Story of Kenyan Nurse Running Thriving Wine Company In US

Chris Wachira is making waves in the wine business as the first Kenyan born winemaker in California, United States. Wachira, who received her doctorate in nursing in healthcare leadership from the University of San Francisco, owns Wachira Wines – a thriving wine company in the US.

How her passion unfolded

She founded the winery in 2017 after her commitment to improving science and investigating cause and effect, which spills over into viticulture, the study of the science of grapes and their culture.

When her passion for winemaking peaked, she began collecting varietals that celebrated Kenyan culture and values. That helped her create wine that brought back memories of the special moments she shared with her family in Nairobi.

With the help of mentors, the healthcare specialist expanded Wachira Wines to become among the top-selling brands in California. Wachira produces five varietals which are all reminiscent of Kenyan culture and values. Wachira wines are fruitier and light and are usually served chilled.

She produces 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).

“We would like to say that we are taking Californian grapes on an African safari,” Wachira stated in a past interview.

“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 added in the Wachira Wines company profile.

Philanthropy work

Despite her success in winery, Wachira has also made strides in the healthcare field. Her family is more akin to cross-cultural ambassadors, building community bridges and cultivating memorable experiences worth savoring. She is the founder and executive director of the Institute for Clinical Excellence-Africa, a nonprofit aimed at enhancing health care delivery

“Representation matters not just in seeing ourselves in positions of power but in how it’s able to shape our perceptions of what we’re capable of,” Wachira told The Manual.

“How it’s able to turn even our most outrageous dreams into attainable realities. Representation allows us to hope. But more importantly, it gives others permission to dream in technicolor,” she added.

Her thirst for wine led her to blend her commitment to science and her passion for exploring. She delved into the field of viticulture, the study of grapes and their culture. This journey led her to discover her second passion – building community.

Key Takeaways from her story

Wachira’s success as the first Kenyan born winemaker in California is a testament to her passion, drive and commitment to excellence. Her winery is a celebration of Kenyan culture and values and her journey is a reminder that representation matters and can turn the biggest dreams into attainable realities.

There is no big or small dream, whatever you have set in your mind or heart, go for it! If it’s that business, start it.  That home, buy it or that dream job that you feel is too ambitious, go for it. Don’t limit yourself.

STORY COURTSEY OF: KENYANS.CO.KE & TUKO.CO.KE