The History and Impact of Black Winemakers in the the Wine Industry

A Legacy of Exclusion and Emerging Visibility

For centuries, the global wine industry operated within structures of colonial power, racial exclusion, and limited access to land and education. The contributions of Black people, whether as laborers, vine tenders, or community growers, were often erased or undervalued. Yet throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Black winemakers and wine entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora have been steadily asserting their presence. They are reclaiming heritage, introducing innovation, and reshaping the culture of wine for a new generation.

By 2025, the influence of these winemakers has become impossible to ignore. From South Africa to California, they are producing award-winning wines, creating new jobs, and telling stories rooted in identity and resilience. The wine industry, worth more than $441 billion globally (Statista, 2025), is finally opening its doors to a new chapter of inclusion.

Discover how the African diaspora celebrates heritage and storytelling through food and drink in our African Diaspora Food & Drink Culture feature.

Early Roots: Africa’s Forgotten Wine Story

While many assume that wine history began in Europe, Africa has its own deep viticultural roots. Archaeological findings show that ancient Egypt produced wine as early as 3100 BCE, using it in royal rituals and spiritual ceremonies (Britannica).

Centuries later, European colonization disrupted indigenous knowledge systems. When Dutch settlers established vineyards in Cape Town in 1655, they relied on the labor of enslaved Africans (Wikipedia: South African Wine). Despite generations of exclusion from ownership and education, descendants of those workers are now among South Africa’s most respected winemakers.

South Africa’s Modern Renaissance

Post-apartheid South Africa remains the heart of Black winemaking on the continent. The country’s transformation policies, education programs, and export potential have created opportunities for a new generation of winemakers to flourish.

According to the South African Wine Industry Transformation Unit (2025 report), there are now more than 60 Black-owned wine brands operating across the country. These winemakers are combining technical excellence with cultural storytelling to redefine what South African wine represents.

Ntsiki Biyela and Aslina Wines

Ntsiki Biyela became South Africa’s first Black female winemaker in 2004. Raised in KwaZulu-Natal, she earned a scholarship to study oenology at Stellenbosch University before becoming head winemaker at Stellekaya Wines. In 2016, she launched Aslina Wines, named after her grandmother (Aslina Wines).

Biyela’s wines have received international acclaim from Wine Enthusiast and Decanter, and she is widely recognized for blending African flavor metaphors and storytelling into wine descriptions. She also serves on the board of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy, which trains young South Africans in winemaking and business (Talented Women Network).

Her success represents a shift in how wine is expressed and who it serves. In her own words, “Wine is not only for those who grew up with it. It can tell our stories too.”

House of Mandela Wines

Founded by Dr. Makaziwe Mandela and her daughter Tukwini Mandela, House of Mandela Wines carries the legacy of Nelson Mandela’s family into the world of viticulture. Established in 2010, the brand reflects family values of unity, humanity, and dignity (Georgetowner).

Their collections include The Thembu Series and Royal Reserve, both sourced from ethical co-operatives and crafted in collaboration with sustainable vineyards. The duo has taken their wines to international stages, using their platform to challenge stereotypes and promote fair trade practices (Food Republic).

Tukwini Mandela has spoken openly about the challenges of being taken seriously in a male-dominated, white-controlled industry. “The South African wine industry is still very racist and sexist,” she told The Sophisticated Life. “Many thought House of Mandela was just a novelty project. But we are still here, and we are growing” (The Sophisticated Life).

Carmen Stevens and the Power of Education

Carmen Stevens became the first Black woman to graduate with a winemaking degree from Stellenbosch University in 1995. Her brand, Carmen Stevens Wines, is known for premium blends and for using profits to support food programs for school children through the Carmen Stevens Foundation (Jancis Robinson).

Her influence extends beyond winemaking. Through mentorship and advocacy, she represents how education and access remain the foundation for transformation in the South African wine sector.

Economic and Cultural Transformation

The emergence of Black winemakers has created ripple effects far beyond the cellar. Their influence is reshaping economic opportunity, cultural storytelling, and national identity.

1. Economic Empowerment

Black-owned wineries create jobs, mentorship opportunities, and new models for community investment. Initiatives such as the Wine Industry Transformation Charter and the KWV Empowerment Program are working to redistribute equity and expand ownership in a historically exclusive sector (Wikipedia: KWV South Africa).

2. Cultural Reclamation

Black winemakers are rewriting how wine is described and experienced. Rather than using only European descriptors like “forest floor” or “truffle,” they draw from local sensory language. Ntsiki Biyela, for instance, uses metaphors rooted in her Zulu heritage, likening aromas to amasi (fermented milk) or African herbs. This reframing challenges Eurocentric norms and invites more people to connect emotionally to wine.

3. Tourism and National Branding

Wine tourism is one of South Africa’s fastest-growing industries, worth over $1.3 billion annually (Business Tech, 2024). Black-owned wineries add depth to that experience, offering visitors a chance to explore the intersection of heritage, storytelling, and craftsmanship. These experiences attract travelers who value authenticity and social impact, aligning with global trends in cultural tourism and regenerative travel.

The Diaspora Connection

Beyond Africa, Black winemakers in the United States, Caribbean, and Europe are also building legacy and visibility.

United States

In the U.S., less than one percent of winemakers are Black, according to the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV). However, pioneers like André Hueston Mack of Maison Noir Wines and Theodora Lee of Theopolis Vineyards are leading change through craft and mentorship (AAAV). Together, they are expanding visibility and inspiring a new generation of wine professionals.

Moreover, The McBride Sisters Collection, founded by sisters Robin and Andréa McBride, is now the largest Black-owned wine company in the U.S. As a result, their success has paved the way for partnerships with major retailers and diversity initiatives across the industry . In turn, these efforts are helping transform the face of American winemaking.

Caribbean and Latin America

Meanwhile, in regions like Jamaica and Brazil, small-scale Black entrepreneurs are experimenting with tropical wines and agritourism. These projects, in particular, link viticulture to cultural heritage and sustainability. Furthermore, they echo the broader movement to reconnect diaspora communities through food, drink, and storytelling.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite this progress, systemic barriers still persist.

• Access to capital and land: Many Black winemakers lease vineyards due to generational wealth gaps.

• Visibility and representation: Wine media remains Eurocentric, with limited coverage of African and diaspora winemakers.

• Distribution and export access: Scaling production and reaching international markets remain challenging without large distribution partners.

• Education and mentorship: Institutions must continue creating pipelines for young winemakers of color.

Nevertheless, the progress that has been made should not obscure the work that remains. In truth, equity in wine is still an unfinished project.

A New Era for Wine

Today, the growing recognition of Black winemakers is not a passing trend but rather a cultural shift. As a result, more consumers are seeking meaningful stories behind their purchases. Consequently, wine is evolving into a vessel for inclusion, heritage, and connection.

In recent years, collaborations between African and diaspora producers have expanded through initiatives like The Black Wine Professionals Network and The Healers’ Village Wellness Collective. Together, they pair wine experiences with cultural and wellness travel across Africa and the Caribbean (Common Ground Health). Through these partnerships, wine is becoming a bridge between identity, healing, and community.

Ultimately, the future of wine will not be defined solely by geography or grape varietals. Instead, it will be guided by shared values — authenticity, sustainability, and representation.

Conclusion: Every Pour Tells a Story

Above all, the history of Black winemakers is a story of perseverance, creativity, and restoration. Across generations, it reflects a global movement to honor heritage and redefine excellence.

Each time you raise a glass of Aslina, House of Mandela, or McBride Sisters, you are tasting more than wine — you are tasting history reclaimed, barriers broken, and futures imagined.

In essence, supporting Black winemakers means supporting a richer, more inclusive wine culture. With every pour, there is a story of legacy, land, and liberation waiting to be told.