Written By Michelle Ndaga
The Catholic Church in Kenya has officially replaced its local altar wine with a new brand from South Africa’s Lutzville Vineyard, following concerns that the previous locally produced wine had become widely available in Nairobi bars and lost its sacred distinction.
In a statement, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) announced that the imported wine will now be used for all liturgical celebrations across the country.
The move aims to preserve the sanctity of the Eucharist after the former altar wine brand was found being sold for ordinary consumption in entertainment spots, undermining its religious significance.
The new altar wine is being supplied by Wow Beverages, which the bishops confirmed has met Vatican requirements for sacramental use. These guidelines demand that altar wine be made purely from grapes, naturally fermented, and free from additives or preservatives.
According to church officials, the rollout has already begun in major dioceses, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nyeri, with full implementation expected by the end of October 2025.
Each bottle will be sealed and marked for exclusive church use to prevent misuse or resale in commercial outlets.
Church leaders emphasized that the decision is not only about compliance but also about restoring reverence during Mass. The change, they said, reinforces the Church’s commitment to maintaining the purity and sacred purpose of sacramental elements in worship.
