Wine Fiesta as Gambero Rosso returns for Italian Wine Roadshow in Kenya

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Wine Fiesta as Gambero Rosso returns for Italian Wine Roadshow in Kenya
Wine lovers interacting with vintners during the event (Photo: Courtesy/ Manuel Ntoyai

Top Italian Wine Roadshow Gambero Rosso was Kenya for the second time, with the event celebrated the top establishments excelling in Italian cuisine and wine offerings, giving a coveted glimpse of where to get the best Italian cuisine, pizza and wine in the country.

Recognized establishments included Nairobi’s La Piazzetta by Non Solo Gelato, Watamu’s Sunset and Nairobi’s La Villa, La Dolce Vita, La Terrazza, Mateo’s, and Solo Grano, Watamu’s Visiwa, Papa Remo, and Tamu among others. 

Held at the picturesque Shamba Village in Loresho, the exclusive event drew industry professionals, wine enthusiasts and stakeholders from across East Africa showcasing over 170 wines from 44 wineries, compared to 35 who attended the event in 2024.

Organized by International Wine Consultants, VinPodium, and local business partner, Victoria Mulu-Munywoki, Wine Consultant, Judge and Captain Team Wine Kenya, the esteemed event saw 19 or 54 per cent of the wineries from 2024 returning for this year’s event marking a significant milestone in the interest in Italian wine culture in East Africa.

“The Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Roadshow is a prestigious and exclusive international tour, that showcases a selection of Italy's finest wines to global audiences, as featured in the award-winning Gambero Rosso Wine and Culinary Guide. Gambero Rosso is a renowned authority in the Italian wine industry, making this roadshow a significant occasion for wine enthusiasts worldwide”, said Mark Artivor, Founder VinPodium.

With a focus on creating linkages and introducing choice Italian wines to importers, distributors, retailers, restaurateurs as well as wine business leaders in East Africa, the event featured interactive wine tasting sessions of award-winning wines, highlighting Italy's rich and diverse wine heritage in addition to two masterclasses.

“We are seeing a heightened awareness of Italian wines and wine culture among Kenyan consumers and industry professionals. The Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Roadshow facilitates direct interactions between Italian wine producers and Kenyan stakeholders, paving the way for stronger trade partnerships,” said Victoria Mulu-Munywoki.

Fueled by an evolving middle class and a burgeoning appreciation for premium wines, Kenya's wine market has experienced significant growth in the recent past. In 2022, the country imported USD 23.2 million worth of wine, with Italy contributing approximately $1.87 million to these imports, reflecting growing consumer demand for quality and diversity.

According to market intelligence firm Statista the market is expected to generate revenues of USD 89.8m in 2025, with a projected growth of 6.09 per cent by 2029 to reach a market volume of approximately $109.6 million.

By 2028 wine consumption in the country is expected to rise to approximately 8,300 metric tons up from 8,000 metric tons in 2023.

However, even with these projections, challenges to the industry include rising taxation linked to inflation, which is expected to impact wine prices, potentially stifling consumption among other business and operational challenges, such as delivery delays and supply chain issues.

Even so, the vibrant growth of restaurants and social venues is expected to foster wine appreciation and knowledge, creating new sales opportunities for the industry, with consumers embracing a more sophisticated drinking culture.

 

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