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I came across the below story of which I have pulled a small exert. 

Ahhh Cuban Wineries. The Cuban Agriculture Minister told us about them and the areas we could find them. They proved to be as elusive as as the Loch Ness Monster. Upon returning to Havana from our expediton we caught up with the good minister at a cigar dinner where we told him of our growing scepticism toward the apparently burgeoning Cuban wine industry. 

With the cat out of the bag, he spilled the beans. All Cuban wine is imported in bulk  from Italy and bottled as Cuban wine. 

We had a good laugh :D

 

 

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"Finding Cuban Wine
Our stop at Ranchon La Aguada will always be memorable for us – not just because of the beautiful, open, palm-covered building (the ranchon) and immaculately-kept restaurant, but because for the only time during our time in Cuba we found Cuban wine for sale. We asked at every hotel and restaurant where we dined, but no Cuban wine.

 Ranchon La Aguada 1 Ordering food at Ranchon La Aguada Convenience store
 Pete with map of Cuba Campo Alegre Vino Tinto
We found Campo Alegre Sangria and Campo Alegre Vino Tinto de mesa and decided red table wine was a safer bet than sangria. We purchased the Vino Tinto in a 500 ml box (it was only available in a box – 500 ml or 1L) for 7.50 Cuban Pesos. Here is what we know about it from the box:

“Campo Alegre wine comes from a selected mixture of grapes which offers a red table wine of nice taste. It is recommended to accompany daily meals turning them into special moments to be shared with the family. It is recommended to consume fresh at temperatures between 16 and 18ºC. 12.5% Vol. Alc. Contains sulfite. Product of Cuba.”

We didn’t have high hopes for this non-vintage wine but we can both say with enthusiasm that it exceeded expectations in every way. It had nice aromas and flavors of red and dark fruit, a medium body and smooth tannins. It wasn’t the sweetish, grapey wine I was expecting. It would successfully pair with chicken, pork or pasta. Score one for the roadside stop!"

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Years ago (2012/13).  A couple of us waited for a dropoff of cigars at a locals house.  While we waited we got to talking in "Spanglish" rather well and he told us he was making his own wine and asked if we'd like to try.  We said yes and he came out with some glasses and a bottle.  The wine was very rose' in hue and when we drank it, it was very sweet.  He asked our opinions on in it and to be honest.  It wasn't horrible by any means, but it was far too sweet and lacking body to my taste.  We asked him how he made it.  He showed us some pretty decent vines growing in his backyard and some plastic bins he was using to store the juice.  He lamented that not having access to any wood barrels was a huge barrier.  We agreed.  In all not a bad effort his first go around.  I wish we could get him a barrel or two.  With that said, Cuba could certainly give growing wine grapes a go.  They have the right conditions for the most part. 

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i did a story on chasing cuban wine for the local gourmet traveller wine mag years ago. everywhere, it was yes we make wine but the next village.  and yes, the industry went from nothing to allegedly full vineyards and wine picked and made in a month - a month where large italian tankers sat in the harbour.

finally, on the way to the airport to leave, through that market garden area, i saw vines growing. i yelled to the driver to stop but he was basically stuck on a freeway and could not. i told him i had been searching for vines all trip.

but sir, he replied, those were pineapples. 

and they wonder why they do not have a wine industry!

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