It’s an entire experience with a powerful mission!

The nation’s only Kenyan American winery has reached a groundbreaking milestone — opening the first Black woman-owned winery tasting room in Alameda County, California, according to ABC 7 News.

Dr. Chris Wachira is the visionary owner of Karibu Wine Lounge, a creation inspired by her larger brand, Wachira Wines, the only Kenyan American winery in the United States (Wine Business). Wachira and her family immigrated from Kenya to Alameda in the late 1990s, and through perseverance and innovation, they have carved out a respected name in California’s competitive wine industry — effectively redefining what representation looks like in the field (Because of Them We Can).

“Folks of color are hugely underrepresented. We are 0.1% of the wine industry in this country. So creating a space that allows us not only to showcase our talents but also to feel welcome and included is core to who I am,” Wachira told ABC 7 News.

That very sentiment became the driving inspiration behind Karibu Wine Lounge, a one-of-a-kind “wine safari” experience that pays homage to Wachira’s Kenyan heritage. “What we’re doing is a mini safari — a wine safari,” she explained. “Each of the varietals has one of the ‘Big Five’ of the Kenyan safari on the bottle,” she added, emphasizing the brand’s deep cultural symbolism.

Dr. Wachira personally handcrafted the wines, pairing each blend with her mother’s favorite traditional dishes. For instance, The Rhino is a rich cabernet made from Napa, Lodi, and Paso Robles grapes, designed to pair perfectly with her mother’s lamb stew. Meanwhile, her sparkling wine — dubbed “the lion of the Wachira Safari” — complements her mother’s vanilla lemon cake, creating a balance between African roots and Californian craftsmanship (Because of Them We Can).

“Karibu,” which means “welcome” in Swahili, embodies the inclusive spirit behind the brand. “It’s a place where everybody should feel welcome,” Wachira explained.

But Karibu is more than just a wine lounge — it’s a cultural and community hub. It serves as a safe space for women, people of color, and underrepresented professionals in the wine industry. Alongside her own labels, Wachira proudly showcases wines from other minority and women winemakers, offering them a platform to gain visibility in a historically exclusive market (Wine Business).

By day, Wachira works full-time as a scientist at Stanford Healthcare, which gives her a unique advantage in understanding the science behind winemaking. Yet, breaking into the wine world was far from easy. “We don’t have that exposed to us as a community or culture because it’s an industry that’s been closed to us. It was the allies that supported me — they helped me learn how to craft wines and understand the business of winemaking,” she shared with ABC 7 News.

Now, having found her footing in the industry, Dr. Wachira is determined to lift others alongside her. She recently launched a wine incubator program designed to mentor and support aspiring winemakers from marginalized backgrounds, offering guidance on both the craft and business of wine.

“For me to be in this position today, allowing another young lady or young man to see themselves reflected in me — as a Black immigrant woman — gives them the belief that they can, too,” Wachira said (ABC 7 News).

Industry experts note that Wachira Wines remains the only Kenyan American winery operating in the United States (Wine Business). Located in the heart of Alameda, Karibu Wine Lounge also promotes community partnerships, featuring local artists, culinary events, and educational wine-tasting sessions that connect culture, science, and celebration (Because of Them We Can).

Ultimately, Dr. Wachira’s journey reflects the spirit of inclusion, resilience, and innovation. What she has built is far more than a tasting room — it’s a movement that celebrates culture, empowers others, and redefines the future of wine.

Congratulations, Dr. Chris Wachira and the entire Karibu Wine Lounge team, for raising a glass to representation and community!