Cin Cin gives wine lovers a reason to toast

April 14, 2009: There are no set standards of taste in wine, cigars, poetry, prose etc. Each man’s own taste is the standard, and a majority vote cannot decide for him or in any slightest degree affect the supremacy of his own standard.” Mark Twain, 1895.

Kenyans are slowly coming to appreciate wine and after putting in many hours in the office it has become a common sight to see friends headed to the nearest outlet to unwind with a glass of the grape derivative.

This has led to an increase in upmarket outlets catering for these discerning tastes and tapping into a growing middle class that patronises bars despite the ongoing economic hardships.

Not to be left out, the newly renovated Fairmont Norfolk Hotel has opened a new wine bar — Cin Cin.

Warm colours
This ultra-chic wine bar opened its doors three weeks ago and is named after the Italian call to toast and offers a wide selection of wines.

The name was not automatic, according to the management, as it took a lot of deliberations that ended with the choice of adapting a name within the group’s network — Fairmont Dubai boasts of a Cin Cin wine bar.

Cin Cin has a modern décor incorporating different styles from the velvet 1940s styled coaches to glass and chrome tables. It boasts warm colours that make it even more inviting and creates a noveau lounge ambiance.

“We were looking to offer the ideal relaxed ambiance that would allow guests to sit back and relax as they enjoy our offerings,” says the hotel’s general manager, Mr Richard Kimenyi.

The music ranges from soft jazz melodies to the upbeat tempo of hip hop as the night progresses and as conversations become louder.

The bar boasts a wide array of wines both served by the bottle or by the glass. The wines are sourced extensively from local suppliers to meet the set standards of the bar.

For the connoisseur, there are high-end wines to be enjoyed, just inquire from the staff.

One can also enjoy a variety of cocktails and bitings that the  staff will gladly guide you to complement your wine, if lost for choice.

Upon arrival, guests can either choose to sit outside overlooking the garden or inside, and as you make your order look out for the bar biting made up of marinated olives and roasted cashew nuts.

Cin Cin has the potential of becoming the ultra trendy venue for groups of friends, first dates, late business meetings and a great networking venue.

Business at Cin Cin picks on Fridays as people usher in the weekend. On Saturday it attracts sports enthusiasts and with the Formula One season in gear the bar hopes to capitalise on the Sunday afternoon races.

In addition, it is looking at introducing theme nights for networking and a diva night on Wednesdays that will give both men and women an opportunity to come together and meet over a drink.

For those who are not well acquainted with the different types of wines, the staff are well trained and can offer you a lesson or two in oenology — study of wines.

It is an opportunity to learn more about various wines without having to take up a wine tasting class or tour.

Sitting at the Norfolk enjoying the ambiance, top service and choosing from a good wine collection comes at a price. A glass of wine retails from Sh350, beer goes for Sh195 and cocktails  start at Sh450, all excluding taxes.

The hotel, which first opened its doors to the public on Christmas Day 1904, has been undergoing re-branding since the Fairmont group took over the property over three years ago.

Today, the hotel boasts a more contemporary look though maintaining its old traditional feel with modern trimmings as it moves towards introducing new varieties like Cin Cin and a new restaurant, Tatu.

It’s open daily from 6 p.m till the last customer leaves.