Italian wine takes centre stage in Kenya: Gambero Rosso brings 50 producers to Nairobi

For the second consecutive year, Gambero Rosso has returned to Kenya, bringing around 50 Italian wineries for a tasting event. The event took place in Nairobi on 30th January as part of the international Top Italian Wines Roadshow tour.

The exhibition showcased wineries representing Italy’s great wine regions and attracted a large audience of industry professionals, restaurateurs, and Kenyan wine enthusiasts who participated in masterclasses and guided tastings.

"Italian wine producers have returned to Nairobi, and their numbers have grown compared to last year. This indicates that, over time, Kenyans are developing an increasing appreciation for Italian wine. In the first ten months of 2024, our wine imports have risen by approximately 12%, and Italy remains the third-largest supplier, after South Africa and France, with significant potential for further growth. Currently, we can say that one in ten bottles of wine found in Kenyan supermarkets and restaurants is Italian," stated Roberto Natal, the Italian Ambassador to Kenya.

During the event, Gambero Rosso also recognised outstanding Italian restaurants, wine shops, and importers who have excelled in quality, innovation, and promoting Italian culture and traditions through food and wine.

Curious and knowledgeable consumers

What do we take away from this trip? First and foremost, the joy of Kenyans during the event—happy to taste Italian wines, eager to discover their beauty. They flooded the stunning Shamba event space, a converted farm on the outskirts of Nairobi.

While prestigious Italian wine denominations are already well known, sommeliers, importers, and restaurateurs understand that Italy has much more to offer. The questions posed at the event suggested a well-informed audience. Even last year, we noticed this trend, but it seems that in just 12 months, the market has advanced by a decade—a characteristic of emerging wine markets.

The attendees were curious, knowledgeable, and eager to learn anecdotes and insights about Italian wines. The seminars were led by Giuseppe Carrus, curator of the Vini d’Italia guide, and Victoria Mulu-Munywoki, a renowned sommelier with a particular passion for Italian wine.

The tasting journey spanned Italy’s diverse wine regions, starting with renowned sparkling wines, moving through structured reds and Southern Italian reds, and including fresh young whites as well as mature whites that demonstrated excellent ageing potential. Pairing suggestions with traditional Kenyan cuisine added an extra layer of interest.

All eyes on Paris

The Top Italian Wines Roadshow by Gambero Rosso reaches some of the most promising emerging markets as well as established key destinations.

Following Kenya, the tour will stop in:

• Las Vegas on 24th February
• Tashkent (Uzbekistan) on 5th May
• Almaty (Kazakhstan) on 7th May
• Mumbai on 23rd May
• Bangkok on 3rd June

Meanwhile, the Tre Bicchieri programme—featuring 24 international events—will next stop in Paris on 12th February for Vinexpo, where the top-awarded Italian wines will take centre stage.