PANAMA'S 
WINE CULTURE 

Although the Republic of Panama is a small country, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with a population of 2.9 million, wine consumption has risen considerably during the last five years, steadily making if one of the highest, per capital, in Latin America.

In 2003 alone, well over 300,000 cases of wine were drunk, and preliminary figures for 2004, as of the date of publishing, show an 17% increase over the previous year.

These figures are dirctly proportional to the growing suply of restaurants, bars and hotels throughout the Republic of Panama, as the country is decidedly banking on the tourist trade, with a steady increase in tourists arriving each year.

Panama's privileged geographical position, which makes it a de facto bridge between North and South America and a link between the tow largest oceans in the world, has influenced its melting pot of races, by providing immigrants from China, Malaysia, India, Pakistan; England, France, Spain and the Scandinavian peninsula; the Caribbean islands, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, all of which have left their mark on our gastronomical identity: Panama City has become a Latin American leader of fine dining.

Historically, Panama's busy ports have attracted impresarios and chefs from far and wide to this gorgeus squiggle of an Isthmus. Besides, its tropical position renders it unfit for wine production. This, and the virtual absence of import restrictions for alcoholic beverages has given the average Panamanian a sophisticated palate, not seen in its less fortunate neighbors due to their high import taxes.

For the reason, Panamanian are used to drinking noble wines and spirits, and the wealth of wines from all around the world make their way here, making Panama the promised land of the best food and beverage importers and producers. The new Administration's agenda includes an agressive campaing for the expansion of several types of tourism: Businees, nature, sports, resort, historical and leisure travelers all find Panama an appealing destination, majing the country a natural hub for Latin America.