Ocoa Bay is the only vineyard in the Caribbean. Found in Azua about one and a half hours from the Dominican Republic’s capital Santo Domingo, its position between the Central Mountains and the sea has a dry climate perfect for cultivating grapes. I sampled a lovely Temparillo followed by a French Colombard of a quality to satisfy any connoisseur.
Maria Claudia and Guillermo Mallarino left careers as oncologists in the USA when they fell in love with this location. ‘We noticed vines growing in gardens’ says Maria Claudia ‘The climate is the same as California so it seemed natural that wine could be produced here’. That has been happening for three years on the 27 acre sustainably run plot and the couple have plans to open villas and a vineyard hotel.
www,ocoabay.com