DTcuba.com

Cuba’s westernmost province, Pinar del Río, is ready for the grape harvest, which will be used to make high-quality wine.

Vineyards, which barely covered eight hectares two years ago, have expanded twofold at present, so large grape production is expected in 2005.

Bodegas San Cristobal, which is located near the vineyards, processes the grape to produce more than one million bottles of red, white and pink wine next year.

The grape from the Bermejales vineyard, 78 kilometers west of Havana, has replaced must imports for wine production.

First obtained from Chardonnay, Sauvignon and cabernet grapes, the San Critobal, Soroa and Castillo del Morro brands have been highly demanded by both Cuban and foreign consumers.

The development of vineyards using Italian clones has allowed guaranteeing the raw material that the industry needs.