The Global AVA is an initiative aimed at helping wineries worldwide overcome challenges, exchange best practices, and improve wine quality. By fostering collaboration, it provides a platform for winemakers to share industry insights and innovative techniques. The alliance will host quarterly Zoom meetings and annual in-person conferences to discuss key topics such as agritourism, social media marketing, and sustainable winemaking.
David Haubert’s Vision of Uniting Global Winemakers for Innovation and Collaboration
The initiative was conceptualized by David Haubert, District 1 Supervisor of Alameda County, California, whose district includes the Livermore Valley wine region. He envisioned a global network of winemakers who not only share common goals and values but also face similar industry challenges. Haubert emphasized the importance of exchanging knowledge and expertise, calling it a “trailblazing” opportunity to enhance innovation and collaboration in the winemaking industry.
Alameda County, home to 1.7 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, is known for its thriving technology sector, top-tier universities, and renowned medical institutions. However, Haubert sees Livermore Valley as the county’s premier industry.
The first in-person meeting of the Global AVA is set to take place in the Bay Area in June, with plans for future gatherings to rotate among member regions. Haubert hopes the initiative will encourage cross-border collaborations, including exchange programs where winemakers and staff spend time learning from their global counterparts.
The Founding Wine Regions
The Global AVA brings together diverse wine regions from around the world, forming a rich network of expertise. The founding members include:
- Livermore Valley Wine Community, California
- Texas Hill Country Wineries, Texas
- Chilecito, Argentina
- Dalmatia, Croatia
- Chinon, France
- Alentejo, Portugal
- Vale dos Vinhedos, Brazil
- Badacsony, Hungary
- Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Each of these regions brings unique traditions and innovative approaches to winemaking, making the alliance a valuable resource for all members.
Brandi Lombardi, executive director of the Livermore Valley Wine Community, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. She pointed out that the alliance will create new opportunities for wineries, expand tourism, and strengthen cross-border relationships.
Lombardi praised Haubert’s vision of connecting global wine regions through both virtual and in-person interactions. The initial Zoom meeting of the Global AVA was a success, providing valuable insights and setting the stage for a strong future of shared knowledge and growth.