In the heart of old Nassau, next door to Government House and only a few minutes from the white sand beaches, you will find the Graycliff Hotel and a five-star restaurant. The Graycliff Hotel has a very interesting history and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here is the link if you are interested in learning more about it – https://www.graycliff.com/graycliff-history/ . It is a very lovely area with small boutiques where the storefronts are painted in bright colors reflecting the flavor of the Caribbean.
Attached to the hotel is Bahama Barrels which is the first winery in the Bahamas. It is housed in a charming 1937 church built by the Sisters of Charity. Although grapes are not grown in the Bahamas, Bahama Barrels ages the grapes which they import in different barrels to enhance their flavor. Bahama Barrels does, however, make wines from tamarind, mango, and sea grapes, which are all locally sourced.
Bahama Barrels offer a wine blending course that lasts for about an hour. It is taught by an experienced Californian winemaker who will guide you through the nuances of wine tannins, acidity, balance and finish of winemaking. The best part is that you get to bring home a bottle of wine which you made yourself. Sadly, we didn’t have time to participate in the blending course but definitely have it on our list for the next trip!
We tasted about eight different kinds of wine and of course brought home two bottles – one white and one red which I am looking forward to enjoying. The staff was delightful and we loved the time we spent there.
