Dear Reader,
The Surgeon General recently issued a stark advisory linking alcohol to cancer risk.
The media, as expected, wasted no time distilling this into oversimplified headlines that sounded like: Wine Equals Cancer.
The Surgeon General’s warning about alcohol and cancer risk grabbed my attention, not because it revealed something new but because it felt lazy —the kind of headline designed to sell fear, not foster understanding.
The advisory mentions increased risk, but it’s important to note the scale. Moderate consumption, such as a glass of wine with dinner, may not carry the same weight as chronic overconsumption.
The sensationalist headline ignores the real-life nuances that make blanket statements like this misleading. It reminded me of the “Food Pyramid”—a guide that, in hindsight, feels more like a comedy sketch than serious science.
It’s these kinds of moments that make me question the advice of those in authority.
Argentina’s Relationship with Wine
Here’s the thing: Alcohol isn’t some villain lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.
In Argentina, wine flows like conversation. It’s a centerpiece, not an afterthought—a lifeline to stories, laughter, and connections that stretch late into the night.
Just last night, I sat with friends for four hours, the table anchored by a few bottles of malbec and a universe of stories. For us, drinking wine is not about escaping the grind; it’s about celebrating life’s moments, one sip at a time.
In Argentina, this philosophy is baked into daily life.
A bottle of malbec isn’t just a drink; it’s the centerpiece of long meals filled with laughter, stories, and camaraderie. It’s not about escaping the grind—it’s about savoring the moment.
And let’s not ignore the science: malbec, grown in the extreme altitudes of Salta, is packed with antioxidants like resveratrol. If anything, it might be the healthiest “supplement” you’ll find on the table.
Oversimplifying a Complex Issue
But let’s revisit those headlines.
They’re like a bad waiter rushing you through a meal, offering no time to savor the details. The advisory’s sweeping claims fall into the trap of simplifying a story that’s layered, textured, and deeply human.
Journalist Tom Wark and mathematician John Allen Paulos have long criticized this—how sensational narratives often ignore the messy beauty of reality. In service of snappy journalism, nuance gets left on the cutting room floor.
And nuance matters. When I think of the winemakers I’ve met—Raúl in Tacuil, for instance—I see lives defined by balance. Raúl’s vineyards, perched at dizzying altitudes, produce grapes that thrive against all odds. He doesn’t chase certifications or trends; he trusts in tradition. And despite decades in this challenging craft, he’s as sharp and lively as ever. His secret? A life built around passion, connection, and a glass of wine shared with friends.
It’s not rocket science; it’s life. We’re social creatures, and we’ve spent thousands of years bonding over a pints of beer, glasses of wine, and stories from the road.
This is the reality the Surgeon General’s memo overlooks. Sure, life comes with risks—processed foods can pose risks, too much sun can harm you, and even water can be deadly in excess. But the point isn’t to eliminate risk entirely—it’s to embrace life’s richness in balance.
That’s something worth raising a glass to.
Be the Story
As we prepare to launch our next Argentine Collection, I’m reminded of why we do this.
These wines—each carefully sourced—are an invitation to experience something extraordinary. Every time you pour a glass, you step into a tradition of craft, connection, and resilience that began in the sky-high vineyards of the Andes.
Your photos, your notes, your stories—they show me that this isn’t just a business. It’s a gathering of contrarians, explorers, and enthusiasts who see wine as more than a drink. It’s a celebration of the rich, bold, and surprising.
Here’s to questioning the status quo, to rejecting reductive headlines, and to embracing the layered, textured reality of life. Let’s keep uncorking those moments—one bottle, one story at a time. And remember: with every glass you raise, you’re not just drinking a wine. You’re living a story—your story.
Cheers to that!
Diego
