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Fruit-flavoured wine, which is often considered the sweet gems of the wine world, not only captures the essence of their base fruit but also offers a delightful twist on traditional winemaking methods. Propa GT Local Wines, a thriving business from Middle Walk, Buxton, East Coast Demerara is bringing this unique and vibrant twist to Guyana’s wine industry with a line of wines that are now certified ‘Made in Guyana’ by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).
This achievement allows Propa GT Local Wines to proudly display the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its range of Fruit Flavoured Wines, including popular selections like Red Silhouette, Bliss Night Nurse, Miss Addicted, The CEO, Is We Own, Mr. Fix Up, and Tek Time.
The journey of Propa GT Local Wines is one of unexpected turns, resilience and a passion for creating something authentically Guyanese. Founder Abigale John, who originally ran a successful t-shirt printing and embroidery business known as ‘AJ Signs’, was introduced to the world of wine by her uncle in 2019.
Though initially hesitant, Abigale’s interest in winemaking grew, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic, “at first, I was reluctant, it seemed like a farfetched idea to promote wine with personalized t-shirts, it was outside what I had envisioned for myself. However, life has a funny way of guiding us where we need to be. With the pandemic, the world changed overnight but I saw an opportunity to bring joy to these moments through wine,” Abigale boasted.
As the pandemic shifted the dynamic of businesses globally, Abigale quickly adapted, promoting her wines with such success that she soon became known as the ‘Wine Queen of Guyana’. By 2022, she took full control of the winemaking process, parting ways with her uncle but retaining her vision for creating wines that are a true representation of Guyanese culture and flavours.
The young businesswoman proudly relayed, “I realized it was more than just a business venture, it was my calling. I wanted to create something that was authentically Guyanese, something that represented our culture, our flavours and our spirit. Today, I am so proud, it is not only close to my heart but also certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards. This journey has taught me that sometimes the paths we are reluctant to take lead us to the most fulfilling destinations.”
The recent Made in Guyana Certification is a testament of Abigale’s dedication to quality and authenticity. Each bottle of Propa GT Local Wines reflects the rich, vibrant spirit of Guyana, ensuring that customers enjoy a product that meets the standard of excellence. Abigale relayed, “Achieving GNBS Certification is a significant milestone which will enhance our brand’s credibility, boost consumer confidence, and open doors to new markets both locally and internationally. It sets us apart as a trusted local producer committed to maintaining quality standards which is crucial in building a loyal customer base.”
She highlighted, the certification has positioned her company well for future growth opportunities where quality and compliance are paramount. Ultimately, it is a step towards cementing Propa GT Local Wines as a leading player in the industry, dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.
Abigale lauded the GNBS team for facilitating a smooth certification process. “The process of working towards certification with the team was thorough, stress-free and collaborative. It involved a detailed assessment of our production processes, quality control measures, and overall compliance with Food & Drug requirements. The GNBS team was highly supportive, providing guidance and feedback every step of the way.”
Like many other local businesses, Propa GT Local Wines has been fortunate to receive meaningful support from the Government, which has tremendously helped the business. This was underscored by Communications Manager, Cordell McClure of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce who spoke on behalf of Minister Walrond at the business’s Made in Guyana Certification ceremony. Mr. McClure emphasised Government’s commitment to offering support to the newly certified wine business to take it to a higher level.
The GNBS applauds Propa GT Local Wines for its growth and achievements and encourages other local businesses to grow with standards; getting certified under the GNBS Made in Guyana or other relevant certification programmes.
For more information, visit the GNBS website: gnbsgy.org or call: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp: 692-4627. (GNBS Feature)
