IWSC Emerging Talent Awards: Folakemi Alli-Balogun wins 2026 Wine Business Award

The IWSC is delighted to announce Folakemi Alli-Balogun, founder of The Wine Club Lagos, as the winner of the 2026 Emerging Talent in Wine Business Award. Her vision, entrepreneurial drive, and dedication to developing Nigeria’s wine culture mark her as a true leader in one of the world’s most exciting emerging wine markets. 

Selected from a global field of innovators, educators, and industry changemakers, Folakemi impressed the judging panel with her creativity, impact, and ambition. 

This year’s judges, Sarah Abbott MW (Director of Swirl Wine Group), David Kermode (presenter, writer and broadcaster), Jessica Summer (Founder and CEO of Mouse & Grape) and Cat Lomax (drinks and retail consultant) praised the high calibre of entries, noting that Folakemi’s work stands out both locally and internationally. 

Building a wine culture from the ground up 

Since founding The Wine Club Lagos in 2016, Folakemi has grown a community of over 500 members, hosted 60+ themed tastings, supplied 7,000+ bottles to events and restaurants, and developed a hospitality training programme. 

Her approach goes beyond business, it lays the foundation for wine education, community-building, and professional development in Nigeria, where wine culture is still emerging. 

"Folakemi very entrepreneurial… she has built something from scratch, with real numbers behind it. In a market that is still emerging, she is essentially a pioneer." - Sarah Abbott MW 

A leader with vision and momentum 

Folakemi’s themed tastings, from blind aroma sessions to Old World vs New World explorations, are now a key part of Lagos’ wine scene. Her volunteer work as a wine facilitator further demonstrates her commitment to widening access to wine education. 

"She’s built a community, she’s growing it, and she’s doing it in a market that is incredibly tough. That’s real leadership potential." - Cat Lomax 

Innovation through culture and creativity 

One standout project, ‘A Symphony of Wine and Sound’, combined a 20-piece orchestra with wine tastings for 120 guests, translating wine characteristics into music. A documentary captures the full creative process. 

"She’s passionate, she’s creative, and she’s bringing people into wine in ways that feel fresh and culturally relevant." - Jessica Summer  

Driving progress in an emerging market 

Folakemi is helping to develop West Africa’s wine culture by: 

Her ambition to spotlight the ‘forgotten winelands of Africa’, from Ethiopia to Namibia to Ghana, reflects a long-term vision for the continent’s wine industry. 

"These are pioneers. This is the first generation building a fine-wine culture in these markets. Her impact is significant." - Sarah Abbott MW 

Folekemi's reaction to winning this award says it all: "I’m honoured to receive this award and grateful for the recognition. It has truly motivated me to keep building, keep creating, and continue contributing to the future of wine in meaningful ways".

Supporting the next stage of her journey 

As part of her prize, Folakemi will receive a £2,500 travel bursary from the IWSC to visit lesser-known African wine regions. She plans to connect with producers and begin a documentary-style series to highlight their work, challenges, and potential. This aligns closely with the IWSC’s mission to champion global wine talent and emerging markets. 

The IWSC congratulates Folakemi on becoming the 2026 Emerging Talent in Wine Business Award Winner and looks forward to supporting her continued impact on the global wine industry.