On Cloud Wine

by Lucy Munene

We’re celebrating all things wine this month and you know what that means? Wine bars! For those of us who are versatile drinkers, wine bars are great places to take a break from other types of alcohol and refine your palate. A while back, wine bars were non-existent, all wine was drunk in the comfort of your home or in those few restaurants that did serve good wine. We were all saved from the monotony of that by the appearance of these vino havens. Suddenly you could drink wine outside of your house, accompanied by live music and an assortment of cheese. You had more to choose from than the house red or white, you started to figure out which country you preferred your wine to come from and slowly but surely we all settled into the cosy comfort of wine bars. Now we can afford to be picky with the places we drink our wine at. Whether you’re looking for somewhere lively where you all become friends after your second bottle of wine or a place where it’s you, your glass of wine and a book, there’s somewhere for everyone.

THE WINE SHOP

This was a personal favourite. Their first spot was in Junction where they pulled patrons in with a wide wine selection and a talented Jazz band. When they moved to Piedmont Plaza they switched it up and made the space a little more private but the quality of wine and food did not change. Did you know their pizzas and sandwiches go well with a crisp white wine? Well, they did and now we’re itching to see what their new space will look like and what they will put on their menu. We managed to get a sneak peek of their new location, we can’t wait to settle in a seat and sip on our favourite wines here.

Sierra Wine Bar & Grill

SIERRA WINE BAR & GRILL

They have great food but you can’t overlook the wine selection that is detailed enough to pace them in the ‘wine bar’ category. Since 2009 they have been serving up quality wine and an ambience that mutes the traffic of Kilimani and dares you to leave once you have settled into their comfortable seats. One thing I like to do is switch up the wines that would normally go with a meal and Sierra is just the place to do that. Try pairing their seafood dishes with a light Italian red or their burgers with a dry South African white. You’re sure to discover something new.

Sands at Nomad

SANDS AT NOMAD

Anyone who has travelled to South Coast has either driven by this beautiful restaurant or eaten at it. Something that might be new to most of us might be the Nomad Wine Cellar. It may sound a bit out of place but the ambience alone makes you want to gather your friends and taste the collection of Old and New World wines that they store in their temperature controlled cellar. Seafood and wine anyone?

MI LOLA

Besides being very Instagrammable, Mi Lola is a spot to check out when you’re in South Coast. There’s always something happening here from Wine Wednesdays to Bottomless Sangrias on Saturday, you’re always bound to be on a ‘wineventure’. Keep things interesting by mixing and matching their delicious tapas with whatever wine you’re having then dancing the night away. If you’re in Nairobi, check out their cosy spot at Village Market to enjoy their quality wine and tapas.

The Fairview Cellar at Fairview Hotel

William Ngari (Namuks Photography)

FAIRVIEW HOTEL NAIROBI

Located in Upper Hill, Fairview is a beloved location to many. Banking on its history and its new affiliation with City Lodge, the hotel is a spectacular choice for travellers, foodies and especially wine lovers. Hidden under their Pango Restaurant is the unique Fairview Cellar that holds two cellars and unique wines as well as limited seating for special dinners. Go for the view, the history and of course, the wine!