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Placencia, Belize – May 4, 2026: The third annual Vines in Paradise was held on the Placencia Peninsula this past week. The four-day event, a celebration of wine, music, culture, and connection, brought together over 200 attendees hailing from the U.S., Canada, and Belize.
Vines in Paradise: Wine & Jazz featured a curated series of immersive experiences, each intended to celebrate the fusion of Belize’s vibrant coastal landscape—and its hospitality—with the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and excellence of Black wineries and winemakers.
On Thursday, April 30th, guests gathered for an intimate evening of wine tastings, live music, and lively conversation at the opening night, hosted at Itz’ana Resort. Then, on Friday, they indulged at 4 select dining partners for the Winemaker’s Dinner: Turtle Inn's Gaugin Grill, Blue Reef's Bamboo Beach Bistro, Muna Restaurant at the Ellysian, and The View at Villas at Playa de Coco. The dinner featured a four-course culinary experience thoughtfully paired with wines from attending winemakers.
The festival’s signature event, Wine & Jazz Night, hosted at Naïa Resort & Spa on Saturday, delivered an exceptional evening set against the stunning backdrop of Placencia’s coastline. Guests enjoyed curated wine tastings complemented by expertly prepared culinary bites, while live performances elevated the atmosphere. The line-up featured acclaimed artists both local and international, including Chris Bradshaw, Marcus Johnson, J. Cas, and internationally recognized singer-songwriter Goapele, whose performance brought the evening to a memorable close.
The weekend concluded with a relaxed and scenic day trip to Moho Caye, offering attendees a final opportunity to connect and unwind in one of Belize’s most beautiful island settings.
Vines in Paradise is made possible through the support of key partners, including: Black Vines, the Belize Tourism Board, Naïa Resort & Spa, Alaska Airlines, JSL Wines, The Little Wine Bar, and Wine Smith Ltd.
The festival is set to return in 2027 for another unforgettable iteration.
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