Our Story
Rooted in Trinidad. Grown for the World.
How a jar of rice wine, a grandmother's letter, and a promise to a mother became the Caribbean's first vineyard and winery.
The Beginning
A Taste Passed Down
V'Toria Rhonda Vineyard & Winery Ltd. was founded with a simple goal: crafting award-winning, innovative, high-quality wines from exotic tropical fruits infused with classic grape varietals.
"My mother, Yvonne, began making wine in 1962 with her village neighbours as a hobby, and continued doing so as early as I can remember. At the age of 13, my mother had a jar of rice wine stored in her cabinet and offered me a taste. I took a liking to it immediately — and decided to have a little more later that night, when everyone was asleep."
— The Founder
1999
A Promise Made Abroad
In her senior year of university, our founder had the opportunity to take part in an exchange programme in London, experiencing cultures far from home. Upon her return, she turned to her mother and said: "Mom, I am going to start a winery and name it after my grandmother, Mrs. Victoria Harper, and myself."
Soon after, her mother began teaching her how to make her very first wine — from oranges. Our Remember Me wine was inspired by this very photo, taken by our founder at Queen Mary's Gardens, across from Regent's University, London — and it went on to win Gold at the 2021 USA Wine Ratings.
The Defining Moment
The Letter That Named Us
"A few years after establishing the company, I found a letter from my grandmother, Victoria, where she signed 'VR' — V for Victoria, her first name, R for Richardson, her maiden name. I immediately recognised that these were the initials of my company."
— The Founder
Today, those initials — extracted from that very letter — are printed on every label we produce.
Grandmother Victoria's original letter, signed “V.R.”
Milestones
The Legacy, Timeline
Where It Began
Our founder's mother, Yvonne, begins making wine with her village neighbours in Trinidad — a family tradition passed down for generations.
The Vineyard is Planted
A passion fruit vineyard is established at Rio Claro — the first of its kind in the Caribbean.
First Int'l Medals
Remember Me wins Gold and Just Perception wins Silver at the USA Wine Ratings, plus recognition from the Sommeliers Choice Awards.
Six Blends, Three Product Lines
Six signature wines now anchor our wine, wine jelly and Trinitario chocolate wine bar collections.
Why V'Toria Rhonda
What Sets Our Wines Apart
- Tropical & unmistakably Caribbean — exotic fruit blended with classic grape varietals
- Small-batch, estate-grown — produced on our own Rio Claro vineyard
- Internationally recognised — multiple medals from USA Wine Ratings and Sommeliers Choice Awards
- Research-backed innovation — chocolate wine bars developed with UWI's Cocoa Research Centre
- Genuinely hospitable — an intimate 30-seat tasting room for celebrations of every kind
Guests Hosted in Our Tasting Room
Signature Tropical Blends
International Award Medals
Vineyard & Winery of Its Kind in the Caribbean
In Their Words
Guests & Partners on the V'Toria Rhonda Experience
“The Discover wine jelly on a cheese board is a revelation. Grapefruit and Merlot, just the right amount of tart and sweet. I keep a jar in the fridge at all times.”
“Ordered a case of wine jellies as gifts — Just Perception and Pure Diamond especially — and every person asked where to buy their own. Beautifully packaged, incredible flavour.”
“The True Passion wine is what got me into this brand. Real, honest tropical flavour, not overly sweet. Now I order every flavour as they release.”