(TDB) - We just landed in Addis Ababa, the highest African capital, perched at 2,300 meters altitude. An amazing city in full cultural revolution and a living testimony of past civilisations. Ethiopia is known to be the strategic crossroad of Africa – almost all countries of the world have an embassy in Addis Ababa since it hosts the African Union and the United Nation Economic Commission for Africa. Some of you also know tedj, the Ethiopian honey wine flavoured with gersho leaves, similar to hops. But did you know that the country is home to an ancient wine producing culture, has two wineries producing together 11 million bottles and has been consuming wine since the beginning of the 20th century?

Awash Winery, the oldest estate of ​​Ethiopia

Awash Winery, which has been in existence for 70 years, is the oldest active winery in the country. This 117 hectares estate, which is situated majestically on a mountain plateau rising to 1,200 meters above sea level, will soon expand its vineyard planting another 180 hectares, alongside the existing vineyard.

Because the estate, acquired in 2013 by Blue Nile, a company created through a partnership between Mr. Mulugeta Tesfakiros, an emerging real estate Ethiopian developer, and 8 Mile, a capital pool company chaired by Sir Bob Geldof, the famous Irish musician and activist for the African cause, prospects for development now appear very good. “Continuous improvement of the quality of wine, renovation of equipment and training of Awash staff will help to establish Awash Winery as a strong brand in the country”, Mr. Tesfakiros told us. The vineyard’s potential is impressive. Renovations are numerous (much equipment has to be replaced) and the cellar is old, but once the site is finished, wine quality will improve.