Ziway

Overview

Ziway is a lakeside town in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, about 160 kilometers south of Addis Ababa. The area around Lake Ziway has become the country's best-known wine address thanks to Castel Winery, which established a 120-hectare estate here in 2007 and began bottling its first vintage in 2014.

The estate grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay on red volcanic soils, producing wines intended to meet international standards. The winery's modern tasting room has become a surprising stop for travelers heading south from the capital, offering a glimpse into Ethiopia's wine ambitions.

Key Varietals

• Cabernet SauvignonA structured red with blackcurrant and spice from the Ziway estate.
• MerlotA soft, rounded red that adds body to the winery's blends.
• SyrahA dark, peppery red suited to the warm, sunny Rift Valley climate.
• ChardonnayA white variety producing ripe, tropical wines with fresh acidity.