FOR the LOVE OF

Our Story

KARIBU by Wachira wine lounge, is the home of Wachira Wines. This extraordinary vision and effort of Dr. Chris Wachira, the first Kenyan-born, Californian winemaker is located at 1419 Park Street in the heart of Alameda, CA. As a young immigrant, Chris 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. Her story is about equity and the ability to succeed through adversity.
KARIBU is a Swahili word that translates to mean “you are welcome”. 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! 

The creation of P. Harrell Wines has emerged from my long standing passion and appreciation for wine, from the smell of freshly picked grapes after a successful harvest to sampling wines in barrel, and ultimately indulging in the enchanting wine culture with others. I love all things wine because it is one of those simple pleasures that seamlessly intertwine people from all walks of life, creating genuine friendships.

Wachira Wines is a black-owned, woman owned winery in Alameda County and the culmination of the extraordinary vision and effort of Dr. Chris (Christine) Wachira, the first Kenyan-born, Californian winemaker, distributor, importer, and exporter. As a young immigrant working her way through college, earning her Doctorate, Chris 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. Her story is about fighting for equity and the ability to succeed through adversity.

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. 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. Chris chooses to believe wine-making was written in her stars.

Wachira Wines is committed to creating unforgettable experiences featuring our #winesafari moments shared with family and friends. When we put our family name on our wines, we ensure they deliver the highest quality vintages. We are more than a wine label, we are a lifestyle.

KARIBU Wine Lounge by Wachira is a community-based tasting room located on 1419 Park Street in Alameda, CA 94501.

KARIBU is a Swahili word that translates to mean *you’re welcome* Our wine lounge meets the need to create a space where great but underserved wineries are highlighted and celebrated. A place where you’re welcome!

KARIBU Wine Lounge by Wachira will showcase the value of diversity in the wine market by offering a retail platform for BIPOC, women, and local winemakers.