LOOKING FOR SOMETHING HOT IN THIS COOL ECONOMY?

“Argentina Is Booming…Malbec Imports Hit Record High… Argentina Leads Category Growth… Argentina Sees Double Digit Sales Increase…Again.”

It is hard to avoid the buzz about the mouthwatering Malbecs and other tasty treasures coming out of Argentina today.

“Over the last 10 years, Argentina 's US wine exports have grown over 300% fueled by strong and steady public demand,” said Ed Lehrman, co-founder of Vine Connections. “Our goal has been to help mainstream Mendoza and Argentina to the American wine-drinking public. So far, it seems to be working.”

And luckily for us all there appears to be no slowdown in sight. Despite a struggling U.S. economy and slower than usual holiday season, imports of Argentine wines were up a staggering 43.2% in value and 34.1% in volume in 2008 over a year ago. Imports of Argentine Malbec, the country's signature grape varietal, were up an even stronger 60.9% in value and 60.4% in volume, according to 2008 import data from Argentina 's Department of Customs. Click here to view the past five years.

“What's important to realize is consumers aren't simply buying wines under $10. Our portfolio remains stronger than ever and it consists of wines priced mainly $15 and higher, Ed adds. “It is these high quality, authentic wines that have led to Argentina 's success.”

Argentina : Category Growth Leader
There is no other wine-producing country that comes as remotely close at demonstrating such consistent and impressive US export growth than Argentina . Check it out.

Click here to view the past five years.

Furthermore, Argentina continues to lead these other major wine-producing countries in both growth of dollar and case volume sales. February retail sales showed Argentine sales up 50% and

33%, respectively, over same period 2008, with New Zealand (21%) and Spain (13%) as distant runners-up. Click here for more.

“Argentina has become the go-to category for quality and value,” explained Melanie Malosky, VC National Sales Manager. “When you also consider the approachability and food-friendly nature of the wines, it is no wonder consumers are choosing these wines over French and Italian alternatives.”

If you are retailer, there is no better time to consider expanding your Argentine section. Try swapping out some Chilean facings right next to your Argentine selection. Or, consider a bolder move and re-locate the section into a new space by eliminating some slower-moving wines from, say, Italy or Australia.

If you are a restaurant, take a look at your wine list. How many wines do you have in your Argentine section? Why not trade out some French or Chilean items for some hot new Malbec or Bonarda. Do you even have an Argentine section? If not, add a few bottles and see what happens!

If you are a wine-loving consumer, keep telling your local wine shop or favorite restaurant to offer more of these Argentine beauties!

OUR BIGGEST RELEASE OF THE YEAR

We have a new release about which to tell you. But this time it is not made from grapes or rice! It's www.vineconnections.com.

Up until now, the VC website did a fine job conveying all the basic information on our wines and sake. However, it didn't have a home for all the great Argentine wine and Japanese sake category information & sales resources we often share with you, nor did it give you a sense of who we are! As leaders in both categories, we felt it was about time we put it all into one easy-to-use, convenient website.

One visit to www.vineconnections.com and you'll notice a brand new look, easier navigation, and many new educational resources and sales support tools. Examples include:

Argentine Wine and Japanese Sake Education Centers
•  Tour Argentina 's wine-producing regions

•  Learn more about the Malbec grape

•  Follow the sake production process from rice to bottling

•  Get useful tips on how to serve, store, sell and pair premium Japanese sake

Sales Support & Trade Tools
•  Surf through a new easy-to-use, comprehensive database of point-of-sale materials and relevant press

•  Check out “Trade Tools” – our online sales & marketing toolkit developed as a resource to help you grow your business. Here you'll find additional sales tools, category information, VC portfolio background, our new Retailer Email Program, and much more.

We also decided it was time for you to meet the team behind Ed y Nick – we're not just a bunch of pretty faces (ok, well, maybe we are). You'll learn a lot more about us with a quick visit – maybe too much!

The New VC Blog
As if the nifty new website wasn't enough, we are also celebrating the launch of our new, Ed-authored, award-winning blog! Ok. It hasn't won any awards yet, but once you read a couple of Ed's musings on the curious business of importing Argentine wine and Japanese sake you know it's just a matter of time. You can access the blog through the link at the bottom of the website.

Up for a challenge? Take a road test of our new site and win big! Read on to learn how.

THE VC WEBSITE CHALLENGE

How do you get someone to do what you want them to do? GIVE AWAY FREE STUFF! We've put together an exciting contest to motivate you to check out this newly-enhanced treasure trove of information. But time is of the essence!

Everyone who correctly answers all 10 website challenges will win a deck of customized VC playing cards commemorating our 10th anniversary – all you need to know about VC and our wine and sake in the palm of your hands!

But you can win bigger than that! Be among the first 5 people to send in your answers and win such exciting prizes as an authentic Argentine asado carving set (valued at $200), the ever-popular VC dartboard and more.


Click here to play! Good luck!