Coming from one of Canada’s premier wine regions I couldn’t resist writing about something so close to my own backyard.
For the wine sommelier or just the avid admirer of the art of wine making, few sights and sounds are more satisfying than that of a great bottle of wine being uncorked, poured and enjoyed – especially if you know the risks, perils and tasks involved to deliver that perfect glass to your table. An asset this valuable attracts all kinds of unwelcome interest.
From the moment a vineyard begins producing grapes, the job of keeping them safe starts. In France and Australia, vineyards are bordered with electric fences to keep wild animals such as boars and possums out of the vineyard.
But a collection of vines is tempting to more than just the local wildlife. Thieves have expertly removed two tonnes of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes using their own cutters from a South African vineyard. The grapes were at optimum ripeness and perfection and to add insult to injury it was the night before harvesting. By sunrise tens of thousands of dollars of future wine sales had disappeared in a blink of an eye.
You’re not out of the woods yet, I mean vineyard. Due to instances of vandalism some vineyards have installed outdoor infrared security beams, fence vibration detection devices and video surveillance to protect the rows of wine tanks so that anyone passing near valves would trigger an alarm. Any winemaker would agree that the wine is at its most vulnerable condition just prior to bottling.
Most theft occurs once the wine is bottled. Either taken directly from the warehouse or discretely from the vineyard on site wine boutique. When 8,000 bottles of top Burgundy were taken from a warehouse in France, the company’s executive compared the value of the theft to that of a rare piece from an art gallery.
A wine can survive the perils of mother nature and James Bond villan style thieves, but it’s not worth the glass (or enviro-pack) it’s in if it’s not stored correctly.
Take another look at the wine in your glass. It’s probably survived wild animals, harsh and cruel weather events, and even the occasional light fingers to get to your table. Almost seems a shame to drink it. Who am I kidding…salut…enjoy!
Protect your time. Protect your investment.