Boland Cellar introduced new wine offerings at a Nairobi launch.
Boland Cellar has introduced sparkling, sweet red and coffee-inspired wines in Nairobi as it targets at least 15 per cent sales growth.
South African producer Boland Cellar has introduced new wine varieties in Kenya as the country’s wine market grows. The Nairobi launch included sparkling Chenin Blanc, a naturally sweet red and coffee-inspired Pinotage offerings.
The company also presented its One Formation range and updated labels for selected wines in its portfolio. Meanwhile, Euromonitor International figures show Kenya’s wine market grew three per cent by volume in 2025, reaching 29.3 million litres.
New wine varieties bring different flavours and packaging
The additions include Cappupino Pinotage, which carries roasted coffee and chocolate notes, and Expresso Pinotage in a can. Alongside these, the producer introduced a Chenin Blanc sparkling wine and a premium-positioned naturally sweet red.
Pinotage, a red grape variety associated with South Africa, features prominently in the new offerings. Together, the additions broaden the producer’s flavour profiles and packaging options for consumers with different preferences.
However, Boland Cellar’s best-selling wine in Kenya remains its Sixty-40 red blend, sales manager Christopher Burger said. It combines 60 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon with 40 per cent Shiraz.
Producer targets sales growth with Kenyan distributor
Burger, the company’s national and international sales manager, said Boland aims to grow sales by at least 15 per cent over the next year. To support that goal, it has developed a marketing and sales strategy with Domaine Kenya Limited.
Domaine Kenya serves as the producer’s exclusive importer and distributor in the country. Burger said the strategy seeks to serve different market tiers while retaining quality and value for money.
He also said the company wanted to strengthen its existing Kenyan business and sustain growth over several years. The partners plan to focus on distribution and market awareness, expanding availability through retail outlets and hospitality businesses.
Partners encourage consumers to explore different styles
Domaine Kenya managing director Jebet Chemng’orem encouraged consumers to try different wines rather than expect one style to suit everyone. She said quality, value and the company’s relationship with Boland all mattered to the partnership.
For her recommendation, Chemng’orem highlighted Boland’s Chardonnay for its freshness and versatility. She also likened the smoky, toasted character of its Pinotage to mursik, the traditional fermented milk drink.
Sylvia Wambui Karanja said entering a market required more than introducing a product. Karanja founded S & S Atelier Co. and serves as East Africa country lead for Wines of South Africa.
She said brands also need suitable trade partners, consumer settings and a clear understanding of their likely buyers.
Meanwhile, Domaine Kenya chairman and founder Paul Chemng’orem described a relationship with Boland spanning about two decades. He said orders had grown from one 40-foot container to more than 359 containers.
