First World-Class Winery Opens in Costa Rica

In late 2011, Napa Valley wine consultant Kerry Damskey planted 4 hectares of Grenache, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah grapes in Copey, a high altitude location in the San José province of Costa Rica, in the Dota canton.

The land is bordered by the cantons of Perez Zeledon, Tarrazu, and El Guarco.  The altitude in this region is approximately 2000 meters.  The canton was originally inhabited by the Huetar indigenous people.  Copey is mostly known as coffee growing region that gets about 51,435 mm of rainfall each year.

Damskey has admitted that his Costa Rica wine project will face some challenges, but he is confident he will be able to adapt to local conditions and overcome these challenges as he has suceeded in Nashik, India in the past.  He is confident that Copey is comparable to California's Napa Valley at a considerably higher altitude.

In the future, different types of grapes including Merlot and Zinfandel will be planted as well.  The first vintage is expected in 2015.  This is the first major step in building a viticultural heritage in Costa Rica.  There is no doubt that "Ticos" are thirsty for quality wines and a domestic harvest bottled locally would be perfect to satisfy their curious palates.