NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 14 – The uptake of wine culture in Kenya has seen a notable increase in recent years, reflecting evolving consumer tastes, changing lifestyles, and growing disposable incomes.
While Kenya has traditionally been a market dominated by beer and spirits, the burgeoning interest in wine signifies a shift in preferences and an embrace of global culinary trends.
Currently, the market has a range of wines from different countries e.g. South Africa, Chile, USA, Europe specifically Spain, Italy and Portugal.
The growth of wines in Kenya has been on the rise in recent years, with the country now ranked as the third-largest consumer of wine in Africa.
This growth has been attributed to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of wine among the middle class, the growing number of wine bars and restaurants, and the increasing availability of imported wines.
The majority of wine consumed in Kenya is red wine, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz being the most popular varieties. White wine is also popular, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc being the most common choices.
According to Cosmas Eghwa, Food and Beverage Manager Nairobi Street Kitchen (NSK), Kenyans are interested and looking to learn more about wines especially which wine’s can be paired with different foods.
“Food and Wine speak to exciting shared moments and a perfect blend of the two always gives an unforgettable experience. The perfect wine-food pairing sets the stage for a remarkable dining experience. For example someone indulging in a spicy or a steak dish, I would recommend opting for a full-bodied red wine, which complements the richness of the meal effortlessly” said Eghwa.
Now, Library 68, one of the signature outlets at NSK has a library of over 68 different wines sourced from diverse regions both in Europe, New Zealand and Africa to suit every occasion and preference.
Some samples from the collection include the Duorum, a 8-year blend, hailing from Portugal and renowned for its off-dry profile, to the exquisite offerings from Saronsberg, a celebrated winemaker in South Africa the range boasts an array of choices to suit every discerning palate.
“Alot more clients are interested in knowing more about their wines and how you can tell the difference between on wine and the next. We have wine tastings that begin with a guided visual examination of colour and depth, followed by a swirl to assess the body of the wine. Then we smell the wine to note the tasting notes and the spices we can discern in the wine” he added.
