Winemaker in the Spotlight: Giselle Alexander of Gizzy’s & Sons

In the heart of Tobago’s lush countryside, where fruit trees sway and traditions run deep, Giselle Alexander is crafting more than wine; she’s bottling legacy.

As the founder and creative force behind Gizzy’s & Sons, Giselle has emerged as a quiet trailblazer in the Caribbean’s small-batch winemaking scene, blending tropical fruits with ancestral wisdom and a dash of entrepreneurial grit. Her wines aren’t just beverages—they’re stories steeped in Caribbean soil.

From Lifeguard to Local Wine Luminary

Giselle’s journey into winemaking is as unconventional as it is inspiring. While still a lifeguard at the Store Bay Beach Facility, making sure that everyone’s on the beaches.

On her days off and as a side business venture, she operates a catering and winemaking business. Gizzy’s & Sons, which isn’t just a brand or wine business, but it’s a tribute to her late mother, who was not only her mother but also her mentor.

Her sons are involved in every step of the process, from fruit picking to bottling, making the business a living classroom in entrepreneurship and heritage.

Gizzy’s & Sons began as a backyard experiment, fermenting local fruits like sorrel, pommerac, and five-finger into vibrant, aromatic wines. Today, it’s a growing brand that champions Trinbagonian terroir, proving that world-class wine can emerge from unexpected places.

Giselle often says, “Wine is just the medium. What we’re really preserving is memory.”

Island Ingredients, Intimate Batches

What sets Giselle apart is her commitment to hyper-local sourcing. Every fruit is handpicked from nearby farms or grown in her own garden. She avoids imported additives and instead relies on traditional fermentation techniques passed down through generations.

Her most celebrated varietals include:

Sorrel Rosé – A tart, floral wine with hints of clove and cinnamon

Pommerac Blush – Light-bodied with a crisp finish and tropical aroma

Five-Finger Gold – A golden-hued dessert wine with notes of honey and citrus

Each batch is small, seasonal, and crafted with care—making Gizzy’s wines a true reflection of the island’s rhythm.

A Winemaker with Vision

Giselle isn’t just making wine; she’s building a movement. Her vision is to educate and empower local communities to see winemaking as a viable, sustainable craft.

Her philosophy? “Wine should tell a story. Ours begins in the soil and ends in celebration.”

What’s Next for Gizzy’s & Sons?

With growing interest from eco-tourism operators and boutique restaurants, Gizzy’s & Sons is poised for expansion.

Giselle plans to launch a limited-edition line of aged fruit wines and explore collaborations with local chocolatiers and chefs.

Giselle Alexander is more than a winemaker, she’s a cultural curator, a sustainability advocate, and a proud daughter of Trinidad and Tobago. Through Gizzy’s & Sons, she’s bottling the essence of the islands and inviting the world to taste its richness.