The Wine Bar

The Wine Bar has been one of Windhoek's favourite after-work spots since 2003. It occupies a restored early Windhoek residence at 3 Garten Street, on a rise once known as Windmill Hill after the large windmill and storage tanks that supplied the young town with its first water. The house was later extended, and today it combines a relaxed bar with what the business describes as Namibia's specialist wine shop.

The setting does a lot of the work. Travel News Namibia has described sunset views over western Windhoek from the terrace, and the walls display photographs by the Namibian photographer Tony Figueira, including pre-independence images that give the place a strong sense of local history. The crowd is a mix of professionals, couples and groups of friends, and there is room for larger parties.

Wine is the focus, with an emphasis on value and quality at every price point. The shop stocks a large range in every category, from red, white and rosé to sparkling, Méthode Cap Classique and dessert wines, and includes rare and sought-after South African bottles from estates such as Boland Cellar, Cederberg, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Mullineux, Rustenberg, Steenberg and Thelema. In the bar you can drink by the glass or choose a bottle, and the menu has included savoury dishes and local favourites alongside beers, ciders and cocktails for anyone not drinking wine.

Magnums are offered as gifts, some in special packaging, and the team puts together corporate and personal wine gifts. The business hosts wine tastings and wine dinners, some at other venues, so check its website or contact the team for the current programme. If you find something you like, the shop can sell you a bottle to take away or deliver within Windhoek; online orders above a set value qualify for free delivery in the city, and orders placed on Sundays or public holidays are processed the next working day.

Opening hours are not listed on the website, so call +264 61 226 514 before you go. Arrive in the late afternoon for the best of the light. Garten Street is close to the city centre but on a hill, so take a taxi, particularly after dark.