Sudhir Ruparelia Shines At 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration In Kampala

By Gad Masereka

Kingdom Kampala was transformed into a hub of French culture and festivity as the French community in Uganda hosted the 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau celebration, drawing over 800 guests in an evening that blended tradition, business, and social networking.

The event, organised by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Uganda and hosted by the Embassy of France, showcased the iconic young wine whose annual release each November has become a global cultural marker.

Among the high-profile attendees, business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia stood out, reflecting the growing intersection of culture and commerce in Uganda’s capital.

French Ambassador Virginie Leroy opened the festivities with a warm address, describing Beaujolais Nouveau as more than a tasting ritual. “Beaujolais Nouveau is a symbol of joy and French cultural identity,” she said, highlighting the global reach of the tradition from Tokyo to New York, Paris to Kampala.

Leroy also noted the expanding influence of the FCCU, underlining that French companies remain Uganda’s largest private investors and that the Embassy is committed to nurturing bilateral partnerships in the years ahead.

A highlight of the evening was the presence of award-winning Master Cheesemaker Grégory Giraudon, who is in Uganda to train local chefs in cheese craftsmanship and presentation.

Ambassador Leroy praised Giraudon as “a passionate ambassador of French cheese culture” whose work contributes directly to raising standards in Uganda’s hospitality sector.

Guests had the opportunity to experience firsthand the fusion of French gastronomy, wine tasting, and cultural displays, creating a vibrant atmosphere where diplomats, entrepreneurs, and community members mingled freely.

Throughout the evening, Ruparelia’s presence added an air of prominence to the event, symbolising the connection between Uganda’s business community and international cultural initiatives.

Attendees noted his engagement with both French and Ugandan business leaders, reflecting the growing opportunities for collaboration across sectors. The celebration underscored the enduring friendship between France and Uganda, with Ambassador Leroy raising a toast that captured the spirit of the evening: “France and Uganda are perfect complements like wine and cheese,” she said, celebrating not only tradition but also the expanding cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

The Beaujolais Nouveau fête at Kingdom Kampala served as a reminder that cultural diplomacy can go hand in hand with business networking, creating spaces where tradition, innovation, and collaboration converge.

For guests and organisers alike, the night offered both celebration and connection, illustrating the subtle yet growing influence of international partnerships in shaping Uganda’s social and commercial landscape.