Baja Wines Make A Move In Asia

Wines & Vines, May, 2000 by Kevin Sinclair

The winemakers of Mexico have made their first serious attempt in modern times to export their vintages to Asia. A recent trade delegation from Baja California received significant support when they held tastings for professional wine buyers, hoteliers, sommeliers and restaurant owners.

The response was heartening, said Arturo Elias, trade director of the Baja California state government's agricultural secretariat, who helped organize the visit to Hong Kong, Korea and Japan.

A trade delegation from the state of Baja California included a number of wineries. Victor Torres, president of the Wine Producers Association of Baja California, presented blends made of classical French grapes in the Bordeaux style. At US$66 a case FOB in Mexico, the prices are about equal to medium-quality Chilean wines.

The soft warmth of the Mexican vintages received prominent press coverage. In a canny move by Hong Kong-based trade officials, the wine tasting was carried out with a tasting of abalone, lobster and other seafoods which are expensive delicacies in Asia.

Torres and other Baja winery executives which took part in the tasting said they were happy with the Asian reception to their wines and had spoken to wine merchants who might act as agents.