Give the Gift of Wine: Black, Women Owned Wineries

Black, women-owned wineries and vineyards are establishing powerful brands and making a once-exclusive industry inclusive for all. Consumers now have dozens of Black-owned wineries to choose from when looking for their next alcoholic indulgence, and we’re highlighting a few of the sistah-owned ones below – and just in time for your holiday gift shopping journey. Shaking up an already established and male-dominated industry isn’t an easy feat, but with a little Black Girl Magic plus some natural tenacity and willpower, these Sistahs are becoming household names!

With the support of shoppers, especially those who love a nice bottle of wine, a cozy blanket, and a good movie during the holiday season, this is the perfect time to make sure that we spread love and support to our favorite Black-owned vineyards, retailers and wineries. A wine subscription is the perfect gift for wine lovers and a delicious wine is the perfect accomplice to a holiday meal or gathering. 

Brenae Royal, Monte Russo

Monte Rosso

Brenae Royal  is using her love of wine to bring some change into the world. Royal is currently the vineyard manager of Monte Rosso (https://www.louismartini.com/wines/monte-rosso-vineyard), a position she acquired in her twenties. According to Wine Industry Advisor, the historic Monte Rosso is one of the most famous vineyards in California, and of course obtaining such a position is not an easy feat. With the same hard work and dedication that she put into earning her position at Monte Rosso, Royal fights daily to prove that she belongs in this industry. Monte Rosso is famous for its Zinfandel and Semillon wines, which are perfect pairs for a holiday wine cooler recipe or a refreshing spritzer. Monte Rosso wines start at $65 and there are many options to choose from.

Deneen Brown, Brown Estate

Brown Estate

Deneen Brown is the co-owner of Brown Estate (brownestate.com), a vineyard in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, which she manages with her siblings. Her parents bought the winery in the 1980s, and Deneen and her siblings took it over in the 1990s, coming  together not only to run the vineyard but also to create their own wine. Today, the Brown siblings offer 16 different wines for customers to choose from. In other exciting news, Deneen and her siblings also opened the Brown Downtown tasting room in April 2017 on the re-emerging First Street corridor in the heart of downtown Napa. Here they provide an extraordinary wine experience and hospitality to those who visit their vineyard, from the time they arrive up until they depart. Brown’s wines start at $40 and there are many options to choose from, perfect for gifting or pairing with holiday feasts—or both!  

Robin and Andrea McBride, McBride Sisters

McBride Sisters

Robin and Andrea McBride, better known as the McBride sisters, were raised around vineyards in Monterey, California and Marlborough, New Zealand. Being exposed to beautiful vineyards their entire life naturally sparked an interest in wine and winemaking, so in 2005, when the sisters found themselves back in California, they decided to shake up the wine industry a little. The McBrides pair their love of wine and winemaking with their witty ideas and more. Their enjoyment and tenacity show through in the fun and variety of their offerings. Today, they have turned their love of wine into empowering brands that are team Sistahbiz favorites, such as She Can and Black Girl Magic (www.mcbridesisters.com). The McBrides’ unique wine collections can be found in a can for on-the-go indulgence or in traditional wine bottles. The McBride wine collections are also extremely affordable, starting as low as $16.99.

Darjean Jones, Darjean Jones Wines

Darjean Jones Wines

Darjean Jones is a Louisiana native and the first African American winemaker in her family. She fell in love with winemaking after a trip to Napa Valley, and in 2010, she started making wine from grapes that she sourced herself. With the support and encouragement of her husband, Darjean has worked her way into becoming a household name (www.darjeanjoneswines.com). Her award-winning wines are spirited, adventurous, and possess a charisma that will seduce any wine lover. While she offers many products to choose from, one of her most popular is the holiday sampler pack, which includes three wines for $135. The Darjean Jones Holiday Sampler Pack includes one bottle each of 2016 Cabernet Franc, 2016 Chardonnay, and 2016 Pathologie Reserve.

Marilyn Van Alstyne, Wifey Brand

Wifey Brands

Marilyn Van Alstyne of Wifey Brands (wifeybrands.com) brings a sparkle of magic and style to the wine industry. Van Alstyne’s Wifey Rosé and Sparkling Cuvée provide more than just a drink: their products are an experience. Through her brand, Van Alstyne aims to celebrate women everywhere, encouraging consumers to celebrate life’s moments and to live lives filled with love. Even before Wifey Brands, Van Alstyne has had an extensive history of working with and encouraging women. She understands how to cater to the everyday woman as well as hard-working career women and entrepreneurs. Having started her career working hand-in-hand with some of the music industry’s top celebrities, including Sean Diddy” Combs, Van Alstyne has much to offer a female-driven consumer market. Given all of this, her Wifey Brand wines are the perfect holiday gift. The wine is beautifully packaged: all it needs is a cute bow and a name tag! Wifey wines start as low as $21.99. Be sure to check out the Wifey Brand website for tasty drink recipes, too!

From vineyards to wineries, Black Girl Magic is sweeping the wine industry and making a true name for itself. This holiday season, add a Black-owned wine subscription to your gift list or give this magical gift to your loved ones! Order now to avoid postal drama! For more holiday gift recommendations, visit our my favorites list at www.sistah.biz/kishas-favorites.