Three Black Owned Wine Businesses You Can Support Right Now
Like many, I am ashamed that I haven't been a better ally and supporter of the Black Community. The events of the past few weeks have woken me up to the reality that BIPOC face every day of their lives. As a Jewish woman I've always thought I was semi educated and anti-prejudiced, but I've learned so much in the past few days that I now see that is not enough. I don't want to be an empty promise of better ally-ship. I want to actually help make a difference.
If you haven't already donated your money to the cause or signed a petition, check out some of the resources I've shared below. If you're looking for ways you can implement change into your everyday routine, try supporting Black-owned businesses. I'm sharing some wine companies that you can purchase from. It's time to start taking action.
I'm going to start out by making this REALLY easy for you. You can support a Black-owned wine company on your next Target run.
McBride Sisters Winery
https://www.mcbridesisters.com
You've probably seen their wines at Target or at the grocery store so you have no reason not to pick a bottle up the next time you're on your regular shopping trip. Winemakers Robin and Andréa McBride have created an incredible business with three brand labels, one of them being their newly started SHE CAN line of canned wines. They even started a SHE CAN professional development fund, which you can learn more about HERE. With their wines available literally all across the country, it couldn't be easier to support a Black, woman-owned winery.
The Sip Society
Erica Davis and Catherine Carter have created an awesome subscription/gift service called The Sip Society. I've posted about them on my Instagram a few times already, but I truly believe in them and their business model and hope you take the time to consider supporting their business. The Sip believes that discovering sparkling wine doesn't have to be pretentious or outrageously expensive. They've created these little boxes of mini Champagne and Sparkling Wine bottles that you can purchase as an ongoing subscription, or send to someone as a one time gift box. The selection is incredible, and if you find a bottle you like, you can order a full-size version through their website. Next time you have a friend celebrating something special, order them a box from The Sip for a unique and thoughtful gift.
Brown Estate Winery
Established in 1996, Brown Estate is known for being Napa Valley's first Black-owned estate winery. Between 1985 and 1990 they planted a total of fifty acres of vineyards that include Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Originally, they sold their grapes to other wineries, but in 96, they decided to start making their own wine under the Brown Estate label. They now also sell wine under the Chaos Theory label, as well as their Betelgeuse Sauv Blanc. You can find many of their amazing wines at liquor stores, Bevmo, the Vivino app, and even wine.com. The wines have fantastic ratings, and personally am dying to try their lineup of Zinfandel after reading the reviews.
Like what you've seen so far? There are countless other Black-owned wine businesses, wine makers, content creators, Sommeliers and wine writers out there that you shouldn't ignore. In fact, you should make a conscious effort to go out of your way to support them and their livelihoods. For a larger list of Black-owned wineries, check out Sam Capaldi's awesome blog post.
There are so many ways to be better, and it starts with each one of us. Let's recognize and reflect on our own white privilege and promise to to amplify Black voices. I promise to put my time and money to actually work towards change. Who will join?