Why is Dieter Meier in Argentina and I'm not?
There's been a lot of discussion lately on social media about the pros and cons of emigrating. I think it's ultimately a very personal decision that everyone evaluates from their own perspective.
And among all the stories of emigrants, one that caught my attention the most is that of Dieter Meier, a Swiss artist who first had a career in film, then founded a rock band (Yello, with hits like "Oh Yeah"), and now owns a winery in Mendoza: Ojo de Agua, an organic estate in Agrelo producing fresh, powerful wines full of personality.
How is it possible that Dieter chose Argentina as his destination, while I, on the contrary, settled in Düsseldorf? For that matter, why do I keep reading about others who come and go because they can't find their place here? Or even people like Dieter who find their happiness in the land we left behind.
At the end of the day, as a friend explained to me while we enjoyed a glass of Malbec, beyond the reasons each person might have for such a decision, emotions play a very important role—and they are more volatile and unpredictable. Of course, we can always justify things or rationalize the choice, but now everyone lives in their own world, and we won't all think the same.
In any case, I'm one of those who believes that emigrating is little more than a tragedy, and the process would be a bit less painful if we could have at hand the foods that make us happy.
In fact, a long time ago I read a book that explained how connections with food are formed in childhood, very early on, and that's why there's such a direct link between what we eat and what we feel.
And that's partly why—because I miss it so much, and because the best way to remember my country is through its wines—that I founded 1000malbecs. The goal is clear: open a bottle, sit at the table with friends from here and there, and let the memories flow.
Argentina is always present. And so are the wines from the genius Dieter: you can find them here on the Dieter Meier and Family Wines page.
Video
See you next week! 🍷🇦🇷
