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Writer's pictureDaphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Aug 228 min read

Winemaking in Black Culture: From Ancient Roots to Modern Triumphs

blueberry with green leaves during daytime, winery
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

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.



Workers in Vineyard selecting grapes in the conveyor
Photo by Gonzalo Acuña from Pexels

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


Illinois


Indianapolis


Maryland


New Jersey


North Carolina


Ohio

  • Markell Bani | Cincinnati, OH | Sweet Wines, Red and White Blends


Oregon


South Carolina


Texas


Virginia


Washington


Wisconsin

  • Zafa Wines | Hudson, Wisconsin | Natural and low-intervention wines,  Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wines


Canada



Photo by Kelsey Knight from Unsplash

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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