Belize's Wine-Growing Industry: A Tropical Paradise's Potential

Belize is known more for its beer and rum than for its wine. The country's warm tropical climate is not ideal for growing Vitis vinifera grapes, so grapes are imported and wine is expensive. However, Belizeans make their own wine from the unique fruits of the country, including cashew wine, orange wine, and blackberry wine.

Belize's wine culture

Belize is more known for its beer and rum than its wine. The country's warm tropical climate is not ideal for growing Vitis vinifera grapes, so wine is usually imported and tends to be expensive. However, Belize does have a unique wine culture, with fruit-based wines made from local produce.

Belizeans have embraced the challenge of their climate by making wines from a variety of fruits, including cashew, orange, blackberry, rice, ginger, craboo, tamarind, and hibiscus flowers, which they call sorrel wine. Cashew wine is one of the most popular wines consumed and can be found throughout the country. The village of Crooked Tree even has its own Cashew Festival, usually held in June, celebrating all things cashew. The wine is made from the cashew fruit, not the nut, and Belizeans have a saying about it: "Be careful. The next day, when you’re in the sun, you will still be drunk."

Belize's small population of around 420,000 people (as of 2020) means that there is a limited domestic market for wine. As a result, most wine is imported, and the high cost of duty fees makes it expensive. However, there are a few notable wine shops and bars in Belize, such as Wine de Vine in San Pedro, which offers a large selection of South American, Napa, and European wines.

Despite the challenges of growing grapes in Belize, there is at least one winery in the country: the Bel-Mer Winery in Hattieville, which produces a Soursop Wine with flavours and aromas reminiscent of mead or melomel.

While wine may not be the first drink that comes to mind when thinking of Belize, the country's wine culture is unique and diverse, showcasing the creativity and resilience of its people in utilising local ingredients to create delicious fruit-based wines.

Wine grape alternatives

Belize is not a country known for its wine production, and grapes do not grow well in the tropical climate. However, Belizeans have been making wine from a variety of fruits, vegetables, and even flowers. These wines are often very sweet and considered an acquired taste. Here are some examples of wine grape alternatives used in Belize:

• Sorrel/Jamaica (hibiscus): Used to make a rosé wine called Swirly Head Rosé, which has received positive reviews from wine drinkers.
• Cashew fruit: Contrary to what the name suggests, cashew wine is made by fermenting the cashew fruit and not the nut. It is a sweet wine that is best served very cold.
• Ginger: This wine has an extremely strong ginger flavor and is more suitable as a mixer than consumed on its own.
• Soursop: A common fruit in the Caribbean with alleged medicinal properties. Soursop wine has flavors and aromas similar to mead or melomel.
• Blackberries
• Orange
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Cherries
• Peaches
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Violets
• Parsnips
• Dandelions
• Jalapeno peppers
• Corn cobs

Blueberry wine is another alternative to grape wine that is gaining popularity. It is available in both sweet and dry varieties and is known for its intense flavor and deep purple color. Blueberry wine is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols, which have health benefits such as reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

Popular Belizean wines

Belize is known more for its beer and rum than wine, and its warm tropical climate is not ideal for growing wine grapes. However, Belizeans make their own wine from the country's unique fruits.

One of the most popular wines consumed in Belize is cashew wine, which can be found throughout the country. The wine is made from the cashew fruit, not the nut. The village of Crooked Tree even has its own Cashew Festival, usually held in June, celebrating all things cashew. Belizeans have a saying about cashew wine: "Be careful. The next day, when you’re in the sun, you will still be drunk".

Other popular wines in Belize include ginger wine, craboo wine, tamarind wine, blackberry wine, and sorrel wine. Sorrel is a member of the hibiscus family and is considered a holiday drink when made into wine. Craboo is a small fruit that grows on trees with bright yellow and red flowers and is a favourite snack of children.

In addition to wine, it is a tradition for many Belizeans to make their own fruit juice. Common juices include watermelon, cucumber, lime, soursop, and papaya.

Imported wine in Belize

Belize is known more for its beer and rum than for its wine. The country's warm, tropical climate is not ideal for growing Vitis vinifera grapes, so wine is usually imported and tends to be expensive. However, there are some domestic wines made from blackberries, cashews, or rice.

Wine de Vine in San Pedro is one of the biggest and best wine shops in Belize, offering an impressive selection of imported wines from South America, Napa, and Europe. They also offer wine flights and wine and cheese pairings.

Belize's largest wine cellar is located at Turtle Inn, a resort owned by Francis Ford Coppola. The cellar holds over 1200 bottles, including verticals of Coppola wines and interesting, rare Champagnes.

Local drinks in Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and ancient Mayan ruins. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about wine, Belize offers a variety of unique and delicious local drinks. From refreshing fruit juices to potent rum cocktails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here is an overview of some of the most popular local drinks in Belize:

Belikin Beer

Belikin beer is the most popular beer in Belize and is considered the "World's Best Beer" by many. Brewed in Belize City by the Belize Brewing Company, it is made with locally grown ingredients such as malted barley, hops, and water from the country's pristine rivers. Belikin offers a range of varieties, including the classic Belikin Lager, the full-bodied Belikin Stout, and the fruity Belikin Sorrel Stout. It is best enjoyed ice-cold, providing a refreshing taste that pairs well with the hot Belizean climate.

Cashew Wine

Cashew wine is a unique drink made from the fruit of the cashew tree. While the nuts are typically the star of the show, in Belize, the fruit takes centre stage in the form of wine. Cashew wine has a distinct flavour profile, combining fruity and nutty notes, often likened to a light sherry. It is perfect for sipping while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. The village of Crooked Tree celebrates the cashew fruit with its annual Cashew Festival, usually held in June.

Rum Punch

Rum is the liquor of choice in Belize, and rum punch is a classic Caribbean cocktail that is popular in the country. This potent drink typically consists of rum, fruit juices such as pineapple, orange, lime, and grapefruit, and a splash of grenadine. The exact recipe varies depending on the bartender, but the result is always a delicious, tropical beverage. One Barrel Rum, produced by Travellers Liquors, is a locally made rum that is often used in rum punch and other cocktails.

Panti Rippa

The Panti Rippa (or Panty Ripper, in English) is a beloved cocktail in Belize, especially among women. It is a simple yet divine combination of coconut rum and pineapple juice, creating a taste of the tropics. With the right balance of sweetness and refreshment, it goes down smoothly and is perfect for a night out or a day at the beach.

Other Local Specialties

In addition to these popular drinks, Belize offers a range of other unique beverages. Seaweed shake, made with fresh seaweed, coconut water, and sweetened condensed milk, is a nutrient-rich and beloved local drink. Horchata, a traditional Mexican drink, is also popular in Belize and is made by blending rice, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar with water, resulting in a sweet, nutty flavour.

While Belize may not be known for its wine in the traditional sense, the country certainly offers a diverse and exciting range of local drinks that showcase the creativity and resourcefulness of its people.

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