As we move into the season of vacation occasions and hosting, it’s time to get our home wine cellars and bar carts in order for our guests. What much better way to impress than with the most popular Black-owned wine and spirit brands on the market.
Simply a couple of years ago, Black winemakers accounted for less than 1% of the overall white wine industry, a number that showed a push for more diversity and addition required to take place. But thanks to trailblazers like Tahiirah Habibi, Tiquette Bramlett, and more– we’re seeing not only an increase in the variety of Black and Brown white wine brand names, but spirit brand names as well.
As you prepare to purchase your vacation drinks, think about including these Black-owned red wine and spirit brand names. They’re ensured to have your guests talking for months to come.
B. Stuyvesant Champagne
Image: Courtesy of Instagram @stuyvesantchampagne
Generate your New Year properly with bubbly from Brooklyn’s own, B. Stuyvesant Champagne. Owner Marvina Robinson is a Brooklyn native in addition to an HBCU grad, who recently opened a tasting room in the Brooklyn Navy Lawn to even more educate guests on the correct ways to drink bubbly. To impress your guests, include bottles of the Reserve ($58), Demi Sec ($61), and the restricted edition Rose Status ($85). The brand name likewise provides a variety of vacation champagne truffles and popcorn.
Bayab Gin
Image: Thanks To Instagram: @bayabgin
Said to be the very first Black-owned spirit brand to come out of Africa, Bayab Gin currently provides 3 profiles– a timeless dry gin, burnt orange and Marula, and African increased water. The award-winning spirit brand name can be found at New york city’s Delighted Cork Brooklyn, as well as through online suppliers like Reserve bar and Wine.com. Bottles retail for $29.
Uncle Nearest Bourbon
Image: Courtesy of Instagram @unclenearest
Among the most recognized Black-owned scotches on the market, the Uncle Nearest story is larger than just a fantastic tasting spirit. Owner Fawn Weaver has worked hard over the years to not just construct the multi-award winning brand, however she also works carefully with relatives of the spirit’s namesake, Uncle Nearest– the Black man who is credited for assisting Jack Daniel’s get his brand name off the ground– to guarantee his story and tradition are maintained. This season, try to get your hands on a bottle of the brand name’s minimal release 2022 San Francisco Spirits Celebration gold medal winning Rye Bourbon or the 1856. You can also prepare a journey to go to the Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Maison Noir Wines
Image: Thanks To Instagram @maisonnoirwines
Famous sommelier André Hueston Mack is no complete stranger to the white wine world. The Bon Appétit ‘Red wine World’ host recently launched his 2021 Gamma Ray ($30) under his Maison Noir White Wines label– which is 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Gamay, grown in Oregon’s Wiliamette Valley. Other reds to add from the Black-owned red wine brand name consist of: the Free Gamay($30), the O.P.P. Pinot Noir ($25), and the 2020 Oregogne Pinot Noir ($45). White wines can be acquired directly on the Maison Noir website.
Michael Lavelle White Wines
Image: Thanks To Instagram @sipmichaellavelle
Launched in June 2020, Michael Lavelle Wines is a high-end brand established by Howard University alum Aaron “Michael” Coad and Terrence “Lavelle” Low together with their partners, Sommelier Devin Kennedy and Brandon Crump. Recognized as the youngest Black wine brand name owners, the brand name works to develop profiles that are geared and marketed toward millennials. There are currently 2 varietals in the Michael Lavelle portfolio, the 2018 Iris Zinfandel ($23) or the 2021 Iris Rosé ($22).