In Paraguay, business is booming, and with that growth comes an increasingly competitive environment. Betting on an innovative idea is no easy feat. However, Korean entrepreneur Daniel Lee Park was captivated by the flavourful blend of wine and beer, which captured the attention of Paraguayan consumers and challenged all expectations. This is how Draft Red Line came to life. It is a carbonated mixed cocktail that offers a refreshingly original and delicious option for those who are willing to try something new.
A Dream Fulfilled With Patience
Although the product only hit the Paraguayan market in 2024, Daniel’s story with Draft Red Line began years earlier. After living in Brazil for 15 years and moving to Paraguay in 2015, he discovered this Brazilian-made drink in 2023 and did not hesitate to bring it to local shelves.
“The challenge is what inspires me,” Daniel says. And it is precisely this resilient and patient spirit, unafraid of failure, that allowed him to break into a rarely explored industry in Paraguay. “I always had the support of my family to start this business, although they made sure I understood the risks and difficulties involved,” he shares.
What Is Draft Red Line?
It is not wine, nor is it beer. Draft Red Line is a carbonated cocktail that merges the best of both worlds. Made with a base of red wine, maize chopp, and a hint of barley, it is served chilled and contains 6% alcohol. Its sweet yet balanced flavour makes it ideal for those seeking a smooth drink with body, but without the intensity of traditional alcoholic beverages.
Tasting Draft Red Line is like being swept into a playful flirtation. From the very first sip, the enveloping sweetness of red wine caresses the palate, while subtle barley notes appear at the finish, like a whisper inviting another taste. Its carbonation adds a refreshing sparkle, perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.
Daniel recommends pairing it with anything from pasta to barbecue, or even using it in cocktails like a caipirinha. “Many say it reminds them of clericó or cider,” he says, though its unique flavour surprises and delights everyone who tries it. Whether served on its own, over ice, in a cocktail or alongside a meal, Draft Red Line always finds its place. As Daniel puts it, “It is for everything.”
The Paraguayan Consumer’s Challenge
One of the biggest hurdles Daniel faced was local resistance to trying new things. “Paraguayans are shy when it comes to tasting something unfamiliar, but once they like something, they stick with it,” he notes.
A clear example of this was Draft Red Line’s participation in the “Palmear” event in Asunción, where around 170 bottles were sold.
Daniel shares a curious anecdote from Ciudad del Este: “Sometimes, when husbands buy craft beer to drink at home, their wives complain about the high prices. But once they tasted Draft Red Line, the complaints stopped, and they started asking their husbands to bring it home instead,” he laughs. Draft Red Line brings people together.
Draft Red Line Distribution And Expansion
Although the team behind the product is still small, it thrives on strong values and a passion for growth. Draft Red Line is now available at key locations in Asunción, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación, Santa Rita and Caaguazú. In the capital, it can also be ordered via the Monchis app, offering easy access for those who prefer to shop from home.
Some notable stockists include: Boutique Bodega, Supermercado Villa Sofía, Restaurante SU, Kawai Bodega (Lambaré), Porkus Carnicería, Restaurante Oktoberfest (San Bernardino), among many others.
Currently, the available variety is made with red wine, but new flavours are on the way, including peach, white wine, and lemon with vodka. Another highlight is the La Española cocktail: a refreshing mix of 50ml condensed milk, 50g fresh fruit, ice, and Draft Red Line, a perfect combination for summer.
Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Daniel Lee Park encourages anyone with an innovative business idea to “be patient, stay resilient, and never give up.” Ego, he says, must be left behind when investing in a business, and the company’s values should be reflected in every team member.
Exclusive Discounts For VIP Members
As a special offer for VIP Members of The Asunción Times, Draft Red Line is offering a 15% discount on everything you order, whenever you show your VIP Member Card – one of many VIP Member Benefits. To redeem this exclusive discount, VIP members must show their VIP membership card when making a payment.
Anyone interested in learning more or making a purchase should contact Draft Red Line on Instagram.
