The inaugural Sugar and Rum Season will shine a light on the island’s rich heritage, that is steeped in a passion for the sweetest spirit of all

Just as wine aficionados love to tour the vineyards of France, and whiskey fans spend their days in the distilleries of Scotland, so Barbados is the number-one destination for all rum connoisseurs – as well as for heritage enthusiasts who are eager to uncover the fascinating story of the original buccaneering spirit of the Caribbean.

For the most authentic experience, you could do worse than follow the course of the original ocean-going mariners who first peopled Barbados and take a trip across the Atlantic to this beautiful Caribbean island during the Barbados Sugar and Rum Season, which runs from 15 January to 15 April. It could be one of the most rewarding voyages of your life.

From as far back as the 1600s, sugar – and the rum which was made from it – dominated the economic development of Barbados, right up until the 1990s.

There was a time when Barbados was known as “the richest spot of land in all the European colonies in the Caribbean region”, all made possible by a thriving sugar industry, and booming rum production.

The inaugural Barbados Sugar and Rum Season, part of a Year of Culinary Experiences, will share the true story of sugar and rum through a series of tours, dining experiences, and other enriching culinary and cultural activities. It’s a time when every foodie’s dream becomes a reality, with rum cocktails and delicious Caribbean cuisine spread out before you as you enjoy sunshine while relaxing on pearl white sand.

Cultural history: take advantage of the roster of events during the festival, and visit Sunbury Great House Credit: Alamy

With more than 20 events from which to make your choice, the Barbados Sugar and Rum Season will provide foodies and heritage enthusiasts with an experience like no other. This is an exciting, experiential season, which is steeped in creativity, history and authenticity. It is also a gateway to exploring the beautiful island of Barbados, where sweet-toothed travellers will find a home from home.

1 Sugar and rum cooking classes

If you’re interested in having the full hands-on sugar-and-rum experience, then why not learn to cook some indigenous Barbadian dishes using sugar and rum with executive chef, Peter Edey at the Dining Club, Newton Industrial Estate in Christ Church (24 January-4 April)? At these cooking classes, you have the unique opportunity to learn the history of local foods, why locals cook the way they do and about the unique way in which they season their food.

These dinner and lunch classes are complemented by chocolate and pastry-making sessions, which will provide you with the opportunity to savour the sweet decadence of chocolates filled with the taste of the island’s mouth-watering ingredients.

2 Plantation feast and Great House tour

The Barbados Sugar and Rum Season also features evenings steeped in the island’s history and elegance at one of the best-preserved plantations and great houses remaining in Barbados, the Sunbury Great House in St Philip (16 January-10 April).

With a pre-dinner cocktail offered upon arrival, guests are taken on a guided tour of the historic plantation house, which is full of treasures from the past, including mahogany antiques, old prints and a collection of horse-drawn carriages. You’ll then sit at the 300-year-old dining table to be served a sumptuous five-course, sugar-and-rum themed feast, poised to delight your taste buds.

3 Rum Expo

There are more amazing culinary experiences to be enjoyed, including the Rum Expo in St Michael on 27 January, where one’s tastebuds will be stimulated by a wide range of Barbados’ finest rums. And as well as the most original rum cocktails and the sweet sounds of some of the island’s finest bands, you’ll find out all about the richness of rum – Barbados’ very own liquid gold.

For further details about the Barbados Sugar and Rum season, visit visitbarbados.org/sugar-and-rum-season