Riding shotgun earlier today I overheard that Tonelería Magreñán (Spain) is sending two master coopers to help repair damaged barrels in Chile and I can’t help but say: “I told you so”. The spirit of the Chileans to bounce back is not only gaining ground, but crossing oceans to infect international wine equipment suppliers.
The winemaker commented afterward that Teresa Magreñán had been sending barrels to Chile for more than 20 years and she knew full well just how important wine is to the Chilean economy. Two coopers have been committed to travel about southern wine country working without charge– and without power with their traditional manual tools. For the record Garage Wine Co is interested if anyone reads this. Oak is expensive and this is a great initiative. I take my hat off to the local Magreñán rep Craig Thornbury who must have had something to do with this!
09/03/2010 at 9:13 am Permalink
Hi Derek, thanks for the enthusiastic mention on your site. We are committed to helping the Chilean industry, and its people, to get back on their feet. As we waded through the paperwork of getting work visas for foreign workers, and especially accident and medical insurance in a declared catastrophe zone, it soon became apparent that we would not be able to quickly assemble this ambitious plan. So… while I was scheduled to be in Pennsylvania for the Wineries Unlimited 2010 trade show on March 10th and 11th, I have stayed in Chile to be at the disposal of our customers. Our stand at Wineries Unlimited was donated to the Consulate General of Chile in Philadelphia, who will use the trade show booths to raise awareness and funds for Chile earthquake relief. Mr. Benjamin Leavenworth, Honorary Consul of Chile to the United States, has assembled a team of volunteers to work this event. We anticipate a very positive response, and will report after the fair about the funds collected through this effort. Viva Chile! Sincerely, Craig Thornbury