Kenyan-born nurse Dr. Chris Wachira is a daring entrepreneur behind the Wachira Wines label dominating the US Market.
She founded her business in 2017 where she made history by becoming the first Kenyan to establish a winery in California. Wachira also became the first Kenyan in California to export her own wine labels globally.
As a young immigrant working her way through college, earning her Doctorate, Wachira 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.
As her passion for winemaking peaked, she started collecting varietals that celebrated Kenyan culture and values. That helped her craft wine that evoked memories of the special moments she shared with her family back in Nairobi.
With the help of mentors in the field, Wachira crafted her niche in the wine making business where she focused on five varietals which are all reminiscent of Kenyan culture and values.
Wachira Wines brews Muscat, sparkling wine, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel black label wines, and chardonnay. The Kenyan entrepreneur sources grapes from Napa, Paso Robles, and Lodi.
Each of her brands is associated with the big five safari animals from Kenya (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, and leopard).
“I struggled to identify wines that complemented my mother’s and grandmother’s cuisine. It also bothered me that I did not see myself represented behind the counter as a winemaker or as a wine expert,” she stated in a past interview.
The professional nurse also owns Karibu by Wachira Wines Lounge which is located at 1419 Park Street in the heart of Alameda, CA.
“We have curated a community-based tasting room where a diversity of great but underserved wineries are highlighted and celebrated. Karibu by Wachira features an assortment of wines from makers of color, women, and locals. It is a place where all are welcome!” she described the lounge.
“Karibu Wine Lounge by Wachira will showcase the value of diversity in the wine market by offering a retail platform for women, and local winemakers,” she added.
According to several reviews, her wine labels are among the most sought in California and other states.
