
"In 1999 I planted the grapes because in this area people told me that the wines are a very good price at harvest," Berta said. "For four years I've been a member of the co-operative. I joined the co-op because it's easier for us to sell the grapes."
"It is easier to sell the grapes at the winery because it is difficult to sell our grapes to other places," Audilio added.
As well as the vines, the couple grow vegetables which they either eat themselves or sell at the market, but grapes provide their main source of income.
"The grapes represent 70% of our income each month," Berta said. "We would like to plant more vines but we do not have the money for this."
Does she think fair trade will help her to earn more money?
"I think maybe it is better for the business when the people know who grew the grapes. We are able to save a little for the future."
Berta was born in the old farmhouse and now lives in a newer one next door, which was built with government assistance.
"I am very happy living here," she said. "Harvest is a very happy time. Thirteen people come here and we harvest in one day. Eight of them are neighbours. They come to help me and I go to help them.
"We eat all together: cazuela - a chicken soup with potatoes – and rice with salad. And we drink wine. Sometimes we cook lamb.
"At Christmas we have a good dinner, with wine."
About Las Lomas (Covica, Chile)
The co-operative is based in Cauquenes in the Maule Valley and was founded in 1939, following an earthquake that devastated this region of Chile.
There are around 60 workers at the winery, which is one of the main employers in an area of high unemployment. Many of the 240 members are small-scale farmers with less than five hectares of wines. S
ince gaining its Fairtrade status in 2006, the winery has begun a programme of social change to help to improve the lives of the winery and vineyard workers through improved education, sanitation and health.
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