Wine, warmth and something different at The Vintner
Come as a stranger, leave as a friend.
My.na Property's Glen-Nora Tjipura sits down with co-owners of The Vintner, Daniela Schmalzriedt and Harald Piek, to explore this culinary gem in Klein Windhoek.
If you're looking for a spot that blends sophisticated charm with a sense of home, The Vintner Restaurant and Wine Bar should be your next go-to. Located in the tranquil Elsa Plaza on Sam Nujoma Avenue, this stylish eatery is the latest feature on this week’s episode of My.na Property, airing tonight at 21:00.Co-owners Daniela Schmalzriedt and her husband Harald Piek bought The Vintner just over two months ago, and they've wasted no time making it their own. “We run it as our home,” says Daniela. “We want to welcome guests the same way we’d welcome them into our house.”
During her conversation with host Glen-Nora Tjipura, Daniela revealed how intentionality and personal passion shaped every part of the restaurant, from the wine-themed décor to the thoughtful food and drink offerings. Without the help of an interior decorator, the couple relied solely on their vision and taste. The result is a visually inviting space that blends cosy comfort with elegant European flair.
The Vintner's location in Klein Windhoek offers more than just a scenic backdrop. “There are many eateries in the area,” Daniela explained, “but our menu brings something different. We’re right next to Biltong & Bites, which supplies our meats, so we keep our sourcing local.”
With secure parking and a quiet ambience, it’s an ideal setting for both spontaneous visits and relaxed dining.
Seamless integration
One of The Vintner’s standout features is its bottle store, seamlessly integrated into the dining area. Guests can sip on a glass of wine or a cocktail, then purchase a bottle of what they enjoyed to take home. “We want people to try new things,” Daniela says. “Whether it's wine, gin, whisky or cognac, we want to give guests the chance to taste before they buy.”
When it comes to the wine selection, Daniela is clear: no generic house wines here. Instead, guests can sample a wide variety of wines by the glass, including some locally produced Namibian labels, encouraging exploration without commitment.
Culinary delights
From springbok with Kalahari truffles to hearty Italian beef spezzatino, The Vintner’s menu is as eclectic as it is refined.
“This year’s truffle season was amazing thanks to the rains,” Daniela notes. “So we’re bringing in local flavours in a completely new way.” Drawing from her background in hospitality, including formal hotel management training in Switzerland and over 16 years of experience managing remote Namibian lodges, Daniela brings a deep understanding of quality, service and creativity to the table.
Although the restaurant isn’t available for exclusive private hire, large table bookings for special occasions are welcome. “We have regulars who just drop by for a glass of wine,” Daniela says. “We want to keep it accessible to everyone.” Their motto says it all: “It’s always wine o’clock at our house.”
And that’s the atmosphere the couple has created - warm, welcoming, and deeply personal.
If you’re in Windhoek and craving something fresh, different, and full of heart, The Vintner should be on your list. And if you want a deeper look at the space and its story, don’t forget to tune into My.na Property tonight at 21:00 on DStv 285 and Gotv 25 for the full feature.