Let’s take a moment to reflect on something truly special — our deep connection to wine. It’s easy to picture vineyards in France or Italy when we think about winemaking, but there’s a rich and often overlooked story of wine within Black culture. This story stretches from ancient Egypt to modern South Africa and even reaches the vineyards owned by Black entrepreneurs across North America. As we celebrate Black Business Month, let’s explore how wine became part of our heritage and celebrate those who’ve turned their passion for winemaking into thriving businesses that enhance our communities.
"Wine is a connection to my past and my community. It’s a way to tell our stories and share our experiences with the world." Phil Long (Owner of Longevity Wines)
Source: The New York Times feature, September 2020.
Table of Contents:
The Roots: From Egypt to North Africa
Winemaking in Black culture is not just a modern phenomenon; it’s a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Imagine Egypt around 3000 BCE—a civilization that not only built the pyramids but also pioneered the cultivation of grapevines. Wine wasn’t just a drink; it was integral to religious rituals and cultural ceremonies. Tomb paintings and ancient artifacts show how deeply ingrained wine was in their society. For the Egyptians, wine symbolized life and the divine—a tradition that laid the foundation for winemaking in Black culture.
As time moved on, the art of winemaking spread across North Africa. During the Roman Empire, regions like Tunisia and Algeria became significant producers of wine. However, the rise of Islam in the 7th century led to a decline in wine production due to religious prohibitions. Even so, the knowledge and practices of winemaking persisted, waiting for their moment to re-emerge in the modern era.
“It should just be about enjoyment. Don’t worry about finding the right food – just look and see what’s in the fridge, experiment, have some fun and enjoy it!” - Ntsiki Biyela
Modern Winemaking: South Africa Leads the Way
Fast forward to the 1600s, and we find ourselves at the southern tip of Africa, where modern winemaking in Black culture truly begins to take shape. The Dutch East India Company established the first vineyard in 1655 at the Cape of Good Hope, intending to supply wine to sailors. But it wasn’t until the arrival of the French Huguenots, fleeing religious persecution in Europe, that South African winemaking began to flourish. These settlers brought with them advanced techniques and a passion for viticulture that would define South African wine.
However, the history of winemaking in South Africa is also a story of resilience. During the apartheid era, South African wines faced international boycotts, and Black South Africans were largely excluded from the industry. But we know that our story doesn’t end with exclusion—it’s one of perseverance and triumph.
Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South African wines have gained international recognition. Today, the country is celebrated for its unique varietals, like Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, and the emergence of Black-owned wineries signals a new chapter in this legacy. These wineries are more than businesses; they are symbols of cultural pride and determination.
Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs in Winemaking
We know that building a business is never easy—especially in an industry as challenging as winemaking. Black entrepreneurs in this field have faced systemic barriers, from limited access to capital to a lack of representation. But we also know that passion and perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Take Brown Estate in Napa Valley, for example. Founded by the Brown family in 1996, it’s the first and only Black-owned estate winery in Napa Valley, known for its exceptional Zinfandel. Then there’s the powerhouse duo behind the McBride Sisters Collection. They’ve created one of the largest Black-owned wine companies in the U.S., with a focus on sustainability and premium quality.
And we can’t forget André Hueston Mack of Maison Noir Wines in Oregon. His brand is as much about great wine as it is about celebrating Black culture through bold, creative labels and designs. Each bottle tells a story that resonates with our heritage and identity.
"Wine is a perfect metaphor for culture. Just as wine is shaped by its terroir, people are shaped by their environment." André Hueston Mack (Owner of Maison Noir Wines)
Source: Interview with Wine Enthusiast, May 2021
In Canada and South Africa, we see similar stories of triumph. Seven Sisters and M'Hudi Wines are two South African wineries leading the charge, producing world-class wines that reflect the rich culture and history of the region. And Nyarai Cellars in Ontario, Canada, is making strides to create the best wine possible, representing Black winemakers in Canada, an exemplar of Black excellence. These entrepreneurs are not just making wine—they’re making history.
Featured Wineries:
The immense variety of Black winemakers is so amazing that it made our job very difficult in selecting a few wineries to feature in this edition of Black Business Month. We decided to feature wineries with distinct stories and motivations —each bring a unique approach to sustainability, organic practices, and cultural heritage in winemaking.
Intercept Wines, founded by former NFL player Charles Woodson, focuses on making quality wines accessible to a broader audience. Sourced from Monterey and Paso Robles, California, Intercept emphasizes sustainable vineyard practices and their new UPA wine labels reflect a commitment to accessibility and health-conscious choices in winemaking.
Jupiter Wine Co. is deeply rooted in organic farming, specializing in Italian grape varietals. Based in California, this winery is dedicated to expressing the terroir of the region through environmentally responsible practices.
Ashanta Wines focuses on building generational wealth and honouring cultural traditions through their diverse wine selections. They emphasize sustainability, dedication to quality and cultural heritage in their approach to winemaking.
Boyd Cru Wines, founded by Jon’ll and Matthew Boyd in 2023, is a Maryland-based winery that emphasizes community-building and accessibility. The Boyds sought to create a legacy that honours their loved ones by bringing people together through wine - crafting creative blends using locally grown grapes and sustainable practices that resonate with the local terroir.
Lastly, Nyarai Cellars, founded by Steve Byfield in St. Catharines, Ontario, is renowned for its premium, award-winning wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Niagara Peninsula. This leading winery employs the UPA labels to emphasize their commitment to sustainable and minimalist winemaking practices.
List of Black-Owned Wineries in North America
Arizona
Coronado Vineyards | Wilcox, AZ | Red and White Blends, Sangiovese, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc Blend, Grenache, Riesling
Wine Spencer | Mesa, AZ | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, White Blends, Sparkling Wines
California
Alexis George | Lodi, CA | Small-lot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Red Blends
Ashanta Wines | Sebastopol, CA | Red and White Blends, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Bass Notes Sangria | Fremont, CA | Premium Artisanal Sangrias
Bodkin Wines | Healdsburg, CA | Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Red Blends, Sparkling Wines
Brown Estate | Napa Valley, CA | Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Red and White Blends
Charles Wine Company | Los Angeles, CA | Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noi and Chardonnay
Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines | Paso Robles, CA | Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Blends
Corner 103 | Sonoma, CA | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling Wines
Darjean Jones Wine | Napa, CA | Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sparkling Wines
Domaine Curry | Napa Valley, CA | Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc
Earl Stevens Selections | California | Red and White Blends, Chardonnay
Esterlina Vineyards | Napa Valley, CA | Chardonnay, Riesling
FLO Wine | California | Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wines
Fog Crest Vineyard | Sebastopol, CA | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling Wines
Free Range Flower Winery | Livermore, CA | Lavender Wines, Sparkling Wines, Rosé
IBest Wines | Los Angeles, CA | Red Blends, White Blends
Indigene Cellars | Paso Robles, CA | Red Blends, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sangiovese
Jupiter Wine Co | Mendocino, CA | Negroamaro, Sangiovese, Montepulciano
L'Objet Wines | Napa Valley, CA | Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Red Blends
Longevity Wines | Livermore Valley, CA | Red Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé
LVE Wines | Napa Valley, CA | Red Blends, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling wines, Rosé
McBride Sister Collection | Oakland, CA | Red Blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Okapi Wines | Napa Valley, CA | Small-lot, Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc.
P. Harrell Wines | Oakland, CA | Zinfandel, Chenin Blanc
Rideau Vineyard | Solvang, CA | Rhône varietals, Viognier
Sosabe Cellars | Napa Valley, CA | Red blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
The Vice Wine | St. Helena, CA | Small-lot wines from single vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
Theopolis Vineyards | Yorkville Highlands, CA | Petite Syrah, Symphony
Tympany Vineyards | Healdsburg, CA | Estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Virgo Cellars | Oakland, CA | Red Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Vision Cellars | Windsor, CA | Pinot Noir from various regions
Wachira Wines | Alameda, CA | Red Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling wines
Wade Cellars | Napa Valley, CA | Limited-production Red Blends and Cabernet Sauvignon
Georgia
Curvy Betty Wine | Atlanta, GA | Red Blends, White Blends
Geselle Wine | Atlanta, GA | Semi-sweet Fruit Wines
Illinois
Love Cork Screw | Chicago, IL | Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato
Twenty Ten Wines | Chicago, IL | Small-lot wines, Red Blends, Chardonnay
Indianapolis
Sip & Share Wines | Indianapolis, IN | Artisanal Vegan Wines
Maryland
Boyd Cru Wines | Maryland | Red and White Blends, Vidal Blanc, Rosé
Philosophy Winery & Vineyard | Baltimore, MD | Red Blends, Viognier
New Jersey
Lovelee Wine | Orange, NJ | Red Blends, Chardonnay
North Carolina
Davidson Wine Co | Davidson, NC | Local and Global Varietals
Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard | Norlina, NC | Small-lot wines, Red Blends, White Blends
Ohio
Markell Bani | Cincinnati, OH | Sweet Wines, Red and White Blends
Oregon
Abbey Creek Winery | North Plains, OR | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé
Eunice Chiweshe Goldstein Winery | Astoria, OR | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé
Mermosa | Willamette Valley, OR | Sparkling wines, Mermosa and Mersecco
Maison Noir Wines | McMinnville, OR | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Stoney Wines | Portland, OR | Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Viognier
South Carolina
Bowman Vineyards | Round O, SC | Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Texas
Cheramie Wine | Dallas, TX | Riesling, Red Blends, White Blends
Kai-Simone Winery | Spring Branch, TX | Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling Wines, Rosé
Taste Collection Cellars | Houston, TX | Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
The Guilty Grape | Dallas, TX | Red Blends, Chardonnay
Virginia
Diamond Farm Winery and Brewery | Nokesville, VA | Local Varietals and Craft Beers
Shoe Crazy Wine | Petersburg, VA | Zinfandel, Merlot, and Moscato
Washington
Frichette Winery | Benton City, WA | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rosé
Wisconsin
Zafa Wines | Hudson, Wisconsin | Natural and low-intervention wines, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wines
Canada
Nk’Mip Winery | Osoyoos, BC | Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Merlot
Seaside Pearl Winery | Abbotsford, BC | Small-batch wines, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier
Nyarai Cellars | Niagara, ON | Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Red Blends
Pops Punch | Toronto, ON | Fruit-based Wines and Craft punches
Embracing the Future: Where We Go From Here
As we raise our glasses this Black Business Month, let’s celebrate these trailblazers who are redefining the wine industry. Their work reminds us that winemaking is more than a craft; it’s a way to connect with our past and shape our future.
You can support these wineries by choosing their wines, sharing their stories, and helping spread the word. Each bottle you enjoy is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines Black culture.
Let’s continue to celebrate and uplift our Black winemakers, who, against all odds, have claimed their rightful place in the global wine industry. Here’s to a future where Black winemaking flourishes and inspires, bringing our stories and flavours to tables around the world. Cheers!
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