Sip of South America 2026: Reflections from the Stage

This was my fourth year working on Sip of South America with Wine Enthusiast, and the conversation keeps getting sharper.

I co-moderated the panel with Anna-Christina Cabrales (WE Tasting Director). Oscar Garcia (Wine and Spirits Director at 67 Wine), Jonathan Charnay (Co-owner, Nuyores Restaurant), and Cody Stephenson (Importer Portfolio Manager at Skurnik) joined us.

We covered everything from sparkling wine to storytelling, AI to food pairing. But two takeaways stood out for anyone working with South American wine: wine diversity and why Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon aren’t going anywhere.

Why South American Wine Diversity Is a Competitive Advantage

“People should visit South America,” one of the panelists said as we waited to go on stage to discuss the current state of South American wine in the US. We were all excited to share why this is such a remarkable region. And we did so as soon as we had our mics on.

The discussion centered around the diversity of wine styles and grape varieties, which is natural given that South America spans multiple countries. And even if you narrow it down to just Argentina and Chile, that’s still a lot of land with completely different climates and landscapes.

South American vineyards grow at high altitudes, near the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, in the Atacama Desert, and all the way to Patagonia. It makes total sense for producers in the region to make wines from other varieties beyond Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon or even Chardonnay.

Charnay highlighted Sangiovese and Sémillon, Garcia advocated for indigenous varieties, and Stephenson pushed sparkling wine. And if you’ve ever had any of those wines, you know they belong in the US market—not as novelties, but because they solve real problems for wine programs.

South American light-bodied red, white, and sparkling wines would be a fantastic addition to any menu. They can pair well with a variety of dishes, and this diversity adds value, versatility, and engagement to the dining experience.

The Enduring Appeal of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

Skurnik’s South American portfolio features Cinsault, Bonarda, and Chenin Blanc—varieties that consumers typically do not associate with the region—alongside more familiar options like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. I asked Stephenson why these classic varieties remain relevant for American consumers.

He explained that these wines appeal to consumers due to their historical significance, and they will continue to do so as long as they evolve.

I believe South American Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are delivering—with more freshness, more depth—and that’s broadening their appeal across generations.

This isn’t producers chasing a trend. It’s a natural progression towards enhanced quality and increased complexity.

And that’s exactly what the Sip of South America demonstrated: producers expanding their range while improving their iconic wines.

I hope you enjoyed the event. If you didn’t attend, I look forward to seeing you next year!