Coronavirus is now a pandemic and it’s heavily affecting our lives. Alas the wine world is not immune to the virus. My thoughts on how we can overcome this crisis
Coronavirus has been the trending topic for the last few weeks. I suspect it will remain that way for at least the next couple of months. As an Italian, this pernicious disease has bothered me more than I’m prepared to admit. In fact, I find it difficult to think of much else.
What is coronavirus?
Its full name is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but this disease commonly goes under the name of coronavirus or COVID-19. The virus was identified in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019. In spite of the harsh measures adopted by the Chinese government, the virus has now spread worldwide and has been confirmed a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. As of 12 March 2020, there are more than 130,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in 116 countries. So far, approximately 4,900 people have died around the world (check here for live updates).
The impact
Coronavirus is the first viral global pandemic of this strenght in modern times. I’m afraid we are only starting to realise its far reaching consequences on our world. Coronavirus has affected society and the economy in a myriad of ways. The wine world is not exempt. I will briefly discuss how coronavirus is affecting winelovers before offering my personal thoughts on the crisis.
China is a major buyer of international wine, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, its economy has shut down. With China buying less wine, this will have short term and long term consequences on wine producers and sellers from other countries.
Globally (especially in areas where the outbreak is more ferocious) people are going less to restaurants and therefore consuming less wine in public areas. In countries which rely upon tourism (like Italy), cancellations have been copious and economic prospects are bleak.
Wine events have also been affected. In Asia, all major wine events have been cancelled. In Europe, the situation is only slightly less critical. One of the biggest international trade shows for the wine and spirit industry in Germany, ProWein, was first delayed and then cancelled. Vinitaly, the largest fair for Italian wine, has been postponed. In London, the annual event for RAW wine (one the most prominent low-interventional wine movements) has been deferred until further notice. I suspect the list of delayed or cancelled public events is only going to grow.
A grim scenario for the future?
It’s very likely that we will see our personal freedom of movement limited in the immediate future. In fact, there are already some forced quarantine areas. On the 23rd of January, the Chinese government imposed isolation on the city of Wuhan and the entire province of Hubei. A few days ago, on the 9th of March, Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte signed a decree to lock down the entire country. It was the first time in modern history that an entire nation has experienced such a drastic measure.
Fear is a primal emotion so being frightened under these circumstances is only human. However, as humans, we should use reason to temper that fear. Panic and irrational behaviour can not only harm ourselves, but also our family, friends and neighbours.
What can we do then?
I don’t like to digress into topics I’m not familiar with, so don’t expect me to give medical advice. Instead, I would like to use my personal blog to provide a few words of encouragement in this grim time.
Trust experts
First of all, listen to the experts. We are lucky enough to face this planetary threat holding the shield of 21st century medicine and technology. Let’s use this advantage to its full extent. Trust doctors and professionals. They’ve been studying for decades and their expertise is invaluable. Rely on your local government for advice about what is the best course of action for people living in your area.
Time away from crowds
Secondly, if you are in an area affected by the coronavirus outbreak, consider limiting social interactions for the time being. Stay at home when advised to do so and avoid large gatherings of people. Remember, the sacrifice is only temporary! Our past generations were able to endure two World Wars and other terrible menaces. We can certainly cope with a few weeks at home.
Also, consider your time away from crowds not just a necessity, but as an opportunity. Perhaps now is a good time to progress your study, write a book, build a website, sort out your garden, study that wine region that has always fascinated you… but you never had the time to read much about. If you like, you can start with Wine and Other Stories (need some inspiration? Read about Chianti, Alsace, Burgundy or Bordeaux!)
Pursue that personal project you neglected for a long time. Whatever your passion or drive is, perhaps now is a good time to take advantage of this “forced” social pause. Forget about physically moving to distant places or rambling through wine-loving hordes. I have faith that we have plenty of years to indulge in new adventures and crowds. Now is the time to recharge your batteries and enjoy the pleasures of a less congested lifestyle. And believe me, there are many!
Enjoy bottled poetry… preferably at home!
The third part of my recommendation involves wine (of course). As I mentioned earlier, in the next few months winelovers will likely attend fewer wine fairs, trips abroad and tastings in crowded events. If wine or hospitality is your work, there’s nothing much you can do about it so I won’t try to add sugar to that pill. But for other winelovers (like me), for whom the financial security doesn’t depend solely on wine, I’ll tell you this. We don’t need to attend ProWein or Vinitaly, nor visit distant wine regions to appreciate the beauty of wine. Yes that helps (and it’s a lot of fun!), but we can live without those things for a while.
Wine has a great advantage. Inside a bottle, you will find a distilled aggregation of a place. Its culture, history and the spirit of the people that tended the vines and worked in the winery. As such, wine has an enormous edge over other things. You don’t need to travel to enjoy that concentrated mix of bottled poetry.
Allow me to close my article with a thought about my country of origin: Italy. As you are probably aware, Italy has been shut-down completely. It is now the nation, after China, that suffers the greatest toll from coronavirus in terms of confirmed cases and deaths.
Even though I’m physically far from my compatriots, my heart today is with the Italian people. I have the utmost faith that Italians have the fortitude and spirit to overcome this difficult situation. My prayers are with them now. For all the other countries, look at Italy as a warning. This virus is all over the world now, and it hasn’t yet reached its peak in many places. Use this time wisely so other countries don’t end up with the dramatic measures that Italy was forced to implement.
Keep enjoying the pleasures of wine… but preferably at home! Not sure how? Check out 10 things any winelover can do in self-isolation.
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