed in the country and approved by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV).