Riojana Wines

Riojana is a producers’ co-op founded in 1940. It currently comprises 500 small grape growers who are all voting members of the Riojana co-op. Over 80% of the co-op’s farmers are small-scale producers; most of them own no more than an acre or two of land.

The Riojana co-op guarantees a higher-than-average market price for grapes for each member-farmer. By working together as a co-op the small farmers are able to resist large business interests that would otherwise buy up the land.

Riojana sells its wine to American and European co-ops exclusively. With the money the winery saves by selling directly to co-ops, they are able to deliver quality wine to the consumer at a low price point. Although the grapes are all organically grown, the winery is only about 50% certified organic. With so many small producers, they have a lot of people to get certified. In addition to wine, Riojana makes an excellent organic olive oil, also available at PFC.

Fair trade Riojana

Riojana has been a certified Fair Trade cooperative since 2006. They are the largest Fair Trade wine producer in the world. Fair Trade practice means that a portion of the wine sales is invested into the community. By purchasing Riojana wines, PFC shoppers support small farmers in Argentina.

The winery is located in the arid northwest of Argentina, and many of the co-op’s workers and members live in rural areas with few services. Riojana has worked hard to support its farmers and develop its community. Fair Trade funding has allowed Riojana to provide infrastructure and amenities to improve the lives of its community. The co-op has:

• dug wells to provide water

• built a secondary school for local children

• built a sports and recreation center

• built a cultural center.

• a health clinic for the region is currently under construction.