The first seedlings of a major vineyard estate near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda have been planted. US investors plan to inject US$22 million into the project, which will span parts of Burera, Musanze and Nyabihu provinces.
When opened, the VINMUSA vineyard estate will be the country’s first fine wine estate and Africa’s highest-elevation commercial vineyard with its highest point at 2 700 metres above sea level. It will contain approximately 22 hectares of vineyards, a winery, tasting gallery, nine luxury guest retreats and three suites.
The initial grape varieties planted include chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc and pinotage across three different sites to test how factors such as elevation, microclimates and soil composition affect the wine. VINMUSA expects its first harvest in 2029.
