International Association of Wine Lawyers – Latin American Section (LATAM)

The Latin American Section (LATAM) of the Association Internationale des Juristes du Droit de la Vigne et du Vin (AIDV) is a non-profit civil association headquartered in the Province of Mendoza, Argentina, the heart of the region’s wine industry. Our members are legal professionals from across Latin America who share the common purpose of advancing the study of Wine Law through a practical, realistic, and multidisciplinary approach.

Mission and Main Objectives

The primary purpose of the Section is to serve the public interest by promoting the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of applied Wine Law. Its main areas of activity include:

• Academic Study and Continuing Education: Addressing the issues, challenges, and evolution of the regulatory framework governing the wine sector considering scientific, technological, environmental, and cultural developments affecting grape and wine production and marketing.
• Research and Legislative Harmonization: Promoting specialized research and encouraging the exchange of legislation among countries throughout the region, with particular attention to regional integration processes, while contributing to the harmonization of international regulations governing the wine sector.
• Training, Outreach, and Events: Organizing congresses, academic conferences, seminars, and specialized events that bring together professionals, technical experts, and members of the scientific community involved in the wine industry.
• Advisory Services and Institutional Cooperation: Establishing channels of communication and entering into cooperation agreements with governmental, academic, and private institutions at both the national and international levels, while maintaining complete technical and institutional independence.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution: Providing arbitration and mediation services, upon request of the parties, to resolve disputes arising within the wine value chain.

Through an approach based on the analysis of practical cases and multidisciplinary collaboration, the Latin American Section has established itself as a leading reference for the development and advancement of Wine Law throughout the Americas.

Officers

• President: José Juan Méndez (Mexico)
• Vice President: Roner Fabris Guerra (Brazil)
• Secretary: Cristián Mir (Chile)
• Treasurer: Carol O’Donnell (Argentina)
• Board Members: Valentín Francisco Ugarte (Argentina), Ramiro Moreno Baldivieso (Bolivia), Lola Kandelaft (Colombia), Martina Lourdes Rojo (Argentina), Victoria Taylor (Argentina)