Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. thriving
    • ex. The small café is thriving because many people visit it every day.
  2. a record low
    • ex. The temperature reached a record low during the winter storm, the lowest temperature ever recorded in that area.
  3. a vineyard
    • ex. Many tourists visit the vineyards that produce fresh grapes during the harvest season.
  4. export
    • ex. Canada’s export levels increased after it found new international markets.
  5. a tariff
    • ex. High tariffs can make products more expensive for consumers.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Argentina’s once thriving wine industry is facing its worst crisis in over 15 years. Despite this, in Mendoza, the center of the country’s wine region, hundreds of wine lovers still gathered for the National Wine Harvest Festival. Visitors enjoyed music, dance, and local culture, but the celebration came as wine sales continued to fall across Argentina.

Wine consumption dropped to a record low of 15.7 liters per person in 2025, compared to 90 liters per person in 1970. At the same time, more than 1,100 vineyards have closed, and grape production has decreased. Experts say lower income levels and changing habits are causing the decline. Many people are drinking less wine, while younger consumers prefer other options.

The global market is also weak. Argentina’s wine export levels are decreasing, reaching their lowest point since 2004. Wine trade groups say high costs and trade tariffs make it difficult to compete with countries like Chile, which enjoys free trade agreements with over 60 countries. Some wine producers are changing their products to attract younger buyers, but industry leaders warn that without major changes, the crisis may continue.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Wine Industry and Consumption

  • In Mendoza, wine lovers gathered for the National Wine Harvest Festival. Do you think festivals like this can help increase wine sales? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Some wine producers are trying to change their products to attract younger buyers. Do you think this is a good or a bad idea? Why? Discuss.
  • In Argentina, more than 1,100 vineyards have closed. How do you think business closures affect the lives of people in a community? Discuss.

Global Market and Competition

  • Do you think competition between countries is important in business? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What do you think businesses can do to stay competitive in the global market? Discuss.
  • Which do you think is more important in global competition, quality or price? Why? Discuss.