In this captivating episode, “WT Rita Rosa Audio MJ,” host Paul Kalemkiarian is joined by the dynamic wine export consultant and entrepreneur Rita Rosa. Get ready for a truly global conversation, packed with SEO-rich keywords like “Nigerian wine market,” “wine pairing,” “African wine,” “Bordeaux,” “female entrepreneurs in wine,” and “wine industry trends.”
Highlights of This Wine Talks Episode:
The episode unfolds with Rita Rosa sharing her unique perspective – “You don’t know anything, and you know everything when it comes to wine.” She brings a refreshing honesty, emphasizing that wine is all about personal experience and human connection, not just technical expertise. This sets the tone for a discussion that’s as much about the heart and soul of wine as it is about industry insights.
Discovering Wine in Nigeria: Listeners are treated to an inside look at Nigeria’s fast-growing wine culture. Contrary to popular belief, wine consumption is thriving in Nigeria, alongside its beer reputation (the country boasts the second-largest Guinness distillery in the world). Rita Rosa delves into her experience opening the first proper wine store in Lagos, introducing Bordeaux wines, Champagne, and Cognac to her home country. She explains how Nigeria’s massive population, energetic nightlife, and social culture fuel demand for new wine experiences, from Italian reds to Portuguese and South African selections.
African Food and Wine Pairings: A major segment focuses on the art of pairing wine with African cuisine. Rita Rosa challenges traditional European pairing “rules,” advocating boldly for experimentation. Her lively food-and-wine pairing events feature everything from cassava ravioli to modern interpretations of indigenous Nigerian dishes, matching local flavors with wines from around the world. Whether you’re a sommelier or a wine lover, this episode will expand your pairing horizons and inspire you to break out of the box.
Women & Diversity in the Global Wine Industry: The episode celebrates Rita Rosa as a trailblazing Nigerian woman in an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry. She shares candid stories of walking into rooms filled with “60 white men,” challenging stereotypes and proving expertise with her vibrant personality and deep wine knowledge. The conversation also touches on the Bordeaux Mentor Week, an initiative she’s passionate about, aiming to help young people from emerging markets like India, Kenya, and Nigeria access opportunities in the wine world.
Industry Challenges & Trends: From global distributor consolidation to changing consumer habits (including mobile tech and Vivino app criticism), the episode tackles contemporary wine industry issues head-on. Rita Rosa discusses how Nigeria’s adventurous, youthful population drives growth and embraces new wine brands, unlike established Western markets. She also hints at future directions, including more African countries creating value with coffee, cocoa, and chocolate, reclaiming exports for local prosperity.
Personal Journey and Connection: Both Paul Kalemkiarian and Rita Rosa reflect on wine’s power to bring people together, discussing loss, healing, and community. Rita Rosa shares how running a wine store was instrumental in overcoming grief and building new connections, reinforcing wine’s role as an elixir for conversation and belonging.
SEO Keywords: Nigerian wine market, African food and wine pairing, Bordeaux export consultant, female entrepreneurs in wine, wine importation Nigeria, wine industry trends, indigenous African cuisine, modern wine pairing, diversity in wine business, global wine trade, wine tastings Nigeria, wine consumption Africa, Bordeaux Mentor Week, emerging wine markets, social wine culture, food modernization Africa.
Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about wine, food, business, or global culture! Hit subscribe for more interviews with industry leaders, insider secrets, and international wine adventures. Share your thoughts: How do YOU pair wine with your favorite foods?
