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Reggae Wine Festival sizzles

Published:Friday | August 19, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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The Gleaner's Shernett Robinson and Hasani Haughton of Jamaica National Building Society enjoyed the vibe at the International Reggae Wine Festival at Cinnamon Hill in Montego Bay, St James, last weekend. - Sheena Gayle photo
Ismael Downs and his better half, Sheron Thompson enjoy the festivities.
From Left:Tanisha Samuels, J. Wray and Nephew, Paula-Ann Lee-Smith, Air Jamaica; and Angella Ibar of Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, pose for the Social pages.
From Left: Veronica Ward, Dr Carlene Grant, and Amoy and Garry Turnbull pose for The Gleaner's lens at the inaugural Reggae Wine Festival.
From Left: Wayne Cummings of Uncle Mike's Restaurant, Dr Patrick Harris, MP, Rose Skinner, RIU Resorts and Ryan Keating, Rigan Enterprises, at the inaugural Reggae Wine Festival last Saturday night at Cinnamon Hill in Montego Bay.
They are hot and they know it! Shelly Russell of Shelly's Day Spa and Michelle Parkes of the Montego Bay Convention Centre. - photos by Janet Silvera
From Left: Lacy Williams, Celia Paris and Lisa Williams caught up in Alaine's sterling performance.
Dean Salmon and Sidonney Spence get warm and cosy.
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Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Jahbralta's Sex Pearl, Caribbean Producers' Hob Nob and Betco's Little Ping Wing, combined with singers Alaine, Tessane Chin, John Holt and Romaine Virgo to thrill wine lovers at the inaugural International Reggae Wine Festival last Saturday night.

Held at the 18-hole championship Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay, the event also blended beautifully with the historic Rose Hall aqueduct, selected by Carlos Daley, organiser of the festival.

On arrival at the venue, in exchange for their tickets, patrons were handed souvenir wine glasses which became a 'second skin' throughout the evening.

It was easy for patrons to 'Hob Nob' at the CPJ booth, sampling this wine of French origin, which is from a versatile grape which produces exceptional wines around the globe. Hob Nob is usually medium to full-bodied, with a fine structure that supports black and red fruit flavours with typical notes of olive, chilli and herbs that add complexity.

Those whose curiosity was piqued by the Sex Pearl Organic Roots wine, made here in Jamaica, bought bottles of the product just so they could prove whether it is a sexual stimulant for both men and women. After all, the ingredients boast bragging rights of treating nervous-system disorders and anxiety, while increasing sexual arousal, thus guaranteeing heightened sexual experience.

For Betco, the other wine distributor at the event, their clock tower wine rack was an attraction in itself, and when the Little Ping Wing went down, whether Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot or Shiraz, they satiated the taste buds.

If supported, the International Reggae Wine Festival has tremendous potential to grow into one of the island's major events.

Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com