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Italian Elegance and Wine Mastery: The 2025 Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Roadshow in Nairobi
Gerald Kombo
February 14, 2025
The Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Roadshow returned to Nairobi on January 30th, 2025, for its second edition, celebrating the rich diversity of Italian wines and cuisine while bringing together Kenya’s top restaurateurs, wine experts, and hospitality professionals. This year’s event saw a grand showcase of over 170 wines from 44 wineries, highlighting Italy’s renowned and emerging wine-growing regions.
Organized by Gambero Rosso International, led by Luigi Salerno, Chief Executive Officer and International Director, the roadshow aimed to deepen the Kenyan market’s understanding of Italian wines and their pairing potential.
Kenya is an exciting market with tremendous potential. Wine consumption here is growing rapidly, and we see a strong appetite for high-quality, authentic Italian products. Events like this strengthen cultural and economic ties while offering a glimpse into Italy’s winemaking heritage.
Wine Education: Raising Kenya’s Wine IQ
A key highlight of the event was the Wine Masterclass, conducted by Giuseppe Carrus, a highly regarded Italian wine educator. Carrus introduced attendees to lesser-known Italian grape varieties, emphasizing the importance of terroir and sustainable practices.
Wine is a story of the land
Understanding the region behind the wine makes every sip richer and more meaningful. Kenyan consumers are ready to embrace this depth of experience.
Victoria Mulu-Munywoki, a Wine Consultant, Judge, and Captain of Team Wine Kenya, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for ongoing education to build a deeper appreciation for wine.
Our palates have evolved. Kenyan wine lovers are adventurous and ready to explore complex Italian wines, and we are here to guide that journey
Tourism and Gastronomy: A Perfect Pairing
Fiona Ngesa, Deputy Director for Business Development at the Kenya Tourism Board, highlighted the role of Italian wine and cuisine in promoting Kenya’s growing gastronomy scene.
Italian wines are a natural fit for Kenya’s diverse and vibrant culinary landscape. Enhancing our gastronomy offering helps position Kenya as a world-class destination for food and wine tourism
Strengthening Economic and Cultural Bonds
Roberto Natali, Italian Ambassador to Kenya, placed the event in the broader context of Italy-Kenya relations, emphasizing ongoing bilateral efforts to foster economic growth and trade.
We are working to create a business environment that supports investment and trade
Negotiations to avoid double taxation will bring clarity to our partnership and encourage more Italian businesses to invest in Kenya.
20 Must-Visit Italian Restaurants in Kenya
As part of the celebration, 20 restaurants were recognized for their excellence in Italian cuisine and wine offerings. This recognition (not a ranking) offers a roadmap for the best Italian culinary experiences in Kenya.
Discover the top spots for authentic Italian flavors:
La Cascina, Nairobi – Rustic charm with regional specialties.
La Casa di Nico, Nairobi – A blend of tradition and innovation.
Pomodoro, Nairobi – Famous for its Neapolitan pizza.
Padel, Nairobi – Elegant Italian dining.
Wine & More Kenya, Diani – Wine-forward cuisine on the coast.
The Wine Shop, Nairobi – A hub for wine lovers and Italian bites.
Liv Vin, Nairobi – Curated wines with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Enoteca, Nairobi – A boutique Italian wine bar.
La Salumeria, Nairobi – Artisan meats and wines.
Roberto’s, Mombasa – Authentic Italian on the coast.
Tamu, Watamu – Seafood specialties with an Italian touch.
Papa Remo, Watamu – Beachside Italian cuisine.
Visiwa, Watamu – Italian-inspired coastal dining.
Solo Grano, Nairobi – Handcrafted pasta and more.
Matteo’s, Nairobi – Italian comfort food in a relaxed setting.
La Terrazza, Nairobi – Stunning rooftop dining with Italian classics.
La Dolce Vita, Nairobi – A neighborhood favorite for Italian pastries and more.
La Villa, Nairobi – Family-style Italian dining.
Sunset, Watamu – Coastal flavors with Italian flair.
La Piazzetta by Non Solo Gelato, Nairobi – Award-winning gelato and Italian cuisine.
Sustainability and the Future of Italian Wine in Kenya
Sustainability was a recurring theme throughout the event. Many Italian wineries showcased their organic and environmentally friendly practices, reflecting a commitment to protecting the land for future generations. Victoria Mulu-Munywoki praised Italian producers for their dedication to clean winemaking.
Sustainability is second nature for many Italian winemakers. They don’t do it for marketing—they do it because it’s the right thing to do,
The Road Ahead
The 2025 Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Roadshow was a testament to the growing synergy between Kenya’s evolving wine culture and Italy’s rich winemaking tradition. As Luigi Salerno, Chief Executive Officer of Gambero Rosso International, summed it up:
This is not just about wine; it’s about building bridges and creating lasting relationships. We look forward to seeing how this partnership evolves in the years to come.