Movimiento de Vinateros Independientes (MoVI)

The Kingston Family Vineyards case makes it clear that KFV had some work to do to overcome Chile's reputation as a producer of bulk, cheap, and "drinkable but unsophisticated" wines. The case also mentions that a small group of independent winemakers (including KFV) was working to change that image by producing high-quality, small-lot wines, and that they were supported by a trade organization known as Movimiento de Vinateros Independientes (MoVI).

Separately, I had a call today with Claude Alexander, founder of Alexander Vineyards in Fredericksburg, Texas (the focus of our midterm project - no spoilers here, so get excited for Tuesday). Claude told me about the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA), which is a lobbying group dedicated to protecting the interests of Texan wineries and grape growers (as the name might suggest). In recent years, TWGGA has focused on counteracting lobbying efforts by distributors and wholesales seeking to limit the ability of wineries to ship DTC. So far, their efforts have proven successful (they've blocked two major distributor proposals: one that would require Texan wineries to use > 25% Texas-grown grapes and another that would cap sales via shipment at 45% of total sales).

Curious whether MoVI had enjoyed similar success, I looked into its history and track record. Interestingly, I found nothing. Instead of lobbying legislators, MoVI has taken a grassroots approach that seems to target underlying cultural change (i.e., fostering an appreciation for small wineries over the Chilean Goliaths) rather than favorable legislation. Their activities include "MoVInight," MoviTour, and a speaker series with local winemakers. All activities focus on bringing together locals and tourists over entertainment, great food and, of course, high quality / small-batch wines. Sounds like my kind of lobbying.

Wine note: I wrote this while drinking a 2014 Chateau Ste. Michelle cab (from Washington State, which is near and dear to my heart as a PNW native). Would highly recommend to those looking for an everyday cab, as it's pretty tasty and a great value at $15.98.