The 1st August 2026 weekend was definitely one to remember. Not only because it was National Girlfriend’s Day, but also because it was packed and glamoured with all types of events and hangouts. Here is what went down at the 7th Edition of The Wine Fair – Nairobi, Kenya…
The vibe
The event was hosted at the Jockey Club along Ngong Road, starting promptly at noon all the way into the night. The venue’s rustic charm married perfectly with the greens, providing a cool, bright, high-energy atmosphere. Attendees donned chic sundresses, elegant fascinators and headdresses, perfectly tailored suits, among other high-fashion pieces, bringing to life a Derby theme. The DJs served a playlist with soft lounge music at first that transitioned into a lively, high-energy after-party vibe as the sun went down. Somewhere in the day, just before the dance floor opened, MIRA by Trina Fashion Show took over, elevating the fun even more, as attendees boldly took over the runway. There were plenty of seating areas, lawn games and beautiful photo booths that encouraged networking, socialising, and capturing content for social media.
The structure
The check-in process was easy, easier if you had your ticket/invite ready, setting apart vendors, organisers, crew, VIP and regular attendees. On one side were the food stands and wine stands on the other, neighbouring the tracks.
The Wine Fair brought together over 100 distinct wine brands showcasing premium collections from local, regional and international companies. Experts present included brand ambassadors and professional sommeliers, with different 1-hour masterclasses happening from around 1pm to 5pm.
On the spotlight…
One of the sommeliers, Soraiya Ladak, is rapidly defining the future of East Africa’s luxury lifestyle landscape. She has her own boutique distribution house, The Wine Shop Kenya, which was also present at The Wine Fair Nairobi. She had a moment to showcase her formidable curation skills alongside masterclasses led by elite figures like Poland’s first Master Sommelier, Adam Pawlowski. As the current champion of the Best of Kenya Sommelier Contest (2026) and a cornerstone of the historic, all-female blind wine-tasting squad Team Wine Kenya, her presence at the fair solidified her status as the country’s leading authority on fine wine. Additionally, the world will be watching her closely as she prepares to raise the Kenyan flag on the world’s grandest stage, at the prestigious ASI Best Sommelier of the World Competition in Lisbon, Portugal.
On the sidelines
This event offered diversity, fun and exclusivity all at once. The VIP Experience allowed attendees to network and exclusively attend the wine-tasting masterclasses, away from the crowds. In addition, I took a minute to sample the 100% Kenyan Coffee at the Arobica Coffee stand, which offered an immersive coffee tasting experience blended with enthusiastic baristas like Tee and Ronnie.
What to know when attending a wine-tasting event
Take time to dress well for the event. Don’t overthink it, a smart casual outfit will do but be sure to wear comfortable/orthopedic shoes (you will probably stand or stroll 90% of the time). For ladies, choose a sling bag instead – free up your hands for snacks and your wine glass. Carry/buy water and breath mints/chewing gum – you will end up actually drinking the wine instead of tasting and spitting/throwing even what you don’t like. (These two items will save you from bad breath and drunkenness.) Additionally, sipping water between pours will cleanse your palate, complementing your wine-tasting experience.
Get there early: most wine tasting events kick off with a free wine-tasting masterclass from professional sommeliers (This is definitely an eye-opening experience). Go with a friend or two: the more the merrier. Know when to stop. It’s okay to only sample wine from a few stands (don’t give in to the peer pressure). Visit a variety of booths showcasing collections from various parts of the world. Lastly, If you like a bottle, take note of the bottle, vintage year, origin and ask your steward to tell you more about the bottle.
Allergen and sensitivity advice- Are you prone to wine headaches or flushing? Wine contains histamines and sulfites, which can trigger sensitivities. Be sure to check with your doctor if you have concerns before pouring a glass.
It was a beautiful experience and the weather was favourable: a great way to spend the weekend. Looking forward to the next one!
