Trinidad and Tobago’s recent alcohol duty increases have unexpectedly created a competitive advantage for the nation’s artisanal wine producers, transforming economic challenges into opportunities for growth. The substantial tax hikes implemented in October 2025—which doubled excise duties on spirits from $79.25 to $158.50 per litre of pure alcohol—have dramatically elevated prices of commercial liquors, effectively leveling the pricing field for small-batch local producers.
This fiscal shift has catalyzed a notable consumer migration toward locally crafted wines, as reported by several family-run enterprises. Jabari Mayers of Wine and Whimsy observed that previously hesitant customers are now embracing local products: “The price increases for shelf drinks are forcing even those not originally inclined to support local in that direction.” His wife Shantelle noted that their specialized production methods using wine yeast rather than conventional yeast previously positioned their products at premium prices, but the tax adjustments have narrowed this gap significantly.
The movement extends beyond mere price considerations. Jenissa Williams of Williams Wines identifies a cultural transformation: “People have developed a genuine appreciation for local wine across all age demographics. Younger consumers are increasingly participating in wine culture through tastings and sip-and-paint events.” Her business, sustained for over eleven years, utilizes indigenous fruits including sorrel, guava, passion fruit, and lay lay cherries, offering both full-size and sample-size bottles to accommodate consumer preferences.
Retail expansion is simultaneously accelerating. Sisters Lynissa and Lyndi Jordan of Aurora Bitayson Ltd reported unprecedented interest from chain-store retailers at the 2025 Trade and Investment Convention, necessitating production scale-ups to meet distributor demands. They attribute this growth to both market trends and institutional support through government-sponsored wine-making courses, with one virtual program attracting over 300 participants.
These enterprises represent more than commercial ventures—they embody cultural preservation. Williams traces her winemaking expertise to childhood observations of her great-grandmother’s techniques, while Aurora Bitayson honors their grandmother through eponymous branding while diversifying into fruit syrups, concentrates, and skincare products.
The industry’s vitality reflects broader global patterns. PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ 2025 Global Family Business Survey revealed that 25% of family enterprises achieved double-digit sales growth despite economic contractions, underscoring the resilience of purpose-driven, family-rooted businesses that leverage long-term investment strategies and community reputation.