I’ve recently returned from a trip to the USA and Canada with my importers KLWM, who I work with for the American market, and Cru Wine Merchant, my contact in Ontario for the Canadian market, and the experience is still very fresh in my mind. I left for New York on 28 April and spent the first two days up and down Manhattan between tastings and dinners. I then moved on to Boston and from there my agent and I drove through Massachusetts and New Hampshire to Vermont and Burlington in particular, where I spent two more days visiting and introducing my company to the teams of the restaurants I work with.
On Sunday 5th May I arrived in Ottawa, Canada, where I had a very busy few days, working and even being interviewed by a local magazine! Finally, on Tuesday we went to Toronto, where I spent two hours with the sales team explaining my point of view, the reasons behind some of my decisions, my philosophy and, of course, my wines, and then went to see some customers and to some tastings organised in the city. On 8th May I took the last flight home.
I try to organise these trips at least once a year because I believe it is very important for me to understand the mindset and traditions of each country and region I visit, as well as to immerse myself in the culture and customs of the markets where I sell my products. I think this helps me to focus more on people’s tastes and preferences when they approach wine. It also helps me to anticipate the future trends, especially when it comes to the new generations. These visits are also very important for the sales team in the countries where I work: by meeting them in person, I can better explain the Gambellara territory, my idea of winemaking, my future projects and the pillars that will remain strong and constant over time.
When I return from these business trips, which are also an enriching experience on a personal level, I always take with me fond memories – of the places, but above all of the people. I meet a lot of people and each trip brings about new friends who, with their different personalities, leave an indelible mark. After experiencing this, it’s easy to start thinking about my next trip!