The second edition of the Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Roadshow was hosted in Nairobi at the Shamba Cafe in Roresho.
The event showcased premium Italian wines and it drew industry professionals, wine enthusiasts and stakeholders from across East Africa to explore the best of Italian wine culture with a showcase of over 170 wines from 44 wineries representing 15 regions in Italy.
It is organized by wine consultants, VinPodium, and local business partner, Victoria Mulu-Munywoki, a wine consultant, judge and the Captain of Team Wine Kenya. The event saw 19 or 54% of the wineries from 2024 returning for this year’s event.
“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.
The event focused 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, in addition to two masterclasses.
Delivered by Italian wine expert Giuseppe Carrus and Victoria Mulu-Munywoki, the classes are designed to educate local traders, importers, and restaurateurs on Italian wine varieties and pairings.
For the second time, 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 Kenya. They include (not in any order);
1. La Cascina, Nairobi
2. La Casa di Nico, Nairobi
3. Pomodoro, Nairobi
4. Padel, Nairobi
5. Wine & More Kenya, Diani
6. The Wine Shop, Nairobi
7. Liv Vin, Nairobi
8. Enoteca, Nairobi
9. La Salumeria, Nairobi
10. Roberto’s, Mombasa
11. Tamu, Watamu
12. Papa Remo, Watamu
13. Visiwa, Watamu
14. Solo Grano, Nairobi
15. Matteo’s, Nairobi
16. La Terrazza, Nairobi
17. La Dolce Vita, Nairobi
18. La Villa, Nairobi
19. Sunset , Watamu
20. La Piazzetta by Non solo Gelato, Nairobi
“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.