Motivated by his passion and talent, Warren Douglas returns to Guyana to open a unique winery
When Warren Douglas decided he wanted to produce wines on a broad scale, he chose his homeland Guyana because of the lush fruits here. That is when he started the Pandama Retreat and Winery, which is said to be Guyana’s first winery manufacturing quality wines using only local fruits.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Douglas recalled sitting in his in Charlotte, North Carolina backyard with his wife Tracy, a fashion designer and artist, when a very interesting conversation ensued. Tracy indicated she wanted to start making soap again. She had manufactured her own soap for several years.
“I remember indicating to her that I always wanted to make my own wine, and I was going to start researching the process. I read everything that I could get my hands on about wine making and decided to invest in the equipment. My first batch of wine was made from North Carolina peaches, and it was a hit with friends and family all across the United States. I continued to make wines and we gave bottles as gifts at parties and gatherings. When Tracy and I decided to move to Guyana to live, I knew that wine making would be a major part of the Pandama Retreat experience,” he reminisced.
With the proliferation of exotic fruits in Guyana, it did not take much time for Pandama Wines to come into being. Pandama Retreat Winery was established in 2009. It is located in Madewini, off the Soesdyke/Linden highway.
Now, the winery offers several fruit wines that include pineapple, jamoon, aunty desmond, noni, cherry, malacca pear, duka, carambola and sorrel. Pandama Wines also offers “Pulse”- a libido enhancement tonic wine made from barks native to Guyana and the Amazon. It is a real treat and has received rave reviews from ladies and gentlemen alike.
Of note is the boulanger, also known as eggplant or aubergine, wine. Douglas mentioned that according to his research, eggplant is low in fat, protein, and carbohydrates. A 1998 study at the Institute of Biology of São Paulo State University, Brazil, found eggplant juice to significantly reduce weight, plasma cholesterol levels, and aortic cholesterol content. Douglas has masterfully used eggplant to create a rich white wine. He recommends it to be enjoyed with chicken and other white meats.
The connoisseur added that Pandama Winery creates exotic fruit wines of extraordinary elegance and sophistication, and celebrates the tropical flavours of Guyana. The different types of wines are also said to help with many diseases because of the fruits they are made with. Wines enthusiasts have a choice of enjoying a glass of their favourite flavours in dry or semi-sweet.
The winery recently introduced a line of naturally fermented red and white wine gourmet vinegars. These amazing products, he said, are marinades and tenderizers for all types of meat, fish and tofu.
“Our motivation is stimulated by our passions and our talents. My wife has lived her life as a creative being, using her talents to generate income; combining spirit and prosperity. When we met, she encouraged me to do the same. So here I am making wine with fruits, barks, peppers, herbs and grains. Every day I get to either make, bottle, sell or have a glass of my passion: wine,” he declared.
Douglas revealed that the local response has been outstanding. Many local and overseas-based Guyanese, who visit regularly, would visit the retreat centre to relax, drink wine and eat fabulous food.
“Our focus is not mass production, but rather providing a quality product that is satisfying to all of our customers. There is a real need for quality local wines in Guyana, both for Guyanese here and in the diaspora. Pandama Wines has made it to many tables in the United States and the UK during the holiday season, and we intend to keep things moving. Our focus is not mass production, but rather providing a quality product that is satisfying to all of our customers. We are now poised to introduce Pandama Wines to the rest of the world. We are pursuing the necessary export certifications to allow the company to reach as many wine lovers as we can,” he disclosed.
The wines are sold at GMC (Guyana Shop), Bounty, DSL Cash and Carry, Geeta Kings (in Bourda Market) and at Pandama.
To assist with the Christmas rush, Douglas stated that they have joined with seven artists to host a Caribbean Christmas sale at Moray House, December 11-15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Through our recent line of gourmet vinegars, we would like to educate the community about the importance of natural vinegars for their medicinal, cosmetic and culinary uses. We will always gently expand our product lines because we are always growing. In the future we are planning to launch a line of sacred herbal beers,” he revealed.
For information on Pandama Winery visit www.pandamaretreat.com
