Who would have ever thought…premium California wines in the Caribbean?

When you are dining at any fine restaurant in the Caribbean you will probably see Dry Creek Vineyards as a selection. This is one of the premium wineries in the Sonoma, California appellation. The reason why I bring up this topic is because it is one of the ONLY California wines you will typically find.

Now, why would Dry Creek Vineyards export to the Caribbean?

I found out the answer to this question several years ago while having a Navy Grog at Pusser’s in Road Town, Tortola. I may not be the best resource for premium wine information, but I do know my Napa and Sonoma wines. I have visited Dry Creek Vineyards many times in Sonoma and I have gotten acquainted with the founder of the winery, David Stares. So, while I am draining my Grog who should I see walk in but David Stares. I immediately snag his arm and ask if I could buy him a drink and find out what in the world he is doing in the Caribbean. The story that unfolded was a real surprise.

David is an avid sailor. Almost all of his wine bottles have a sailboat on the labels. I had no idea that Dry Creek Vineyard’s commitment to the sport of sailing extend far beyond their wine labels. David’s company is one of the BIG sponsors of sailing regattas around the world. He even donates a portion of the sales of his Regatta Red and Regatta White to US SAILING to further develop their educational and team building efforts.

Mr. Stare founded Dry Creek Vineyards in 1972 and is now one of the few family owned wineries in California. His daughter, Kim, and her husband, Don Wallace, have taken over the daily operations of the winery, however, David’s finger prints are still on each of their releases. In addition, you can go their website and view the entire gallery of sailing labels they have used over the years. We finished our drinks and he walked out the door on his way to his boat to sail to the Bitter End Yacht Club where Dry Creek Vineyards was the major sponsor of the annual Pro Am Regatta. This even brings together the “rock stars” of the sailing world for a week’s worth of regattas and wine related activities.

Remember one of my mantras? “Do what you love the money will follow!” David Stares and his family is living that life everyday as they produce world class wines and integrate in their love for sailing along the way. Let me know if you find any other interest wine stories during your visits to the Caribbean. I know that Secret Harbor Restaurant in Red Hook, St. Thomas has created an expanded wine list that includes many wines from the Napa / Sonoma region of California.