Top Lilongwe Wine Tours: Sip & See Malawi’s Best Vineyards
So, if you are scouting around for something unique to do while visiting Lilongwe, how about swapping out the usual tourist hotspots for an exploration of Malawi’s burgeoning wine scene? It’s almost surprising, isn’t it, that Malawi, is very much famed for its tea and coffee, has also started producing some seriously noteworthy wines. Actually, venturing on a wine tour gives you a chance, too it’s almost like being let in on a cool secret, as you get to experience the lush landscapes and distinctive flavors of this up-and-coming wine region. In fact, if you really wanna do it properly, I would suggest you keep on reading because I’ve handpicked some really superb wine tours that you just might love!
Why Go Wine Tasting in Lilongwe?
Really, what’s the big deal with checking out wine farms way out in Lilongwe? Good question! Actually, it’s quite different from traipsing around the vineyards in South Africa or even Europe. Very few people, you know, seem to peg Malawi as some wine-producing heavyweight, and that’s partly what adds to the charm. Like, it’s quite a low-key kind of deal, but that ends up making your wine experience quite unique and authentic, that. Very much against your run-of-the-mill commercial vibe. Plus, the wineries close to Lilongwe are beautifully picturesque, nestled amidst Malawi’s awesome natural scenery, with a fair bit of rolling hills and vast open skies that provide the loveliest setting for savoring locally crafted wines. It’s very appealing, actually, as there is just something really rewarding in enjoying some nice wine right where it is carefully produced.
The Climate Factor
Arguably, you can’t discuss Malawi wine tours without even mentioning its slightly unusual climate, which has actually played a pretty significant part in the wines that are carefully crafted there. The high-altitude vineyards close to Lilongwe enjoy moderately warm days and significantly cooler nights, and this daily temperature variation happens to be super great for certain types of grapes. To be honest, this can allow the grapes to slowly develop what I would term awesome flavors whilst always maintaining pretty great acidity. It also results in really crisp and refreshing wines. You know, some pretty experimental grape types seem to be doing alright here, that really add to the novelty factor for serious wine fans. If you’re into this sort of thing, it makes each sip a super discovery!
A Bit of History
Anyway, here is something very important. Malawi might seem like some wine region newbie, yet there’s arguably a bit of a backstory. Originally, missionaries very much gave winemaking a real go in the late 1900s, basically intending to produce sacramental wine, yet the concept sorta grew from there. Of course, modern viticulture has seriously picked up steam as of late, and producers try to adopt a more novel, sophisticated method with both grape cultivation as well as wine manufacturing. So, a visit basically provides you with a genuine connection to this ongoing legacy of innovation, while allowing you to see first-hand the huge efforts some individuals are making to even push Malawi wines up the global ladder.
Top 5 Wine Tours in and around Lilongwe
If you would love to give these awesome wineries a look-see, well here are the places you might just really adore! Of course, bear in mind that wine tour schedules can sometimes differ depending upon the time of year and vineyard needs. Like your wisest plan would probably be to check ahead plus even book your tours in plenty of time. Still, I do believe that with a bit of planning, I have no doubts you are pretty much going to get yourself a great day tasting some terrific wines in Malawi’s lovely countryside.
1. Malawi Sun Wines
First off, you have got to try Malawi Sun Wines. At least, this really stands as the oldest plus largest vineyard you can visit out in Malawi. The location is in Naming’azi, and it actually sprawls out across several acres and is able to offer an impressive selection of some pretty locally grown wines. Very few people seem to know that tours very frequently encompass a trip down to the vineyards, so you will witness precisely where everything kicks off, basically right from growing grapes down to bottling the actual stuff. Of course, the wine tasting gives you the ability to even sample many varietals the winery puts out, and that just might involve anything, really, from your dry reds right across to some fruity rosés. As I was saying, if you want more of an informal setting, why not chill in the winery’s cafe? So, you could just tuck into your tasty meals paired carefully to complement some really exceptional wines. If you’re a bit of a wine connoisseur or are simply hunting around for that great day outing, Malawi Sun Wines will make a superb call for your destination!
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2. Kasinthula Estate Winery
Kasinthula is very unique as, in fact, this might actually be Malawi’s just fairtrade vineyard, and really, they very much place significance on sustainable plus ethical processes. As a matter of fact, these excursions provide insight on how the farm strives to both encourage local communities whilst simultaneously growing quality grapes. Tours also let you explore beautiful vineyard grounds right through to its manufacturing areas. But arguably, you also have that awesome fair chance of even sampling the variety they have out there. As I was saying, Kasinthula actually specialises in lighter-bodied wines, and actually they work well with dishes very close to your South East Asian region. If you really need to pair something like food and drink together really well, they also have lovely local foods to sample along with a selection of lovely wines! Arguably, choosing Kasinthula allows you to have an amazing wine moment as well as support one super sustainable, conscientious farm.
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3. Shire Highlands Hotel
As a matter of fact, not only will you have accommodation that’s very nice here, you might also stumble on its small winery set on the hotel’s grounds. I think, Shire Highlands tends to have its own certain charm plus offers a somewhat boutique tasting experience to enjoy. Usually, vineyard visits are a bit on the smaller scale, typically a bit less structured as well, it is still really enjoyable since you are really up close alongside winemakers, so really ask them those probing questions, too it’s almost like delving deep down into all that local know-how, seeing that goes on out there to grow great grapes alongside doing what is important, bottling it! Its cellar door tends to stock other small bits along with souvenirs to actually purchase alongside wines, too. Should you wish something low-key in order to go with awesome lodging, then basically stopping at Shire Highlands is not an entirely horrible shout.
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4. Nankhuyu Winery
Actually, very few people know much regarding it yet you’ll find out that it is definitely really rather good, so, you’ll basically travel just that little bit extra past Lilongwe! What they have there is definitely awesome. Basically, their vines have been well looked after, carefully. They are also seriously big lovers regarding preserving biodiversity. Honestly, here they are all pretty great at producing excellent wines plus there is pretty good local produce! Really do try it! Actually, should you be seriously interested you must enquire beforehand in connection with visits considering that it is pretty much best known through doing events! Oh! The staff too are pretty great!
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5. Pamodzi Hotel
Again you see they definitely very much go hand-in-hand in the wine as well as that kinda accommodation deal right! Now they most very definitely might not produce, nor maintain that really great massive wine store there at their vines, I would most assuredly would encourage peeps there, I suggest you must take on everything what Malawi needs giving! It certainly showcases different locally sourced made brands! You probably may just even schedule, too it’s almost, that really very special private tasting where basically they explain the key differences as to your taste preferences in addition to what suits particular types food that you definitely might then fancy getting down into during, and shortly after as I was just saying! They seriously though mostly provide comfort alongside awesome access through that town with regards sightseeing too! Oh that’s what it’s all been as regards for always ever was!
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Read our full review: Lilongwe Wine Tours and Tastings Full Review and Details
