Kenya is raising a glass to Soraiya Ladak and this time, the world is watching.
For the first time, Kenya will compete at the ASI Best Sommelier of the World Contest 2026, taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, this October. A global stage all to often described as the Olympics of Wine.
Representing the country of Kenya is Soraiya Ladak, Managing Director of The Wine Shop Kenya and the newly crowned ASI Kenya Best Sommelier 2026.
Her journey is bigger than wine. It is about putting Kenya’s hospitality industry on the global map, celebrating expertise, and showing what happens when African talent gets a seat at the international table. She will be the only women representing Africa and only one of five Africans taking centre stage.
Kenya’s wine market is valued at around USD 286 million, the industry is always evolving beyond simply pouring a good glass of wine. Consumers are now looking for experiences, knowledge and increasingly sophisticated hospitality.
Soraiya’s achievement also shines a light on women carving out space in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated and doing it with confidence, curiosity and plenty of good taste. As Kenya joins countries including South Africa, Morocco and Mauritius on the global sommelier stage, the Road to Lisbon 2026 is one worth raising a glass to.
Soraiya Ladak a proud member of the Sommeliers of Kenya Association (SOKA) are excited to elevate Kenya’s wine scene. You can watch the exclusive conversations on her journey, the Road to Lisbon campaign, and the changing face of Kenya’s wine and luxury hospitality industry.
