March 25, 2008
Wine
is probably one of the last things many people
would associate with Ethiopia. But there is enormous
potential in this African Nation to produce wine. Parts
of the country can yield two grape harvest each year.
"Ethiopia's climatic Conditions, the soil, the weather, they all are very favorable for growing red Grape. The country is just ideal. Because here we can harvest the grape twice a year. That means two crops from one plot." said Fisume Birhanu, General Manager of Ziway Farm
French wine company Castle is now taking advantage of this potential. Castle has been granted part of one of Ethiopia` s State Run Farms in Ziway south of the capital City Addis Ababa. Castle plans to plant French wine this year and in three years time will produce its first bottle. Castle works extensively with the Ethiopian Government on the farm negotiation.
"We are are extremely happy and we have gone out of our way to support this investment" said Tadesse Haile: Ethiopia State minister, Trade and industry
Castle aims to increase wine production in Ethiopia and is hopping that its popularity will grow. Once it start producing wine, the company plans to export up to 70 percent leaving 30 percent in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has been making and exporting a variety of both red and white wines. But still honey wine or "Teje" for which they are known and which they have been drinking for centuries. Convincing the locals to swap from their traditional "Teje" to Ethiopian wine with the French twist, could proved to be its greatest challenge.
Source: National Geography
