It’s the start of Black History Month and I’m celebrating excellence in winemaking with the best Black-owned wines and Black winemakers.🍷 From vine to glass, each bottle tells a unique story and perspective. Here are some of my favorites.
La Fête Wine Company
La Fête Wine Company is a Black-owned wine brand founded by Donae Burston. Inspired by the vibrant lifestyle of St. Tropez, the company aims to redefine wine culture by promoting diversity and inclusivity. Their wines, including La Fête du Rosé, La Fête du Blanc, and La Fête du Rouge, are produced in partnership with Château Saint-Maur, a prestigious Cru Classé estate in the Côtes de Provence region of France. La Fête Wine Co. is committed to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, and donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations supporting underserved and underrepresented communities.
McBride Sisters
McBride Sisters Wine Company is one of the largest Black-owned wine companies in the U.S., founded by sisters Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John. With a story rooted in sisterhood and resilience, the brand was born from the sisters’ shared love of wine after being raised separately in California and New Zealand, two renowned wine regions. Their portfolio includes the popular Black Girl Magic Collection, SHE CAN canned wines, and McBride Sisters Collection, offering a range of varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Red Blends. The brand champions diversity, sustainability, and empowerment in the wine industry while creating wines that celebrate culture and community.
Maison Noir Wines
Maison Noir Wines is a unique wine brand founded in 2007 by André Hueston Mack, a celebrated sommelier and former head sommelier at Per Se in New York City. Based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the brand blends Mack’s love of wine, street culture, and design to create high-quality, approachable Black-owned wines with bold, playful branding. Maison Noir offers a range of wines, including O.P.P. (Other People’s Pinot), Love Drunk Rosé, and Bottoms Up Chardonnay, focusing on expressive, terroir-driven wines that challenge traditional wine industry norms while making wine culture more inclusive and fun.
Brown Estate
Brown Estate is Napa Valley’s first and only Black-owned estate winery, founded in 1996 by siblings Deneen, David, and Coral Brown. Located in the Chiles Valley AVA, the winery is renowned for its Zinfandel, which has gained critical acclaim for its bold and balanced profile. Black winemaker David also produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. The family-run winery emphasizes sustainability and community while delivering high-quality, terroir-driven wines that celebrate their rich heritage and passion for winemaking.
Theopolis Vineyards
Theopolis Vineyards is a small-lot, boutique winery and vineyard in California’s Yorkville Highlands AVA, founded by Black winemaker, and former attorney, Theodora Lee. Known as “Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards,” Lee is one of the few Black women vineyard owners and winemakers in the U.S. The vineyard is acclaimed for producing award-winning Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir, along with other varietals. Theopolis Vineyards prides itself on crafting high-quality, handcrafted wines with bold flavors that reflect the rugged terroir of the region.
Okapi Wines
First off, an okapi is my favorite animal. On top of that, this winery creates sustainably grown, thoughtfully made fine wines from Napa Valley. Dedicated to producing thoughtfully crafted wines by Black winemakers Dan and Kim Johnson, Okapi Wines’ portfolio includes varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and red blends. Visitors can enjoy educational cave tours and spectacular views of Napa Valley at their Soda Canyon location.
Wade Cellars
If you’re into basketball, you’ll love these iconic California wines. This wine brand was founded in 2014 by NBA legend Dwyane Wade in partnership with Pahlmeyer Winery. The brand focuses on producing approachable, high-quality wines that celebrate Wade’s passion for wine and his journey from NBA star to wine enthusiast. Wade Cellars offers a range of wines, including a popular rosé, Three by Wade Cabernet Sauvignon, and Three by Wade Chenin Blanc, appealing to wine novices and connoisseurs. The brand embodies sophistication with a modern, inclusive vibe, reflecting Wade’s mission to make wine culture more diverse and accessible.
Do you have any favorite Black winemakers who didn’t make the list? Drop them in the comments!