Our Story

Our Epiphany

Our name comes from the Leleshwa Tree that bountifully surrounds our vineyards, embracing our passion and refreshing the work of our hands. As we worked moment by moment, day by day, we discovered the true spirit of Kenya. It's the creative element that drives us, binds us, unites us.

As Kenyans, we continually seek opportunities to express ourselves beautifully, naturally, artistically. We found a way to nurture this irrepressible essence and put it in a bottle. Kenyans love their own, and Kenya is what inspired us. Of course, there's so much more that goes into those bottles, and we'd love to share the story with you.

Our varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. We are always experimenting with new varieties at our vineyard and are excited to see what varietal we bottle next.

Our History

20 years ago, experts told us we couldn't grow grapes in this part of the world. We decided to prove them wrong, so we planted a vineyard at Morendat.

It started out as a hobby, something fun and exotic, an excuse to spend the weekend in Naivasha.

Two decades later, we produce up to 80,000 bottles of wine every year, and in 2015, we expect 150,000 bottles of the finest Kenyan wine.

2000

The Beginning

First experimental vines planted at Morendat Farm

2005

First Harvest

Our first small batch of wine produced

2010

Commercial Launch

Leleshwa wines officially enter the Kenyan market

2015

International Recognition

Our wines begin to gain international attention

2020

Expansion

Launch of new product lines and increased production

Our Geography

Our home is at Morendat Farm, Naivasha, in the heart of Africa's Great Rift Valley. Lying along the equator, the grapes enjoy the warmth of the invigorating sun.

Temperatures range from a cool 6° to a tropical 32° Celsius, and annual rainfall is 500 to 600mm. This equatorial climate allows each grape to mature and ripen slowly, patiently developing every nuance of its fine fruity taste.

Naivasha's high altitude of 2000 metres preserves the grapes' delicate flavours.

Altitude

2,000 meters above sea level

Temperature

6° to 32° Celsius

Rainfall

500-600mm annually

Sunlight

12 hours daily (equatorial)

Our Winemaking Process

From vine to bottle, crafted with care

Cultivation

Our vines are carefully tended throughout the year. We practice sustainable farming methods to ensure the health of both our vines and the surrounding ecosystem.

Harvest

Grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness to ensure the highest quality. Our harvest typically takes place in February, with each variety picked at its peak.

Fermentation

After pressing, the juice ferments for about two weeks. We carefully monitor temperature and yeast activity to develop the perfect flavor profile for each wine.

Aging

Our wines are aged for up to six months to stabilize and develop complex flavors. The cool Kenyan nights contribute to the unique character of our wines.

Filtration

Each wine is carefully filtered to achieve clarity while preserving its distinctive character and flavor profile.

Bottling

Finally, our wines are bottled with care and attention to detail, ready to be enjoyed by wine enthusiasts across Kenya and beyond.

Media Recognition

What others are saying about Leleshwa

The Leleshwa Story

"This white wine is amazing. Nothing to improve, the bouquet of aromas is simply excellent."

- Stephane Alsac, Export Director at Grands Vins de Gironde

After years of struggling to get it just right, 2015 is the year in which Leleshwa wines stand up and get noticed...

5 African Wines Making a Splash

"Kenya's Leleshwa wines are making waves in the African wine industry, challenging South Africa's dominance."

- International Wine Review

South Africa may be the dominant force in Africa's wine economy, but as the continent's middle class emerges...