Kenyan Wine Tasters Shine at World Championship, Outperforming England

Kenyan wine tasters have made their mark on the global stage, outperforming traditional wine powerhouses like England at the prestigious World Tasting Championship.

Often referred to as the "Wine Olympics," this event, held in France, brings together competitors from around the world to engage in the art of blind tasting diverse unlabelled wines. Participants are tasked with identifying the wine's region, vintage, and grape variety, showcasing not only their refined palates but also their extensive knowledge of the wine industry. This year, Kenya's representation at the competition was particularly noteworthy, featuring an all-female squad of five passionate and skilled tasters: Janet Kangethe, Soraya Ladak, Kenyalyn Oddenyo, Joy Adero, and Victoria Mulu-Munywoki.

The team's third appearance in the competition was the result of rigorous preparation, with intensive training sessions conducted at The Wine Shop in Nairobi. These sessions involved systematic wine tastings, during which the team members honed their sensory skills by sampling a wide array of wines from renowned regions. The team's expertise was evident in their tasting notes. Joy Adero described her experience with vivid precision, noting "high acidity, minerality, and a hint of barnyard" in one sample. Soraya Ladak demonstrated her acute sensory abilities by identifying notes of asparagus and unripe passion fruit, accurately deducing a 2022 Bordeaux blend.

This level of skill propelled Team Kenya to a commendable position, finishing just two spots behind the host country, France. In the final rankings, Kenya placed 30th out of 40 participating countries, with fellow African competitor South Africa securing a slightly higher position at 26th. Each member brought unique experiences to the table, enriching their collective capabilities. Janet Kangethe, the newest addition to the team, discovered her love for wine during hospitality training in 2014. Her dedication led her to pursue winemaking education in South Africa's vineyards, ultimately earning her WSET Level 2 certification.

Janet's career trajectory, from restaurant hostess to award-winning manager, mirrors her deepening relationship with wine which she poetically describes as "a beautiful love affair." Soraya Ladak, a returning competitor and one of the directors at The Wine Shop Kenya, balances her wine career with family life as a mother of three. She emphasizes the discipline and sacrifice required for training, while also stressing the importance of moderation and respect for the trade. Kenyalyn Oddenyo brings a culinary perspective to the team, with her background fostering a comprehensive understanding of flavours and pairings.

Joy Adero's journey from curious enthusiast to professional sommelier adds another layer of expertise to the team's collective knowledge. At the helm of this talented group is Victoria Mulu-Munywoki, whose multifaceted role as coach, captain, and mentor has been instrumental in the team's success. Her leadership has not only nurtured a supportive environment for the team but has also encouraged growth among aspiring sommeliers in Kenya. While the World Tasting Championship has traditionally featured only female competitors, discussions about future inclusivity are beginning to emerge.