On July 25th, wine connoisseurs from around the world celebrate the artistry and flavors of exquisite wines on National Wine and Cheese Day. The pairing of wine and cheese has been a long tradition, with wine-producing cultures pairing their wines with regional cheeses. As this day encourages us to try different varieties of wines and cheeses, we are giving a list of Black-owned wine companies that you might want to add to your list.
McBride Sisters Wine Company
Founded by sisters Robin and Andréa McBride in 2016, the McBride wine company is one of the largest Black-owned wine businesses in the United States. Their journey kicked off with an interesting story as the two ladies were raised separately in New Zealand and California. After discovering each other later on in life, Robin and Andréa realized they both shared a passion for wine.
After launching the McBride Sisters Collection, the sisters vowed to “create their own wine traditions, and place women, culture, cuisine, taste, and lifestyle at the center of the wine experience.” Since then, the McBride sisters have released Black Girl Magic wines, that debuted at Essence Fest during Mayor Cantrell’s opening party. Robin and Andréa has also launched SHE CAN wines for those who aren’t looking to overindulge.
Recommended pairing: McBride Sisters’ Black Girl Magic Riesling with Goat Cheese
Brown Estate
Located in Napa Valley, Brown Estate is the first Black-owned estate winery in area. The company was founded in 1996 by the Brown family and is known for its Zinfandel. In January 2000, the Brown family debuted its first three vintages at the annual ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers) Grand Tasting in San Francisco, which gained high praises from critics. Throughout the years, the Brown Estate has racked in a wide range of diverse wine drinkers and eventually grew the company larger. In April 2017, the Brown Estate opened the Brown Downtown tasting room located in downtown Napa and established a sister label, House of Brown, in 2018.
Recommended pairing: Brown Estate Zinfandel with Aged Cheddar
Maison Noir Wines
Maison Noir was inspired by the 90s hip-hop, punk, and skateboarding apparel scene and has since become a staple in the garage wine community. The beverage was initially crafted for some of New York’s hottest restaurants, as the wines were designed to pair well with gourmet foods. Since then, the mastermind behind the brand, André Hueston Mack, has taken Maison Noir to new heights, spanning across the nation. Prior to releasing Maison Noir, André worked as a sommelier or wine steward in San Antonio and was recognized as the Best Young Sommelier in America. He now shares his passion for wine through seminars and launching flavorful beverages.
Recommended pairing: Maison Noir O.P.P. Pinot Noir with Brie
Abbey Creek Vineyard
The first recorded Black winemaker in Oregon, Bertony Faustin, founded Abbey Creek Vineyard in 2008 after proclaiming his abstinence from alcohol. Located in the west hills of Portland Oregon, Abbey Creek was named after the creek that runs through the property. Originally, the first vines planted on the property were from Dr. Robert & Sandra Simmons as a “tax deferral.” However, years later, Bertony planted 7 additional acres of grapes after losing his father and created Abbey Creek Vineyards in 2008. In 2015, Bertony filmed “Red, White, & Black” documentary that shines a spotlight on Oregon’s Black winemakers.
Recommended pairing: Abbey Creek Vineyard Chardonnay with Camembert
Longevity Wines
Founded by Phil Long, Longevity Wines is a family-operated boutique winery located in Livermore Valley, California. Phil originally started the company as a garage winemaker in 2002 but eventually turned the company into a thriving business with award-winning wines. According to its website, Longevity is inspired by the love affair he had with his now-deceased wife, Debra. Phil and Debra were an interracial couple who sought out to offer inclusive wine experiences. However, after her death, Phil chose to keep the business going and even “personally designed the delicate heart logo on their bottles, then had it tattooed on his forearm before she died so that she will always be with him.”
Recommended pairing: Longevity Wines Cabernet Sauvignon with Gouda
As we celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day, let’s raise our glasses and toast to the Black-owned businesses making a name for themselves in the wine industry. Their contributions not only satisfy our palettes but also inspire future Black winemakers.
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