African Sun Wines, brand owner of Mara Wines, has won two medals at the 4th Annual USA Wine Ratings Competition held in San Francisco.
Participants were rated out of a possible 100 points based on three different criteria including quality, value, and packaging. The event is organized by Beverage Trade Network (BTN), which also hosts industry events worldwide and owns media assets and platforms that connect the global drinks industry.
A panel of high-profile wine industry judges awarded Mara Nyeupe a gold medal.
The Chenin Blanc, inspired by Kenya, was chosen for its well-balanced acidity and playfulness between floral and ripe tropical fruit flavors. An approachable wine that pairs well with fresh seafood and chicken. Mara Nyekundu won a silver medal in the same competition at the same time. This also puts Mara Nyekundu on the map in terms of quality and widespread consumer appeal.
Mara Nyekundu, derived from the Swahili word for red, won praise for its delectable blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which boasted intense aromas of plums, vanilla, and blackcurrants. The fruity wine is nice with traditional Kenyan Nyama Choma, Asian curries, and a good old-fashioned steak.
Sid Patel, CEO and Founder of Beverage Trade Network, stressed the importance of finding wines that perform well in all three categories rather than just one. “We believe it provides a broad and comprehensive approach to evaluating wines in the same way that consumers and trade buyers do. Consumers are increasingly thinking of wines as brands, just like they would any other product they find in a supermarket,” Patel said.
The judging panel consisted of commercial buying experience, master sommeliers, and wine masters of wine industry professionals. The presence of so many high-profile judges ensured that the wines awarded medals in the competition had a high level of commercial appeal.