In 1971 the first President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Julius K. Nyerere when visited Dodoma during the catholic missions, he was enthralled by the wines that he tasted at the tasks and believed that Dodoma had the potential to actually produce good quality wines. This is when then the Government acquired land in the Kilimani area on the foot of Imagi Hill and the government built the Dodoma Wine factory (DOWICO). The factory was opened and went into operation in the early eighties, however, the factory was unable to really get into the entire operation and sustain itself and develop, sadly the doors of the factory were then closed. In 1999 the Dodoma Wine factory(DOWICO) was auctioned to a local entrepreneur who was a contractor, he then sold it to the investors they opened its doors with three rooms in 2018 and called it the Domiya estate.
The “Domiya” Estate name comes from the original name of Dodoma, “Idodomiya” Some say “ It has sunk” meant where the elephant sunk. Idodomya was a small market town, the modern Dodoma was founded in 1907 by German Colonists during the construction of the Tanzanian Railway. In 1974 after a referendum, it became the official Capital of Tanzania.
In 2018 the new investors an Italian Engineer from Verona and a German who grew up in Tanzania saw the potential and possibilities of reviving the factory to make it into a winery producing high-quality wines made in Dodoma. The winery started with three rooms and a very simple eating space. We have grown over the years through so many guests who have been part of making our dream a reality.Domiya Estate is not only a business but also believes that a social component must be part of the business where we give back to the community and be part of the development of the people. Women and especially young women are part and parcel of the development of Domiya Estate. We support the Don Bosco Vocational Training Centre, the students of the School of Hospitality carry out their practical training at Domiya but we go beyond just training we do life coaching, entrepreneurial skills and skills development so that they can be well qualified both practically and as persons who can be employed. More than 60% of the employees of domiya Estate are women.
