Black-Owned Wineries and Culture in Napa Valley

Last updated on August 28th, 2025

Napa Valley, California, holds a storied place in the imaginations of wine connoisseurs and novices alike. The wine region’s lore is quintessentially American, blending pioneering spirit, agrarian roots, and a drive for innovation.

However, like much of the wine industry, Napa Valley hasn’t historically reflected the Black people who help craft, influence, and enjoy its celebrated wines.

A New Chapter in Napa’s Story

Today, that narrative is shifting.

Thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Association of African American Vintners, Napa Valley Vintners, and the Napa Valley Wine Academy—as well as dedicated local Black professionals—visitors now have more opportunities to sip consciously. The region proudly reflects a more multicultural tapestry of winemakers and enthusiasts.

Visiting a Black-owned winery in Napa Valley is not just about the wine. It’s about celebrating heritage, resilience, and Black excellence.

“We believe our community and industry should be open and welcoming to people of color, whether working in the industry, visiting Napa Valley, or enjoying our wines anywhere,” said Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Communications for Napa Valley Vintners.

In 2021, as the first federally recognized Juneteenth holiday approached, Uncorked & Cultured hosted its inaugural Juneteenth in Napa experience. This event highlighted Black contributors and Black-owned wineries in Napa Valley.

Inspired by the 100-year commemoration of the Tulsa “Black Wall Street” Massacre and the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death, tour organizers Angela McCrae (filmmaker and founder) and Monique Bell, Ph.D. (researcher), curated an experience grounded in joy, reflection, and freedom.

Looking to find a taste of Black joy in Napa? Use this guide to plan a culture-rich, wine-filled visit rooted in community.

Welcome to Wine Country: A Black-Owned Winery in Napa

For airborne travelers, you’ll likely need a ride from San Francisco, Oakland, or Sacramento airports. Each airport is about an hour away, so it’s best to rent a car for convenience.

In addition to standard rental and rideshare options, Black-owned Cinnamon’s Wine Tours offers affordable transportation and customizable itineraries.

Looking for somewhere central to stay? The McClelland House, a historic Victorian landmark and bed and breakfast, is a short walk from Downtown Napa and offers an array of six spacious suites—perfect for families or groups of friends seeking modern luxury with a touch of culture. This Black-owned Napa Valley chateau boasts incredible detail and restorations that pay homage to the owner’s aviation and Zambian roots.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the colorful Napa welcome sign. It’s a must-have photo opportunity!

 

From Wine Classes to Iconic Napa Wine Experiences

The wineries in Napa offer all the sensory guidance you need to explore your palate. But if you’re eager to deepen your knowledge, the Napa Valley Wine Academy provides engaging and informative classes to enhance your wine expertise.

While the Academy is not Black-owned, it is a proud ally. It supports  Diversity in Wine scholarships created by Josh Hart and Wine Access.

Whether you’re visiting a Black-owned vineyard Napa tourists rave about or just starting your wine journey, this region offers something for everyone.

If you’re hoping to explore Napa’s largest selection of Black-owned wine, hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Be sure to book one of Uncorked & Cultured’s favorite experiences for a culture-rich adventure on the rails.

A Taste of Napa’s Black-Owned Wineries

Established in 1995, siblings Deneen, David, and Coral Brown launched the first—and still the only—Black-owned estate winery in Napa Valley, Brown Estate. Their vineyards in the Chiles Valley AVA are known for producing award-winning Zinfandel. They recently opened the House of Brown Pop-Up Splash Bar on Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00 pm, located inside their headquarters at 1025 Coombs Street.

Once you’ve sharpened your palate with Cabernet and other varietals, it’s time to visit the Black winemakers behind some of Napa’s finest wines.

Just 10 minutes from downtown Napa, James Moss and his wife, Janet, run J. Moss Wines, a boutique winery renowned for its small-lot, handcrafted wines.

Pro tip: Ask the couple about their romantic love story of over 20 years—it makes the wine taste even sweeter.

Napa is also home to several other notable Black-owned wineries and notable collaborations. These include:

• The Brown Estate, with its celebrated downtown tasting room
• The Vice Wine by Malek Amrani
• Housley Wines by Tamera Housley and her husband Adam
• D. Wade Cellars, founded by athlete Dwyane Wade
• Legend Vineyard Exclusive (LVE) by John Legend, located at Raymond Vineyards

Oakland native Chef Leilani also made history by opening Vin En Noir, the first Black and Asian woman-owned tasting room in downtown Napa. This space curates wines crafted by women and other underrepresented producers.

Pro tip: Legendary vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, of the Boisset Collection, created JCB Unity —a wine label that supports organizations uplifting Black communities. He also partnered with John Legend to launch the LVE wine brand.

Finally, Napa is home to Carlton McCoy, one of only four Black master sommeliers. He leads Lawrence Wine Estates, overseeing an impressive portfolio that includes Heitz Cellars, Ink Grade, Burgess, and more.

 

The Perfect Pairing

With all the wine you’ll be swirling and sipping, fabulous food pairings are a must. For Kansas City dining fare, Stateline Road Smokehouse offers a sophisticated BBQ menu. It was created by Michelin-starred chef Darryl Bell, who brings culinary experience from PRESS Napa and The French Laundry.

Located just a short walk away, Lil Sista’s Goodys has been rated the Best Soul Food in Napa. The team puts a modern spin on classic Louisiana family recipes.

For a more “down-home” experience, Buster’s Southern BBQ delivers a satisfying menu. Expect succulent ribs and chicken, house-made desserts, refreshing watermelon, and other down-South staples. While there’s no white tablecloth service, there are plenty of white paper towels, which you’ll need as you dive into their fragrant barbecue sauce.

Lastly, add Robert Glasper’s Black Radio Experience to your list. This tentpole Napa event features some of your favorite R&B and Hip Hop artists. You can dance the night away to R&B, jazz, blues, and popular music by Black musicians. The Blue Note Summer Sessions at Meritage Resort & Spa have featured performers such as Goapele, Damien Escobar, Grace Jones, Herbie Hancock, and more. (Check the current schedule and location online.)

Conclusion

Ultimately, your perfect experience in Napa will be unique to you, just like your preference among its heralded varietals. As the region progresses in inclusion and equity, consumers of all backgrounds can contribute by intentionally visiting and promoting Black-owned businesses, including a standout Black-owned winery that Napa visitors rave about.

“California’s wine industry is dominated by small, family owned businesses and presents an opportunity for Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and consumers to grow,” says Tara Lynn Gray, California State’s Director of the Office of the Small Business Advocate.

“The focus on small, Black-owned wineries in Napa Valley by entrepreneurs such as Uncorked & Cultured’s Angela McCrae and Monique Bell, Ph.D., is a vital component in California’s economic recovery, especially as we strive to create an economy that’s inclusive of all Californians,” she adds.

“Uncorked & Cultured’s ‘Juneteenth in Napa Experience’ opens minds about who makes and consumes fine wine, and the Sip Consciously directory provides a platform to find and support Black wine contributors around the world,” says Director Gray.

See you soon in Napa Valley!