Sitting in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes in Musanze, Rwanda’s Northern Province, this distillery and agro-tourism site is home to Virunga Mountain Spirits, a women-led company with deep roots in advancing Rwandan women’s economic empowerment.
The 1,100 sqm facility sits along a busy road traveled by farmers carrying goods downhill and tourists heading to see the famous mountain gorillas. Designed to support local farmers and the growing tourist economy, the centerpiece is the distillery hall, a transparent volume filled with natural light and showcasing a striking 10-meter copper and stainless steel vodka still. Surrounding it, thick hand-shaped volcanic stone walls house supporting functions—offices, bottling, storage, kitchen, bar, tasting room, reception, and gift shop.
The building’s geometry evokes the surrounding volcanoes while patterns draw from Rwanda’s traditional Imigongo art. Built largely with local materials and labor, the project partnered with longtime builders to employ a local workforce with 35% female representation, providing training, steady income, savings accounts, and lasting skills for the community.
