Italy's leading food and wine authority, Gambero Rosso, has successfully launched its globally recognized Top Italian Wines Roadshow in Nigeria for the very first time, creating a significant milestone in the nation's evolving culinary and hospitality landscape. This landmark event signals Nigeria's growing sophistication in the international food and wine arena, particularly within the vibrant city of Lagos.
Prestigious Italian Wine Showcase Arrives in Lagos
Held at The Civic Centre on Victoria Island in Lagos, the prestigious roadshow received official support from the Italian Embassy in Nigeria. The event was honored by the presence of Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Roberto Mengoni, alongside members of the Italian Embassy, distinguished Italian wine producers, and key stakeholders from Nigeria's hospitality, lifestyle, and creative industries. Over two hundred guests participated, including wine enthusiasts, HORECA professionals, wine importers, culinary experts, and influential tastemakers, all immersed in an exceptional celebration of Italian wine excellence, culture, and artisanal craftsmanship.
Exclusive Tasting Experience and Interactive Masterclasses
Renowned worldwide for its rigorous standards and authoritative voice, Gambero Rosso exclusively showcases top-tier, award-winning Italian wines, many of which are seldom available outside select global markets. Attendees enjoyed a meticulously curated walkaround tasting featuring some of Italy's finest labels, providing a rare opportunity to sample wines typically difficult to access in the local Nigerian market.
A major highlight of the day involved a series of two engaging and highly interactive masterclasses designed to deepen knowledge while maintaining an accessible and enjoyable atmosphere. The sessions were expertly led by Marco Sabellico, Editor of Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia guide, with support from Victoria Mulu-Munywoki, a renowned wine consultant, radio co-host, and respected wine and spirits judge known as a prominent advocate for the wine business in Africa. Additional support came from Folakemi "FK" Alli-Balogun, founder of The Wine Club Lagos, a passionate wine educator and cultural curator.
The masterclasses, titled A Contemporary Journey Through the Great Wine Lands of Chianti and Top Italian Wines, attracted strong participation from both wine lovers and industry professionals. Blending expert-led insights with lively discussion and tasting, the sessions explored Italy's rich winemaking heritage alongside contemporary expressions, making them both educational and refreshingly entertaining, even for seasoned connoisseurs.
Awards Ceremony and Cultural Exchange Emphasis
The evening culminated in the Top Italian Restaurants Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to Italian food and hospitality within Nigeria. Honorees for the night included Kehinde and Taiwo Smith, recognized for Forno and The Smiths; Chef Benedict of Osteria dei Nonni; and Filippo Inzirillo of Cactus & Farfallino Restaurant.
In a keynote address, Italian Ambassador Roberto Mengoni emphasized the importance of food and wine as powerful instruments for cultural exchange. He highlighted Nigeria, and particularly Lagos, as a growing destination for global culinary dialogue, creativity, and international collaboration. The successful hosting of the Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wines Roadshow in Lagos not only reflects Nigeria's increasing sophistication and curiosity within the food and wine domain but also firmly positions the city as an emerging hub for world-class culinary and lifestyle experiences.
About the Organizers
Gambero Rosso stands as the most important multimedia brand in the Italian food and wine world, with nearly four decades of authority in publishing, broadcasting, education, and international events. Best known for the Vini d'Italia guide and Tre Bicchieri awards, Gambero Rosso champions Italian excellence and supports the global growth of Italian food and wine culture through events held in over forty countries worldwide.
The event also featured involvement from the Consorzio Vino Chianti, founded in 1927, which represents one of Italy's most historic and internationally recognized wine denominations. The consortium unites producers from across the Chianti DOCG area, with a shared mission to protect, promote, and enhance the quality and global reputation of Chianti wines.
