One of the world’s most recognisable and respected large brands, Familia Torres is using its 3D printers to exclusively produce protective equipment for healthcare workers fighting coronavirus.

Reaching into the far-flung corners of the Earth

COVID-19 is reaching into the far corners of the world in which humanity has dominated almost every hectare. In the course of today, I have spoken to a friend in Illinois, another in Bogota, a winemaker friend in South Africa, and another mate in Sydney. The one thing we all have in common is that we are all isolated in a state of planet-wide unknowing.

Help & togetherness

There are many fabulous things happening around the world as humanity is demonstrating on so many levels the desire to reach out and offer aid, consolation and joy to others. 

Of course, there are so many instances, and they are growing, of tragedy. Aside from the illness and death toll of the virus itself, we are heading into unchartered economic and mental health waters. 

Raising a glass; enjoying the moment

Achieving even the slightest modicum of normality is a key element of getting through this. For wine-lovers the world over we have the opportunity to liberate bottles of wine in search of pleasure that might currently seem evasive.

In order to pay tribute to the good work of Familia Torres I have this evening liberated a bottle of Reserva Especial Cordillera Carmenére 2012 from Chile. It is a very attractive wine with dark inky rich berry fruit, slightly peppery but also full of youth. 

Ensconced in our London flat with glasses charged, it is time for Fred Astaire to join the party singing Putting On The Ritz… Our ills have departed and we are enveloped in a spell of fine wine and music. 

But where were we…?

Familia Torres is participating in CV19_FAB_Vilafranca, a citizens' initiative organized via Telegram, which also includes other companies and institutions in the county with access to 3D technology. The effort is supported by the Vilafranca City Council and local police, which will help distribute the equipment.

Securing Face Shields

Familia Torres is producing part of the face shields, specifically the headband that holds the protective shield in place.  Since last Thursday, the winery has produced more than 150 headbands and is also collaborating in their assembly. 

Delivered to hospitals & the vulnerable

The equipment will be delivered to the Hospital Comarcal de l'Alt Penedès (the Alt Penedès county hospital) and other county facilities, such as nursing homes and the Mas Albornà occupational centre for people with disabilities. The initiative is also open to hospitals and healthcare facilities in other areas, which can request equipment via Telegram.

Functioning under strict guidelines

Familia Torres states that it will continue to collaborate in the fight against coronavirus with these and other actions in the weeks to come. In doing so, the winery joins the many efforts and initiatives by companies and individuals to support healthcare workers.   

I’ll be raising more glasses this week with winemakers and also opening some fabulous English wines to show support for local winemaking scene. 

With solidarity and hope for a post-COVID-19 world in which we can all thrive… cheers!

Related:

 Torres & Waitrose: Green thinking innovations for wine-lovers in 2020

Miguel Torres: "I'm an oenologist & realised the consequences for the vineyards were going to be terrible"