Culture & Heritage

    Raising the Glass: Celebrating Black Excellence in Winemaking

    Discover the rich history and rising stars of Black-owned wineries. From pioneers who broke barriers to today's award-winning producers, explore the excellence reshaping American wine.

    ~1%
    of US wineries are Black-owned
    11,500+
    total wineries in the United States
    2007
    Association of African American Vintners founded
    Growing
    movement to support Black excellence in wine

    A Legacy Rooted in the Vines

    The story of Black winemakers in America is one of resilience, innovation, and excellence. Long before the wine industry acknowledged their contributions, enslaved Africans worked the vineyards of early American estates, bringing agricultural knowledge that helped establish viticulture in the New World.

    Today, a new generation of Black vintners is reclaiming this legacy, creating award-winning wines that compete on the world stage. From Napa Valley to Oregon, from Brooklyn to the Cape Winelands, Black winemakers are crafting exceptional bottles while building communities and creating pathways for the next generation.

    This is their story—and an invitation to discover wines that represent not just excellent craftsmanship, but also cultural significance and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in every glass.

    Black-Owned, Black-Led, and Black-Founded Wine Producers

    Meet the visionary winemakers breaking barriers and creating exceptional wines

    McBride Sisters

    Robin & Andréa McBride

    Featured
    Black-Owned
    California & New Zealand
    Largest Black-owned wine company in the United States

    Separated at birth, Robin and Andréa discovered each other as adults and bonded over their shared passion for wine. They created the McBride Sisters Collection, including the celebrated Black Girl Magic line, which has become a cultural phenomenon.

    Brown Estate Vineyards

    The Brown Family

    Featured
    Black-Owned
    Napa Valley, California
    First Black-owned estate winery in Napa Valley (1996)

    The Brown family purchased their Napa Valley property in 1980 and officially became the first Black-owned estate winery in Napa in 1996. Their Zinfandel and Chaos Theory blend have earned critical acclaim.

    Maison Noir Wines

    André Hueston Mack

    Featured
    Black-Owned Brand
    Oregon
    Former sommelier at Per Se and The French Laundry; Black-owned wine brand based in Oregon

    André Hueston Mack worked at some of the world's most prestigious restaurants before launching Maison Noir in 2007. His Black-owned wine brand takes an irreverent approach to wine labels, making Oregon wines approachable to new audiences.

    Theopolis Vineyards

    Theodora Lee

    Featured
    Black-Owned
    Yorkville Highlands, California
    Known as 'Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards'

    A criminal defense attorney by profession, Theodora Lee planted her first vines in 2003. Her estate Petite Sirah has won numerous gold medals and she's become an advocate for diversity in wine.

    Love Cork Screw

    Chrishon Lampley

    Black-Owned
    Chicago, Illinois
    One of the first Black-owned wine brands to achieve national major-retailer distribution

    Chrishon Lampley launched Love Cork Screw to make wine accessible and fun. Her wines are now carried in major retailers nationwide, breaking barriers in wine distribution.

    B. Stuyvesant Champagne

    Marvina Robinson

    Black-Owned Brand
    Brooklyn, NY / Champagne, France
    First Black-owned Champagne brand sourcing from grower-producers in Champagne, France

    Marvina Robinson founded B. Stuyvesant, a Black-owned Champagne brand that sources grapes from small grower-producers in Champagne, France. Based in Brooklyn, her brand represents a pioneering entry into the prestigious Champagne category.

    The Hue Society

    Tahiirah Habibi

    Community Leadership
    Washington, D.C.
    Wine industry leader and community builder featured by Wine Spectator

    Tahiirah Habibi founded The Hue Society to create safe, inclusive spaces for Black wine enthusiasts. Her sommelier work and community initiatives have made her a leading voice in wine diversity.

    How to Support Black-Owned Wineries

    Buy Directly

    Purchase wines directly from winery websites to ensure maximum support reaches the producers.

    Visit Tasting Rooms

    Plan wine country visits to include Black-owned wineries and experience their hospitality firsthand.

    Share Their Stories

    Amplify these voices on social media and introduce friends to exceptional Black-owned wines.

    Join Wine Clubs

    Subscribe to wine clubs from Black-owned wineries for regular shipments and exclusive access.

    Discover Black-Owned Wines with iQ Sommelier

    Explore our curated collection of 15 exceptional wines from Black-owned producers, complete with food pairings and nutrition information.

    Get personalized wine recommendations at