A recent CNN report by real estate expert John Defterios focuses on the Dominican Republic’s first claim to eno-tourism, or wine-growing tourism. The journalist visited The Ocoa Bay winery and real estate development in Palmar de Ocoa, a 90-minute drive southwest of Santo Domingo. For the first time specially designed vineyard plots that allow residents to produce their own wine are part of the real estate offering, under architect Gabriel Acevedo.
Acevedo explains that the area’s uniquely dry climate that receives an average 600mm of rainfall per year is what sustains the development of the vineyard by the sea.
He told CNN that the construction of the first 30 ecological and vineyard villas are scheduled to begin in December 2015 with 33% pre-sold.
He added that in just over two years, Ocoa Bay has had five successful harvests. While volumes produced remain low, experts say that quality is high.
“It’s the new Napa Valley of the Caribbean,” Acevedo said. “The new Bordeaux or Rioja. A unique and new destination in the Caribbean.”
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/20/business/ocoa-bay-dominican-republic/