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Ugandans, together with the French and other foreign nationals, have celebrated French wine and cuisine during the Beaujolais Nouveau Night.

This night marks the celebration of a special French wine and the symbol of friendship, hard work and unity associated with it. The party was held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Kampala International School Uganda playgrounds in Bukoto, Kampala.

Guests comprising of corporates, the diplomatic corps, expatriates, French and Francophone community, socialites and revellers graced the evening event and were treated to the Beaujolais’ new red wine, many varieties of the French gastronomy, including cheese, bread and the traditional “charcuterie” (cold cuts).

Organised under the auspices of the Embassy of France in Uganda, the Club d’Affaires de Kampala, an umbrella body of French of about 60 members, Francophone and Ugandan businesses, the 2023 edition of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine party guests had a touch of French foods, Music and dances, among others.

Spirit of friendship

Xavier Sticker, the French ambassador to Uganda, said the party does not only embrace French wine but is used to bring people together in a spirit of friendship away from their daily routines.

French wine and cuisine in Beaujolais Nouveau night at Kampala International of Uganda playgrounds, Bukoto. (Photos by Hajara Nalwadda)

Sticker said the Beaujolais Nouveau is a unique opportunity for the French community and its Ugandan partners and friends to look back at the achievements made over the years. It is a festive occasion for the French and francophone businesses to share with their employees, partners and friends.

“This is a pretext for us to be here in the spirit of friendship beyond our daily business activities. We reflect on the successes, the friendships and partnerships,” Sticker said.

At the event, Gregory Giraudon, the French vice-champion of the world in cheese making, was introduced. Another top chef, Jean Claude, was also introduced. The two put up a tasty menu and drinks for the night.

Sophie Gavalda, the general manager Club d’Affaires de Kampala, welcomed the guests to the night. Gavalda thanked the various sponsors who supported the colourful night.

The region of Beaujolais in the east of France celebrates the release of Beaujolais Nouveau wine, following the year's harvest. On this day, Beaujolais Nouveau wine floods the market in France and the rest of the world.

Beaujolais Nouveau owes its easy drinkability to a winemaking process called carbonic maceration, also known as whole-berry fermentation. This technique preserves the fresh, fruity quality of the grapes without extracting bitter tannins from the grape skins.

France is a top world’s producer and exporter of wine. France was also the world’s second biggest consumer of wine, The French produce a very high value-added wine, considering that it represents 3 % of the country’s arable land but 15 % of its agricultural income.