Smart Choice Farms Expands into Wine with a Spotlight on Türk
A light drizzle misted the early evening air on Monday, March 2, cooling the heat and setting an easy tone as guests arrived at Trio Wine Bar for the launch of Strictly Positive, where the music was smooth, the mood effortless and the wines intentionally curated.
Presented by Smart Choice Farms in association with Trio, the monthly wine and tapas experience marks the company’s thoughtful entry into the wine space. Known locally for its award-nominated pepper sauces, Smart Choice Farms now expands its portfolio under the direction of owner Bernd Hasenbichler — or “Bernard,” as many affectionately call him — who hails from Austria and has called Jamaica home since 2013. His selection now brings expressive wines from Austria and France to the local table.
The atmosphere inside Trio was light and unpretentious. A steady flow of guests — including members of the diplomatic corps, new residents who have made Jamaica their home, and familiar wine enthusiasts — gathered early and lingered long into the evening. The Ambassador of Russia Sergey Svyatoslavovich was among those in attendance.
DJ Tuff Gong, originally from Germany and a resident of Jamaica for over 14 years, layered the space with an eclectic yet restrained soundtrack — soulful, rhythmic selections that encouraged conversation without overpowering it.
The evening spotlighted Austrian producer Weingut Türk, with guests sampling Grüner Veltliner “Der Leichte,” Grüner Veltliner “Urgestein,” Chardonnay “Classic,” Riesling Kremser Weinberge and the Blauer Zweigelt Rosé. The Riesling and Rosé emerged as clear favourites, the latter drawing repeat requests throughout the night.
Guests were also introduced to Château de Reignac from Bordeaux, its red expression photographed alongside richly seasoned spicy meatballs — a pairing that proved both bold and balanced.
The wines were complemented by thoughtfully executed tapas: Plump garlic shrimp lightly sautéed to preserve their sweetness; crisp calamari popcorn offering delicate crunch; golden mozzarella tenders with a satisfying pull; cumin-yoghurt chicken skewers layered with warm spice; and hearty meatballs whose depth stood confidently against the structure of the Bordeaux red.
By evening’s end, it was clear that Strictly Positive had achieved exactly what it set out to do — create a space where good wine, good food and good company intersect without pretension.
Smart Choice Farms will continue the series with monthly Saturday editions under the recurring theme: Building a confident and relaxed wine culture, one gathering at a time.
Enjoying the evening’s wine tasting were (from left) Russian Ambassador to Jamaica Sergey Svyatoslavovich Petrovich, Proven Properties Sales and Customer Service Associate Natalie Sawyers, and Smart Choice Farms principal Bernd Hasenbichler.(Photo: Kimroy White)
Türk Blauer Zweigelt Rosé paired with golden mozzarella sticks. The wine’s crisp acidity balances the dish’s warm, creamy centre. (Photo: Kimroy White)
Smart Choice Farms principal Bernd Hasenbichler set the evening in motion by pouring a glass of Türk Chardonnay Classic.(Photo: Kimroy White)
Grüner Veltliner Urgestein from Weingut Türk complemented plump grilled shrimp. Its crisp acidity cuts cleanly through the dish’s savoury glaze.(Photo: Kimroy White)
Weingut Türk’s Blauer Zweigelt Rosé, the undeniable favourite of the night, captivated guests with its crisp, expressive charm. (Photo: Kimroy White)
Grilled chicken skewers layered with spice and char paired with the Türk Chardonnay Classic.(Photo: Kimroy White)
LCB Consulting CEO Lisanne Bogle was in attendance at the launch. (Photo: Kimroy White)
Beverly Levy (left), a long-standing presence on Jamaica’s social scene, and Sophia Max Brown, Trio Wine Bar co-principal, enjoyed the evening’s selections.(Photo: Kimroy White)
International Seabed Authority Legal Officer Marcelino Miranda (left) and Campari Group Managing Director Daniel Caron-Boulard paused their wine tasting for a quick photo.(Photo: Kimroy White)
Trio Wine Bar co-principal Carlos Max Brown (right) and Smart Choice Farms principal Bernd Hasenbischler (second left) shared the frame with Ribbiz co-director Brian “Ribbie” Chung and attorney-at-law Roshani Howard.(Photo: Kimroy White)
Raising a toast with glasses of Türk Rosé were (from left) Sagicor Life Financial Advisor Tiffany Lawson, JN Group Assistant Manager, Promotions and Events Justine-Renee Jarrett, and attorney-at-law Krystal Cameron-Murad.(Photo: Kimroy White)
Honey Bun Foundation General Manager Nashauna Lalah and her husband VM Group Senior Manager Robert Lalah relished their glasses of vino.(Photo: Kimroy White)
Financial systems and analytics consultant Paul Collister (left) and Smart Choice Farms principal Bernd Hasenbichler clinked glasses in celebration of the evening’s festivities.(Photo: Kimroy White)
Cannabis Licensing Authority Jamaica Director of IT and Business Services Carl Carram and Wisynco Limited Marketing Coordinator Alafia Lynch were among the guests embracing the evening’s easy rhythm and wine-forward experience. (Photo: Kimroy White)
Fashion designer and stylist Kaysian Wilson Bourke toasted the evening with a glass of Weingut Türk’s Blauer Zweigelt Rosé.(Photo: Kimroy White)
DJ Tuff Gong, originally from Germany and now based in Jamaica for over 14 years, brought a cross-cultural rhythm to the evening, blending European nuance with unmistakable Caribbean ease. (Photo: Kimroy White)
Among the guests at the launch were (from left) Proven Properties Sales and Customer Service Associate Natalie Sawyers; Captain Joseph Lloyd; and National Commercial Bank Head of Corporate Affairs and Foundation Belinda Williams. (Photo: Kimroy White)
