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Improving living conditions through

Double up Fair Trade is the Wine and Spirits Guild of America commitment to improving the living and social conditions of the wine farming communities in the global south.  By purchasing Step by Step from Chile or Los Cowboys from Argentina, the Wine and Spirits Guild of America is doubling up the Fair Trade contributions for specific social projects to benefit the farming communities within Maule Valley, Chile and Mendoza, Argentina.

Each wine county is known for producing unique grape varietals and blends.  Argentina is known for their Malbec and Torrontes and Chile for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.  What little is known about these countries, is the living and social conditions of the wine farming communities. Trade magazines, national media, and wine blogs rarely discuss the struggles of the small family wine farmers.  Without traveling to the farming communities first hand, one may never know the struggles of the small family farmers and vineyard workers.

The small family farmers of Chile and Argentina are increasingly susceptible to the low market prices of their grapes as the world consumption rate increases.  The prices they receive for their grapes do not generate enough income to meet the basic needs of the family.  As a result, their opportunity to invest in improving their farms and vineyards are threatened and are at risk of having to sell the property. 

What does Fair Trade Certification mean
for the farmers?

According to TransFair USA, the Fair Trade Certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.    

Fair Trade principles:
Fair Price: The farming communities are guaranteed a minimum price for their grapes regardless of local and global grape prices.
Fair Labor Conditions: The workers on the vineyards enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages, while forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
Direct Trade:  The importer purchases as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen, thus helping the farmers develop the necessary business skills to compete in the global marketplace.
Community Development:  Fair Trade premiums are invested in the community to develop housing, schools, healthcare facilities and scholarship programs.

“By purchasing Fair Trade Certified™ products you support building a better life for workers and farming family communities through fair prices and direct trade.  Environmental stewardship ensures sustainable development practices.”

Questions? E-mail us at info@doubleupfairtrade.com

Please drink responsibly.