I recently read a very poignant piece written by Antonio Galloni, wine writer and owner of Vinous.com I think his conclusions can be reflected on. “COVID-19 has caused enormous physical suffering, illness and loss of life all over the world, not to mention the untold effects on mental health, the full extent of which we will only understand in time. Numerous sectores, most notable hospitality, have been ravaged.

So, is wine essential? I suppose that can be debated. But one thing I am certain of is that the jobs the wine industry supports are 100% essential. Many of these are working class jobs. Think of every vineyard worker, every person who answers email and phone calls, every salesperson and everyone who works behind the scenes in warehouses packing and delivering wines, not to mention all the retail associates. Those jobs are absolutely essential.

Because so many people are out of work, it is incumbent on all of us who are employed to do everything we can to help grow the global economy. I believe it is possible to pursue commercial interests while remaining sensitive and keenly aware of the moment in which we are living. It is a time to focus more on long-term relationships and less on transactional business. That’s probably a good lesson for the future, once we are past the worst of what we are dealing with now.”