The fair Descorchados is one of the most important events for the Latin American wine industry. It is held annually in several Latin American cities and is organized by the Chilean Patricio Tapia, journalist, writer and one of the most respected wine critics in the region. The main objective of the fair is to publicize the wines produced in the region worldwide and promote their marketing.
During the fair, attendees have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of high-quality wines from Latin America, including wines from Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Peru and Mexico. In addition, conferences and workshops led by industry experts are held, where topics such as wine production, current trends and the future of the industry are discussed.
My experience at Descorchados 2023 São Paulo: Getting to know the best of Latin American wine
I had the opportunity to attend Descorchados São Paulo 2023, an event that brought together the best wine producers in Latin America. It was an incredible experience to be able to talk to winemakers and importers and discover the highlights of the wine industry.
During the morning, only industry specialists could participate, allowing for a very useful business and networking environment for market participants. In the afternoon, the fair is open to final consumers, offering a showcase to new clients.
More than 60 exhibitors from Chile, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil participated in the seminars, who presented both specialists and final consumers specific products, new bottles or simply engaged in interesting topics of conversation related to consumption trends and the history of the valleys, where its star products are born.
But without a doubt, one of the most important benefits is the opportunity that the wineries have to establish new contact networks that are essential to expand their presence to new territories. A key point for the growth and diffusion of many wines.
São Paulo: A city made for exploring
Although my stay in São Paulo was short, I was able to appreciate the cultural and tourist richness that this city offers its inhabitants and tourists. To get there from Miami, I took a direct American Airlines flight, which lasted approximately eight hours, landing at São Paulo International Airport, Guarulhos.
As a recommendation before embarking on a trip to São Paulo, it is essential to verify your arrival time, since traffic from the airport to any point within the city can vary greatly depending on whether the arrival occurs during the week or the weekend.
From the airport we headed towards the Mercure Hotel , a 3.5 star hotel located in Villa Olimpia. Perfect for business or leisure trips, with an environment that stands out for its excellent location, connectivity and for offering different attractive panoramas for visitors. From the window of my hotel in Villa Olimpia, I was able to enjoy a panoramic view of the São Paulo Corporate Towers, a major business complex in the city.
The Descorchados 2023 event took place on April 11 at Villaggio JK, a beautiful and cozy events center with different types of environments; the perfect setting for events like this. Here I was able to talk with producers, enologists and importers from different countries, which allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the wine culture in the region.
After the event ended, I had the opportunity to visit Ibirapuera Park, the main place of interest in Villa Olimpia. This captivates tourists with a variety of activities and views, such as playing sports, enjoying art, or just unwinding by taking a stroll with the family.
To end the day, I visited a popular rooftop in the area called Skye Bar Restaurant & Bar, where a menu of contemporary dishes is offered, and is a place that is defined as the starting point of the gastronomic experience in São Paulo. Here we tasted “Big Sea Carpaccio”, which consisted of thin slices of salmon, tuna and white fish with a citrus vinaigrette. One hundred percent recommended. You can view the menu here.
In short, my experience in São Paulo was unforgettable. Tourists are invited to take tours of the city that include everything from its culture and history to its delectable gourmet alternatives because of the great variety of views it offers. Although my visit was mainly for Descorchados 2023, I can say that I really enjoyed the city, and I recommend visiting it to enjoy its charms.