Shardonnay Wine Bar:
Pioneering a New Era of Wine Culture in Lusaka
Since its launch 18 months ago, Shardonnay Wine Bar has seen tremendous growth, thanks to positive word of mouth and travellers who discovered it in Nkwazi’s review article. “We’ve had numerous visitors mention that they learned about us from the magazine,” says co-founder Shamini Schaaf-Hardwick. “It’s been wonderful to see our community grow.”
As the only wine bar in Lusaka, Shardonnay offers a refreshing alternative to the city’s hospitality scene. Yet, educating patrons on the concept of a wine bar has been a journey. “Many people initially expected cocktails or nshima,” explains Shamini. “We specialise in wine, not general bar offerings or restaurant-style meals.”
This intentional focus on wine has allowed Shardonnay to introduce its patrons to a range of wines they might not have encountered. “We used to stock sweet wines because it’s what people knew, but now our bestsellers are wines they’ve grown to love through our recommendations,” she shares.
Shardonnay’s approach is not just about wine; it’s about creating an experience. Their emphasis on exceptional service has made a lasting impression on their clientele. “Consistency in service is what keeps our regulars coming back.”
A distinctive characteristic of Shardonnay is its women-led team. “We built this bar on women supporting women, it’s not just a job for our staff; it’s a new career. They’ve tasted over 80% of our wines and can now confidently recommend them to guests.”
For staff like Mary, the training has been transformative. “I’ve completed three courses through Beverage Intelligence, learning everything from wine production to customer service,” she shares. Fellow team member Agness adds, “I never knew the difference between wines before. Now I can detect different notes and recommend pairings.”
The impact goes beyond technical knowledge. “Working here has boosted my confidence,” says Susan. “At our last wine tasting, I represented Uva Mira—it was such an empowering experience.”
Shardonnay’s patrons consistently highlight its welcoming atmosphere. “It feels like an extension of your living room,” shares one customer from Sweden. Another regular from Zambia notes, “I love the privacy and the excellent food. It’s my go-to place for downtime, whether solo or with friends”. Says a German customer, “The team and hosts are always friendly, striving for excellence. It is rare to find this level of care and service.”
With memorable events from sushi nights to wine tastings with exciting new wines, they offer something for everyone and this ability to create a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere, has earned Shardonnay its loyal following.
In an exciting new venture, Shardonnay is expanding into a gin menu come 2025. “We’re gin lovers ourselves and want to replicate what we’ve done with wine,” explains Shamini. The bar will offer gin tastings and pairing experiences, introducing patrons to the nuances of botanicals and tonic pairings. “It goes beyond gin and tonic, it is putting together varieties to enhance the flavour of the gin.”
As Shardonnay continues to grow, it remains a safe haven for its predominantly female clientele who choose Shardonnay for its tranquil ambience that allows for peaceful conversation and relaxation. “ We will never have loud music, shisha or television. Shardonnay is about community and we want to keep it that way”, she concludes.
Call: +260 972562122
Visit: www.shardonnay.wine
