We’re raising a toast to African American contributors in wine by spotlighting some outstanding Black-owned wine shops and providing a destination to foster the community of Black entrepreneurs in the 3-tier wine distribution chain. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or casual drinker, where you choose to spend your dollars can greatly benefit small businesses, especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. This...

The worldwide grassroots movement that arose last summer in defiance of systemic racism and police brutality, nurtured the concentration of Black innovation and Black Americans exiting America to move abroad. In the early 1900s, Marcus Garvey urged African Americans to embrace their roots, tirelessly advocating for Black nationalism and pan-Africanism. These movements called for people in the diaspora to return and rebuild in Africa, with Black self-reliance; independence;...

Lack of diversity is getting increasingly obvious in certain spaces. Especially those that are seen as affluent or luxurious. The wine industry is definitely at the top of that list. Thankfully, today the boats of inclusion are being rocked, so it’s becoming easier to find your tribe and foundations are creating initiatives to bring equity in reducing the disparity gap. We have a long way to...

Wine production is a lifelong passion that many winemakers enjoy. This wonderful undertaking allows people to strengthen their affinity to nature by growing plump grapes in the vineyard that will later be distilled into a bottle. Even so, the transfer of winemaking or vineyard ownership was considered to be an anomaly in the Black community. For several decades, modern fine wine was (and occasionally still...

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine you’re boarding a plane or a surfboard. Now envision yourself embarking on enriching trips to distant lands, with memorable experiences that include swimming with jellyfish in Palau; running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; and defying gravity while descending the Conveyor Quay tower in Montreal, Canada. Meanwhile, a day for relaxation for you might involve petting a sweet...

As Black people, we have a unifying spirit of magic, gumption, and resourcefulness that is difficult to duplicate. During the pandemic, many Black entrepreneurs managed to thrive by modifying their standard routines in the absence of normalcy. Founder of the subscription service, A Taste of the Culture, Sean McCloud has developed a one-of-a-kind catalog that features Black-owned wine and spirits. The Philadelphia native is a spirits...

In the U.S., Mobile, Alabama is the hometown of the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the country. However, New Orleans claims the honorary title for being the carnival’s popular destination and hotspot. Mardi Gras is a celebration rich in cultural tradition, where Black folks are able to let loose and let the beads flow! This spectacular event not only serves as a refreshing reprieve bursting...