Kenya: Good wines or wine shops in Nairobi?

[GDSwamp]

I'm still relatively new to Kenya and especially Nairobi (I've been coming for work since '08 but have probably spent a month total in the city) and haven't really figured out buying wine here. I've bought some pretty bad bottles and am hoping it's just me and not that one can't get good-value wine.

Most of the wineries represented in the stores are ones I don't recognize, and the ones I do recognize are from the giant factory wineries usually found in the bargain aisle in the States (Black Tower, Yellowtail). I would assume that there are good buys to be found from, e.g. South African wineries, but I don't know one from another. I'm not a wine snob or authority by any means, but I do know that the wines I've bought in recent Nairobi stays have been not-so-good. It may also be where I'm shopping - Nakumatts and a couple of smaller groceries - but I'm not sure where else to look.

Any advice on where to shop or what to buy?

[Ethnofoodie]

..there is a fab selection of wine at the NAIROBI WINE GALLERY situated in the Le Rustique restaurant off General Mathenge road in Westlands.
..you could also try the WWW shop at the junction mall off ngong road, they too have an impressive wine list.

[waytob]

Hi there, sorry for the late reply, have also been busy travelling.

I second teh Wines of the World recommendation, its a pity you missed the wine festival last weekend. I actually buy all my wines from mombasa either from roberto's or from San Giorgios...they are very very reasonable (I buy lots of Prosecco Blu from them at under $10 per bottle) and deliver to me in Nairobi at a reasonable price (I pay about KES1000 for 6 -8 cases). I also get my extra virgin olive oil, olives, risotto rice and balsamic from them.
Another option is the Italian supermarket on Gitanga Road behind the petrol station, I normally go there for my cold cuts and cheese
Nakumatt has a reasonable South African selection, however if you want to get the bottles at a more reasonable price you should contact their reps directly. The Nederburg baronne and duet are my two favourite SA reds and I buy them directly from Nederburg in Kenya.

I hope this helps

[roadwarriorafrica]

There is a new distributor for West Australian wines called Makkin. Their website is www.makkin.net

[roadwarriorafrica]

Try Wines of the World in Kileleshwa. Also this Friday/Saturday 19/20 March is the Wine show at Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel Nairobi.

We buy our wine from Chandarana Suoermarket at ABC Place. If you ask they give a bakers dozen.

Wine is epxensive in Kenya due to the duty and taxes.

We have found a local Sav blanc called Leleshwa. Kshs 500 a bottle, and very drinkable.

Happy drinking in Nairobi.

[GDSwamp]

Thanks, rwa. I gave up on getting an answer awhile ago (too many countries and continents represented on this one board) so this is great. When I'm back in the city I'll take your advice.

[GDSwamp]

Man, I know there are followers of this site in Kenya because there have been a few good discussions with some very informative posts. I think putting all of Africa, the Middle East and Southwest Asia on one board is a pretty big disincentive for folks (especially Africa-based) to check the page - the chances of finding a relevant post are so small....