[Cancuk]

Because of the influx of english speaking tourists/backpackers (I don't put them in the same category) you really only need a very basic understanding of Spanish, especially if you're going to a country like Chile. You only need Portugese if you're going to Brazil, and again a very basic knowledge will be fine inless you are going off the beaten path.

Cheers.

P.S. Next time you're at the Liquor store and you really want to open up your palate, try the following wines:

Syrah - Novarro Coreas - Argentina
Rhone - Benjamin Brunel - France
Bordeaux - Chateau Trememblay - France