Our vision is to create a space where everyone belongs, no matter their background or status. We believe in crafting wine experiences that are open to all, rooted in inclusivity, community, and shared memories. We envisioned our wines being shared by a group of friends on warm summery afternoons, over fond memories and deep-bellied laughs. We have been meticulous in crafting varietals that complement this vision. When we put our family name on our wines, we ensure they deliver the highest quality. This is a place where every palate is valued, and where we break down barriers, making exceptional wine accessible to everyone. We are more than a wine label; we are a lifestyle.
Wachira Wines is the premier Kenyan-American winery in the United States. Founded in 2017 by Dr. Chris Wachira, Wachira Wines is rooted in a celebration of her dual Kenyan-American heritage and is located in the City of Alameda, California. “I struggled to find my palate represented in the wine industry and wanted to create something that was deeply meaningful to me. My mother cooked these incredible lamb stews for our Sunday family dinners, and I couldn’t find a wine to complement our meals,” said Dr. Chris. This gap ignited a passion in her to craft her first wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon, that paired beautifully with the flavorful Kenyan cuisine. That was the genesis of:
Californian wines with a Kenyan accent!
Dr. Chris had a long-standing career in healthcare having spent over 15 years in Neurosciences at Stanford Healthcare. Given her STEM background, she fell in love with the science of winemaking and developed a deep appreciation for the sense of community built from sharing a bottle of wine with complete strangers. Acclaimed by the industry as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 40 Tastemakers of 2023, Dr. Chris celebrates the ability to realize one's dreams and emphasizes the importance of family and one’s roots. She has created an international wine that celebrates Kenyan culture, Kenyan values, and her dual Kenyan-American adventure. A wine that is truly Kenyan-American but also speaks to a global palate. Wachira, her family name, has been passed down for generations; in translation it means "one who deals with cases" such as an attorney or a judge. Hundreds of years later, she now deals with "cases of wine.” Dr. Chris chooses to believe winemaking was written in her stars.
Wachira Wines are best known for our Safari Collection. Each of the wines in this collection embody the spirit of the Safari Big Five - on our Black Labels, plus the Impala - on our rose-gold label. With 33 industry wide medals awarded to this collection, these wines distinguish themselves with their uniquely balanced flavor profiles aka the Kenyan accent. A distinction that earned these wines center stage at the U.S. State Department luncheon in May 2024.
SHOP OUR BIG FIVE COLLECTION
-
Inspired by the strength, beauty, and spirit of the majestic Safari Big Five.
The Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and African Buffalo. Offering you a unique wine adventure.
