Paraguayan wine

Paraguay is one of the countries of South America that produces wine. However, Paraguay does not have active wine exports as of 2015 and its wine is little known outside its country of origin.

History

Paraguayan wine history falls into three distinct chronological categories. In the mission period starting in the late 16th century, Spanish-speaking Jesuit missionaries planted European grapes (vitis vinifera) as part of the cultural goal of creating a self-sufficient Christian community. With independence in the early 19th century, Paraguayan winegrowing died out. The new country turned to other beverages and its demand for sacred wine was filled by imports. In 1908 Carlos Voigt, a winegrower of German heritage, began growing grapes in the province of Guiará. This marked the rebirth of the Paraguayan wine industry.