Why Kenya’s Catholic Church Introduced “Mass Wine” What Changed & What It Means for Churches

Why a new “Mass Wine”?

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has introduced a new sacramental wine, labelled Mass Wine, and designated it specifically for use in Holy Mass across the country. The move followed concern that the previous altar wine had become widely available in bars and commercial outlets, which church leaders said undermined its sacred character. The new wine is owned and imported by the KCCB, bears the bishops’ coat of arms and an official signature, and will be distributed only to dioceses. The Star

• The previous altar wine (what was being used) reports indicate that the commonly used sacramental product had about 18% alcohol by volume (ABV) — a relatively high strength for sacramental wine and was manufactured and supplied locally by established wine companies. 

• New Mass Wine: selected after reviews and trials, the KCCB chose a South African vintage produced by Lutzville Vineyards. The Mass Wine carries an ABV of about 17% slightly lower than the previous product, but still a fully fermented grape wine that meets Canon Law requirements. Mwakilishi

Why the ABV difference matters: the reduction from ~18% to ~17% is small in absolute terms, but the bigger shift is not chemistry — it’s control. By owning and importing the wine and restricting its distribution, the KCCB is prioritizing the liturgical and symbolic sanctity of the sacrament over commercial availability.

Distribution & availability

• Previous distribution: the former altar wine was widely distributed through commercial channels and by national wine companies (including brands associated with KWAL (Kenya Wine Agencies Limited) that supply retail, hotels, and bars. That made the product easy to buy outside of church contexts.

• New distribution model: the Mass Wine is imported, owned, and distributed by the KCCB and will be delivered only to dioceses and approved church channels not to supermarkets, liquor stores, hotels, or bars. The bottle itself includes authentication marks (KCCB coat of arms and signature) so parishes can verify the product. 

• Bottom line: previous supply chains made sacramental bottles part of general retail stock; the new approach cuts that retail link and funnels the wine through church channels only.

• Misuse, abuse, and community concerns

   

• Church leaders say the earlier wine’s wide availability + relatively high ABV contributed to cases where sacramental bottles were purchased for secular drinking rather than for the Mass, a development many faithful felt disrespected the sacrament. Reports and church statements point to bars and shops stocking the old altar wine, which prompted concern about sacrilege and the erosion of sacred meaning. The KCCB’s new measure is, in part, a remedy to that problem: keep the sacramental wine sacramental. 

• Parishes will get the officially approved Mass Wine through diocesan supply channels; individual parishes should follow their diocesan office for orders and verification. 

• Priests will continue to use wine that meets Canon Law (made from grapes, no additives) — the change adds an authentication step that reinforces liturgical dignity. Catholic News Agency

• Lay faithful can expect fewer incidences of sacramental bottles turning up in bars and shops; the move aims to restore reverence and prevent commercial misuse.

• At Dial A Drink Kenya, we carry a wide range of sacramental and table wines. It’s important to note that the KCCB’s Mass Wine is not a retail product; it is owned and distributed by the bishops and intended exclusively for use in churches. If your parish is seeking altar wine for sacramental use, please contact your diocese directly for the approved KCCB supply. For other church events or communal gatherings where non-sacramental wine or juices are appropriate, Dial A Drink Kenya can advise and supply alternatives that respect liturgical rules and community needs.