Reasons why you should be buying Latin American wines:

1. Wine making in Latin American began centuries ago. Wine production in South America traces its beginnings back to the 1500s. Argentina is the most experienced and largest "New World" wine producing country in the southern hemisphere. It is the fifth largest wine producer in the world.

2. Latin America provides a diversity of vineyards that allow grapes to thrive. Chile and Argentina have land that is ideal for grape growing. While Chile offers many advantages similar to California, Argentina is similar to eastern Washington or parts of France. A mix of altitude and latitude make these regions uniquely special.

3. Latin America offers many naturally organic wines. Many of Argentinean and Chilean wines are naturally organic, and cultivated with little or no pesticides. In Argentina, the high altitude, dry climate, soil with poor nutrient content, and traditional labor-intensive methods naturally protect vineyards from the problems and diseases that affect grapes in other countries.

4. Industry experts predict Latin America's influence on the international wine scene to grow in the coming years. Wine Enthusiast said, "Argentina, like Chile and Australia before it, is one of those emerging wine producers that has the potential to make a great impact on the global wine market."

5. Winemakers in Latin America produce quality for value. In Sept., 2008 the Washington Post said "South America is on the rise as a wine-producing region, and Argentina is its fastest-rising star. Some of the country's best wines are achieving startling levels of quality, representing remarkable values."

6. Argentina is the fastest growing import category in the industry, Chile third fastest. Based on 2007 year-end data, "Argentina is the fastest growing category of imports by country into the United States up 42.5% from 2006; (New Zealand, second fastest, up 37.2%), Chile, third, up 24%. Since 2003, Argentine wine imports into the U.S. have increased 242%." (Bureau of the Census, DOC May 2008)

7. Argentina and Chile have interesting wine varieties, Malbec, Bonarda and Torrontes for Argentina, Chile: Carmenere. Editor of Wine Enthusiast magazine, Adam Strum said in 2008 "A newcomer to the international wine world, Argentina has identified a signature grape. Its Malbecs are creating a sensation worldwide. They are priced right, soft, friendly and colorful. And depending on yields, vine age and terroir as well as winemaking, any bottle has the potential to be great. They are competing with the very best of the wine world's reds." This is reaffirmed by Paul Gregutt of the Seattle Times: "Most recently it is the Malbecs of Argentina that have become the fastest growing category of imports, and deservedly so."

8. Latin America's quality wines at affordable prices allow American wine consumers to stretch their buying dollar further. "With slowing economic conditions in the USA, Chile's ability to deliver good value is ever more resonating with American wine drinkers." (James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Magazine, May 2008)

9. Every year Argentina and Chile are building more and more market share in the United States. "From 2003 to 2007 Argentina and Chile increased their combined market share of U.S. Wine Imports from 10% to 15%, while the European Union and Australia decreased their shares by 5% and 1% respectively." (Bureau of the Census, DOC May 2008)

10. Latin American wines are chosen by Hispanics, the fastest growing wine consumer group in the United States. "Wine consumption is increasing at a faster rate among Hispanics than in any other ethnic group in the U.S. According to a Wine Marketing Council survey, 31% of Hispanics claim that they drink more wine now than they have during the past few years (as opposed to 11% of Caucasians). Imported wines, mostly from Chile and Argentina, account for 33% of total wines consumed by Hispanics. This figure is expected to increase each of the next few years."