In October the 12th annual World Blind Tasting Competition, organized by the Revue du Vin de France, took place in the Bordeaux region of France. This prestigious, international event is often dubbed the “Wine Olympics” because it is among the most challenging of all wine competitions.

The event was held at Château Dauzac (a 5th Growth Margaux in the 1855 Bordeaux classification). This year, 40 countries sent teams comprising some of the world’s best wine tasters. At stake was the world title of “World Best Blind Taster”.

Each team comprised a team of four tasters and one captain who does not smell or taste the wines. Kenya was well-represented with a team of four Kenyan women: Chaîne member Maître Sommelier Soraiya Ladak, Joy Adero, Janet Kangethe, Kenyalyn Oddenyo and team captain Victoria Mulu-Munywoki. This was Team Kenya’s third time competing and this year they beat some well-established teams such as England.

During the formal competition, each team blind tastes 12 wines from around the world. Each team has 10 minutes to taste each wine and complete the response sheets to describe each wine across several categories. Each taster is offered the same glass. Points are given in each category. The team with the most points is crowned world champion.

Among this year’s 40 countries were only two African teams: South Africa (which ranked 26) and Kenya (which ranked 30). This score for Kenya is cause for celebration: they were only two places behind France and outranked England.

To perform well, Team Wine Kenya focused on a rigorous training schedule, often in the morning, before they have had any coffee or tea, brushed their teeth or even put on deodorant and perfume!

While wine remains a male-dominated industry around the world, it’s so distinctive that Team Wine Kenya, and Team Wine USA, were the only all-women teams among the 40 countries. Team Wine Kenya is passionate about leading the way, not only in tasting wine, but also in encouraging greater diversity in global industries, such as wine!

Shabnam Nayer
Bailli Délégué
Member of the Conseil Magistral

About Soraiya Ladak
A WSET Level 3 Sommelier, she runs a family business “The Wine Shop” in the leafy, lush area of Loresho, in Nairobi. Nestled amongst the pristine trees and gardens this unique wine shop offers a large cellar of wines from across the globe, paired with exquisite bites and dishes that showcase the wine and create the ultimate food and wine experience.

Soraiya has been part of Team Wine Kenya from its inception and enjoys representing Kenya at The World Blind Tasting Competition. She is passionate about promoting food and wine pairing in Kenya and sharing her knowledge with wine novices and enthusiasts alike.

The Wine Shop
Loresho Ridge
Nairobi

Web: thewineshopkenya.com
Phone: +254 718 003302