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Value (in billions of U.S.$) of French wine and Cognac exports in 2021. According to the French Exporters Federation, wine exports reached a record high increasing more than 25% from the previous year. The U.S. is now the largest export destination for French wine and spirits accounting for more than a quarter of France’s total sales of alcohol exports.

Which South American wine-producing region called “the land of good sunshine and good wine” is known for having almost no rain?

A. Casablanca Valley, Chile

B. Mendoza, Argentina

C. Colchagua Valley, Chile

D. Serra Gaúcha, Brazil

Mendoza. (Was this too easy?) Mendoza’s vineyards sit against the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains at altitudes ranging from 2900 to 5200 feet above sea level. The mountains wring out most of the moisture from storms before the rain can reach the vineyards. Therefore, grapevines in Mendoza rely almost entirely on irrigation, and Argentine growers control water precisely to regulate the vines’ growth. (This also helps to assure good quality). Interestingly, the city of Mendoza also depends on a unique irrigation: Cement-lined shallow canals carry snowmelt from the mountains to neighborhoods throughout the city.

“Personally, I believe less and less in marketing and I believe more and more in creating emotion; we succeeded in Champagne because of parties: Moët was the Champagne of winners, and we had so many parties in the world that people came in contact with the brand.”

—Christophe Navarre, former Chairman and CEO of Moët Hennessy, speaking at the Vinexposium conference, and quoted in The Drinks Business.

—Christophe Navarre, former Chairman and CEO of Moët Hennessy, speaking at the Vinexposium conference, and quoted in The Drinks Business.

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