Oregon wine leader Tiquette Bramlett isn’t just making history for herself, she’s making history for the diverse world of wine drinkers. By Sedale McCall In 2021, just five years after moving to Oregon and starting her wine journey, Tiquette Bramlett became the first Black woman to run a winery in a major US region. …
Tiquette Bramlett is Harvesting BIPOC Legacy in Willamette Valley Read More »
Wine has a bad habit of being elite and exclusive. The Michigan Wine Collaborative is looking to change that. By Sedale McCall You may know that the Michigan wine industry is a big part of the American wine scene. It’s the fourth largest grape-growing state, and produces more than 3 million gallons of wine …
The Dream Wine Collaboration Unites the Michigan Wine Industry Read More »
“Don’t seek to be the guru, seek who the guru sought” Black Men in Wine are not represented enough in the industry. Part 2 of this series focuses on podcaster and storyteller MJ Towler, whose thirst for knowledge is as high as his thirst for wine. By Sedale McCall (If you got here first, …
Collaboration is the most intentional thing we can do, this Drink Master uses her platform to build community through collaboration and storytelling. By Sedale McCall (SPOILER ALERT! If you have not watched Drink Masters on Netflix, We will spoil the entire thing in the next paragraph. Stop here, watch it and come back!) More …
Three years after the racial reckoning in 2020, these organizations are still committed to seeking more diversity in wine through scholarships and educational initiatives. By Sedale McCall “Do the Work.” It was a phrase that rose to prominence in 2020, as many industries looked at how diverse and inclusive they were and saw the …
Who’s Still Doing the Work? Making Wine Inclusive Takes Commitment Read More »
Black Men in Wine are not represented enough in the industry. Part 1 of this series focuses on Derrick Westbrook, a man who brings his full self to his business and mission. By Sedale McCall When you search “drinking wine” this is what pops up first. I’d bet it’s also the image most people …
Black Men Love Wine Too Part 1: Derrick Westbrook Read More »
Two of Four Black Master Sommeliers share their commitment to the profession and to each other. by Sedale McCall When Chris Gaither passed the notoriously rigorous Master Sommelier exam earlier this year, the media was quick to emphasize the fact that he was only the fourth Black Master Sommelier in Court of Master Sommeliers …
The Wolf of Wine, Jermaine Stone, shows us how wine and Hip Hop are a match made in Heaven Written by Sedale McCall “I’m Winston Wolf, I solve problems” If you know Jermaine Stone, aka The Wolf of Wine, this quote from the hit film Pulp Fiction makes so much sense. Jermaine is a …
Blending Wine and Hip Hop Culture Around the World Read More »
Traveling through eight states across North America, Aslina Wines pairs well with everything from traditional South African Braai to Vegan-Soul cuisine. Written by Sedale McCall Just ahead of the wine world descending into Capetown for Cape Wine 2022, South African winemaker Ntsiki Biyela traveled across the United States to promote her collection of Aslina …
Experiencing Aslina Wines: Ntsiki Biyela’s U.S. Grand Tasting Tour Read More »
Curating an experience that’s inclusive and committed to long-term change. Written by Sedale McCall Early in August, writers, editors, marketers, and more came together for the 2022 Wine Writers Symposium (WWS). Founded by Meadowood Napa Valley and the Napa Valley Vintners, the three-day event explores several themes related to contemporary wine writing and attracts …
Telling Our Stories: Wine Writers Symposium Seeking Representation Read More »
Desiree Harrison-Brown, Meaghan Odum, and Jessica Yanez are using their unique voices to be the change we want to see in wine. Written by Sedale McCall “I wanted to be a particular person that I saw in a restaurant. Dapper, Italian-cut suit, pointed-toe shoes, wonderful black serviette draped over his forearm, bottle held high. …
