Navigating wine offerings in Guatemala

How does one navigate through various wine offerings in Guatemala? Since 2010 I have been based half of the year in Antigua, Guatemala, and the other half stateside. Wether in Guatemala, or in the US, my writings have centered around wine. My travels have lead me to the wine regions around the world. Hence when I am in Guatemala I like being able to have access good wines. I have found that Guatemala's wine distributors are the best sources to get most of my wines.

Bodega 46, Distribudora Alcarazen © Spaswinefood

Navigating Wine Offerings in Guatemala

Living in Antigua means access to wines is limited to supermarket wines except for a few wine shops, and others selling wine, unless you discover Guatemala's wine distributors. Sure, the larger supermarkets and Pricesmart are options. However, I have discovered that Guatemalan wine distributors (see list below) are the sources. Besides I can order online and have the wines delivered to my door.

Mosel Valley, Germany © Spaswinefood

For sure acquiring wine in Guatemala is a challenge, especially if you are looking for specific wine (s). Often I have to check with more than one distributor to come up with a reasonable list of wines. Doing a simple wine tasting with friends does present obstacles. I would never attempt a vertical or horizontal wine tasting. Nevertheless, if you simply want to enjoy exploring wine with friends, you will find a reasonable selection.  

Wine Tasting, Agua Antigua © Spaswinefood

The wine menus at restaurants have continued to improve over the years. These days some restaurants (e.g. Agua Antigua, Meson Panza Verde) offer wine tastings, which feature wine and food pairings.

Meson Panza Verde, Antigua © Spaswinefood

For sure I have enjoyed visiting the wine distributors in Guatemala City. Some of the distributors have tasting rooms, and/or hosts wine events. 

Distribudora Alcazaren, Guatemala City © Spaswinefood

Distribudora Alcazaren, Guatemala City © Spaswinefood

Guatemala's wine distributors are a great finds #offthewineroad, and a great resource for #winelovers.

Casablanca Valley, Chile © Spaswinefood

February Vineyard, Napa Valley, California © Spaswinefood

Reflecting on Vine-filled Travels

While I am in Guatemala my blogging focuses on vine-filled travels, which have taken me around the world to the wine regions of Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Chile, Canada, Georgia, Greece, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, and Uruguay. My future wine travels will continue to explore these regions and beyond.  

Bodega 46, Guatemala City © Spaswinefood

I look forward to sharing (1) wine travels, (2) off the wine roads adventures; and learnings from (3) wine events, and (4) special topics on wine. I invite you to join me at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon © Spaswinefood

CHEERS!

Sharon

January 9, 2022

Antigua, Guatemala

Guatemalan Wine Distributors

List of wine distributors (Distribuidoras del Vino) for Guatemala:

1. Alcazaren  https://alcazaren.com.gt 
2. Baco http://baco.gt
3. Catador Foidesa  http://catadorenlinea.com 
4. Corchos https://www.corchos.com.gt 
5. Grupo Errebi http://grupoerrebi.com 
6. Marte http://www.dmarte.com
7. Vinoteca https://www.vinoteca.com.gt
8. Cofradia de los Vinos https://www.lacofradiadelosvinos.com.gt
9. Vinos https://www.vinos.gt
10. Porvino https://www.porvino.gt
11. Somm Wine GT https://www.quintadomorgadogt.com

The services offered by the above wine distributors varies. Please check their websites for details.

NOTE: I will be happy to add others to the list if you provide the info in the comments section of this blog post.