Living the Caribbean Dream: A Hollywood Escapee’s Journey to a Belizean Wine Bar

May 13, 2023
by Larry Waight +

Hollywood, the city of stars and relentless pursuit of fame was once home to Jana Belknap. But at 53, she traded its glitz and glamour for the serene beauty of the Caribbean, as highlighted by International Living. Leaving behind a high-pressure career in TV and movies, she now enjoys a balanced and laid-back life in Belize, relishing her love for wine and cheese.

Jana’s journey is a testimony to the importance of following your passion. As reported by International Living, she realized that if she had to work, it would be far more fulfilling doing something she loved instead of experiencing burnout and overwork.

Her Belize adventure began with a vacation rental company. Although it covered the bills, Jana quickly recognized that this venture did not align with her dreams. International Living further reveals that her aspirations were not merely about subsistence but about the finer things in life.

The Birth of a Wine Bar Dream in Belize

Jana’s epiphany came while seated on Caye Caulker, a small island in the Caribbean Sea, just south of Ambergris Caye. There, she envisioned her dream job — a wine bar that would allow her to share her passion for wines and cheeses with friends and visitors.

With no formal background in the field, Jana, as she shared with International Living, considered herself a wine enthusiast, desiring to create a space where people could enjoy fine wine, meats, and cheeses. Thus, her indulgent yet viable business idea was born amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Caribbean.

Caye Caulker was the epitome of the laid-back island life Jana had longed for during her exhausting Hollywood workdays. Her first visit in 2002 sparked a yearning to exchange the frenzy of Los Angeles for leisurely strolls along sandy streets and refreshing swims in the Caribbean Sea. In 2011, at the height of her burnout, Jana decided to turn her dreams into reality.

International Living shares Jana’s fond memory of her early days in her rustic cabana in Caye Caulker, with its minimalist kitchen and occasional crab visitor, as a testament to her perfect new life. A chance encounter with an old man, who noticed her rejuvenation, reaffirmed her decision to stay in Belize.

Jana opened The Dreaded Grape wine bar and ran it for three successful years before feeling the pull towards another picturesque Belize location: Placencia. International Living describes Placencia as a rapidly growing destination, known for its sugar-like beaches, situated at the base of a 16-mile peninsula in southern Belize, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and a stunning freshwater lagoon on the other.

Embracing the Belizean Lifestyle: The Little Wine Bar

In 2018, Jana opened her second wine bar, The Little Wine Bar, in Placencia Village. As documented by International Living, the rustic-style bar, adorned with reclaimed wood, offers over a hundred different wines, along with an assortment of meats, cheeses, fresh bread, and charcuterie board accompaniments.

Proudly incorporated into Jana’s offerings are local Belizean products, including spicy beef sticks, triple cream cheese, and habanero jelly. She also introduced wines from a Belizean producer in California, all contributing to the rich gastronomic experience at The Little Wine Bar.

Jana revealed to International Living that her business enables her to lead a comfortable life, travel for leisure, and visit her family back home. With Belize’s tourism industry standing strong and Placencia emerging as a top destination, she anticipates a busier season ahead. However, her business will always be secondary to her enjoyment of life.

Jana’s future plans involve operating the bar from November to August, taking a well-deserved break during the low tourist season in September and October. This downtime provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in her love for travel. Living on a beach with two months off each year – it’s hard to imagine a better life.

The once relentless LA traffic is now a distant memory, replaced with serene morning walks along the Caribbean shoreline. Work-related stress is a thing of the past. Today, as shared with International Living, Jana spends her workdays engaging in delightful conversations about her passion with customers. She says, “I’ve gotten very good at drinking wine, eating delicious food, and talking about it with friends.”

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Jana’s tale is not just about achieving success in a foreign land but also about embracing a lifestyle that’s truly fulfilling. Living her dream has bestowed upon her what she describes as a “well-rounded life.” Jana proudly tells International Living, “My quality of life is incredible here.”

This story, brought to light by International Living, serves as an inspiration for those looking to break free from the constraints of their routine lives. It shows that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and that doing so can lead to a life of fulfillment and happiness. Whether it’s the tranquil beaches of Belize or the rolling vineyards of Italy, the world is full of opportunities for those willing to take the leap.

Jana’s transition from Hollywood to Belize embodies the essence of pursuing a dream tirelessly. Her journey to establish a successful wine bar serves as a testament to the fact that with determination, passion, and a bit of courage, one can turn their dreams into reality. This account, as detailed by International Living, proves that the Caribbean dream is not just a fantasy, but a lifestyle that is within reach.