Great Plains, the iconic African eco-tourism organization founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, has introduced a series of brand new 'wine in the wild' experiences across its Kenyan camps.
“There is a sophisticated 5-step vinification process that makes winemaking an art. At Great Plains, we appreciate fine art and storytelling. Our selection of wines is built on the appreciation of fine wine for what it brings by way of nose, taste, and experience of all our senses, but also what story they tell beyond the bottle. Many of these winemakers are our personal friends who are conservationists, care for communities, and make spectacular wine,” commented Great Plains’ CEO and Founder Dereck Joubert.
Innovative Wine Experiences
Great Plains offers a range of unique wine experiences that cater to all wine enthusiasts:
Interactive Sommelier App: The new Great Plains wine app provides guests with an interactive sommelier experience, allowing them to explore the camp's extraordinary wine lists from the comfort of their own seats.
Wine Room Dining: Guests can enjoy atmospheric wine rooms and fully stocked wine cellars at Mara Nyika, Mara Plains, and ol Donyo Lodge, with options for intimate dining experiences paired with exquisite wines.
Champagne by Sabrage: Experience the thrill of Champagne by Sabrage accompanying breakfast in the bush.
Wine for Conservation: A renewed focus on sustainable wine selections supports both conservation and local communities.
The Great Plains Conservation Wine App
Starting in 2024, guests at Great Plains’ ol Donyo Lodge, Mara Plains, Mara Nyika, and Mara Toto Tree Camp will have access to the exclusive Great Plains Conservation wine app. This app brings the camp’s extensive wine lists to life, allowing guests to scroll through the selection, learn more about each bottle, and save their favourites for tasting during their stay.
The app also enables Great Plains to send guests the wine profiles of their favourite selections, making it easier for them to find and enjoy these wines at home.
Unique Wine Tasting and Dining
Great Plains’ Kenyan Relais & Châteaux-level camps offer exceptional wine-tasting and dining experiences:
Mara Nyika and Mara Plains: Atmospheric wine rooms for tasting expansive collections.
ol Donyo Lodge: A fully stocked wine cellar and a stone-walled tasting room.
Special Gastronomic Experiences: Guests can opt for a tasting menu with paired wines, and enjoy dessert pairings with South African wines curated by Mara Plains’ Pastry Chef Joel.
Wine in the Wild
Guests can enjoy various 'wine in the wild' experiences across all Great Plains Kenyan camps:
Sundowner Set-Up: Watch the sunset with a glass of wine on Kilim cushions and carpets, or from the camp’s sundowner trailer at Mara Nyika.
Spa Deck and Private Suites: Enjoy wine or bubbles on the spa deck at ol Donyo Lodge or in the hanging chairs at Mara Toto Tree Camp.
Unique Sipping Spots: Bedside servings beneath the stars, private plunge pools, or around the campfire.
For an unforgettable experience, the team can arrange private candlelit bush dinners, bush-breakfasts with Champagne sabrage, or a drink in the hide at ol Donyo Lodge while watching animals at the local watering hole.
Commitment to Conservation
Great Plains is deeply committed to conservation, reflected in their approach to wine selection. This year, the focus is on partnering with winemakers who share their values, such as Painted Wolf, Paul Cluver, Cederberg Wines, and Bosman. These wineries are recognized as environmental leaders for their commitment to sustainability and conservation.
“We have decided to keep 65% of our wine list South African and 35% from the rest of the world. This balance allows us to cater to our guests' international palates and adapt to wine trends and climate change,” commented Savanna McKittrick, Camp Operations and Guest Relations Manager at Great Plains Kenya. “It also gives our guests the opportunity to learn more about South African wines.”
Great Plains’ new 'wine in the wild' experiences provide an unparalleled blend of luxury, adventure, and conservation. With a commitment to sustainability and a passion for fine wine, Great Plains continues to set the standard for eco-tourism in Africa. For more information and to book your stay, visit Great Plains.
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