Senior Writer Matt Kettmann is in Bolivia covering the grape harvest for Bitoque Wines, owned by Alejandro Medina. He reflects on his impactful first trip from 2003 and his work with the ‘Ride for a Reason’ mission. Kettmann showcases unique negro criolla grape vines and shares photos on Instagram.
Matt Kettmann, our Senior Writer, is currently in Bolivia, focusing on the grape harvest for Bitoque Wines, which is overseen by Alejandro Medina, owner of Bibi Ji restaurant. He covered his experiences in the previous week’s edition of the Full Belly Files newsletter, which reaches our audience every Friday. Additionally, he reflects on his first trip to Bolivia in 2003, linked to the “Ride for a Reason” mission aimed at supporting health clinics in the Amazon, a trip he regards as life-changing.
During his visit, Kettmann encountered ancient vines of the negro criolla grape, also referred to as mission grape in California. These unique vines ascend pink peppercorn trees, contributing distinctive aromas and flavors to the grapes. For a visual account of his journey, you can view his photos on Instagram under the handle @mattkettmann.
In summary, Matt Kettmann’s report from Bolivia emphasizes the significance of the grape harvest for Bitoque Wines and highlights a meaningful aspect of his past experiences in the region. His exploration of the negro criolla grape varieties showcases the distinctive wine culture in Bolivia, while his documented journey provides insights into local viticulture.
Original Source: www.independent.com
