Import info needed urgently!

[Darren]

I'm getting married in Tobago at the end of April and am thinking of taking over my own wine and champagne. I know there are enough of us going to take 16 bottles of bubbly, but what are the import hoops I need to jump through to take about 12 bottles of wine that would be over our personal import allowances?

Would it be easier to send them on ahead by Fed-Ex?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Darren

I don't know about the Customs and duty, but knowing Tobago guess it won't be straightforward or quick. Hopefully somebody with specific knowledge will be able to answer that question. My own reaction, though, was WHY? You can get perfectly good quality wine and champagne over there are price levels comparable with the UK, I believe. I would have thought that the cost and aggravation of shipping a case or more of heavy bottles over to Tobago would more than offset any special deals you might have been able to get over here.

[Patrick Dankou]

Hello Darren,
Steve has a very good point. There is absolutely no need to carry more than one bottle per person to Tobago. It might be confiscated or you could end up paying a lot of duty fees if customs finds it. We have at least 2 excellent wine shops over here, their assortment is pretty good even by european standards. My favourite is Fernadez fine wines located opposite the big penny savers supermarket in Bon Accord. If you are into italian wines try the Restaurant La Tartaruga in Buccoo, the owner is selling to hotels and afficionados and more than happy to open his incredible wine cellar for you and give you a lecture.
Enjoy...

[Paul Tallet]

I can vouch for Patrick on La Tartarruga's wine cellar ... Gabriele has what you need, plus the lecture for good measure !!! ... he is quite passionate about his work.

... there are plenty of licquor stores also.

You don't want the 'spanish inquisition' on arrival in Tobago for your wedding arrangements.