6 Must-Try Black-Owned Wineries for Wine Lovers

Wine lovers, it’s time to expand your horizons and support a vibrant sector of the wine industry that is gaining recognition and appreciation: Black-owned wineries. These establishments not only produce exceptional wines crafted with passion and expertise but also tell unique stories and embody rich histories. Each winery reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences of its owners, enhancing the wine experience with narratives that resonate deeply.

My journey into the world of Black-owned wineries began with a simple Google search: “show me Black-owned wineries in California.” The top results were the McBride Sisters Collection and Theopolis Vineyards. I reached out via email and received an immediate response from Theodora Lee, whose signature read, “Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards.” My full, squinted-eye smile in response confirmed I was in the right hands. My conversation with Theodora opened the door to other remarkable personalities and brands within my community, including André Hueston Mack, La Fête Wine Company, Carlton McCoy Jr., Longevity Wines, and Fern Stroud of Black Vines, to name a few.

In previous articles, I’ve expressed my confidence in a common priority among gatekeepers and business leaders: the color green, the color of money! Thus, diversifying the wine industry goes beyond social justice; it also presents a compelling business case. Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that reflect their values, such as diversity and inclusion. Supporting Black-owned wineries is a tangible way to advance these ideals while enhancing one’s own experience.

Consider these striking statistics:

• Black Americans comprise 13.4% of the U.S. population yet own less than 1% of U.S. wineries.
• A 2020 survey by the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) indicated that only 0.1% of the $70 billion U.S. wine industry is Black-owned.

These figures highlight a significant gap in representation and the immense potential for growth within this sector. By actively seeking out and supporting Black-owned wineries, consumers can play a vital role in bridging this divide.

While many celebrity and athlete-owned wine brands deserve recognition for their quality, I want to shine a light on lesser-known or smaller brands that may not yet have your attention. Here’s my carefully curated list of must-try Black-owned wineries that deserve a spot on your wine rack, each offering a unique taste and story that will elevate your next wine tasting experience.

Meadows Estate Vineyard & Winery (Oakland, Oregon)

After retiring, Dexter and Marilyn Meadows sought a new adventure, driven by Dexter’s passion for the land, which led them to the stunning Umpqua Valley in Southern Oregon. Journeying from Southern California via Tuskegee, Alabama, they were eager to discover where this new chapter would take them. Meadows Estates is more than just a place for wine; it’s a must-visit community destination rich in history and local traditions. With planned events, workshops, a tasting room, onsite lodging, a wedding venue, and vineyard tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Which wine(s) are you best known for?

We are best known for our Viognier, award winning Grenache (Double Gold, Best in Class), and Syrah Reserve (Gold Medal winner).

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and Summer is the best time to visit us, March – July. The tasting room is buzzing with patrons, both new and old. Our Airbnb is almost fully booked and there’s a lot of exciting things happening in the vineyard!

Winter is coming. What food and wine pairing do you recommend this Fall?

Fall is the best time for comfort food like a hearty beef stew with carrots, and potatoes which would be spectacular with our 2017 Syrah Reserve. Also, Lasagna paired with our 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon would be another amazing option for a Fall wine pairing.

J.Moss Wines (Napa Valley, California)

J. Moss Wines is a family-owned boutique winery founded by James and Janet Moss, who began their winemaking journey in 1999 with a barrel of Merlot. After sharing their first wine at their wedding in 2000, they pursued their dream of crafting artisanal wines, leading to the creation of the J. Moss label. With over 25 years of experience, they produce elegant, award-winning wines, focusing on single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals from Napa Valley. Their winery, located in the Crusher Wine District, offers a personalized tasting experience, making it a memorable hidden gem in Napa Valley.

Which wine(s) are you best known for?

Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. We have a decade of 90+ point Cabs under our belt.

When is the best time to visit?

Our Downtown Napa Tasting Room is open by appointment on the weekends and can be booked online at www.jmosswines.com

Winter is coming. What food and wine pairing do you recommend this Fall?

Fall and Cabernet Sauvignon go hand in hand, Cabs love to be matched up with a juicy, hearty, fatter red meat. One of our favorite pairings is: Grilled Ribeye or Filet Mignon with a red wine reduction sauce accompanied with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. The acidity and tannin of the Cab cuts through the fat, while the fat and protein of the meat lessen the astringency of the wine, making it taste silky smooth and bring out the fruity flavors.

Wachira Wines (Alameda, California)

Founded in 2017 as a Black-owned, woman-owned winery in Alameda, CA, Dr. Chris Wachira was inspired to create wines that complement Kenyan cuisine and reflect her cultural heritage. As the first Kenyan-born Californian winemaker, she aimed to address the lack of representation in the wine industry for minorities. This passion project evolved into The Wachira Group, which focuses on closing market gaps for underrepresented communities, including the establishment of SOKO Distributors, California’s first Tier 1 supplier for minority-owned alcohol brands. Each wine in the Safari Collection tells its own unique story, making them a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer and fall are perfect with the Bay Area’s beautiful weather, but honestly, anytime you want to sip great wine, you’ll find a reason to visit us.

Which wine(s) are you best known for?

We’re best known for the wines featured in our Wine Safari experience, each one embodying the spirit of the Big Five animals of the Kenyan safari. These wines aren’t just unique in flavor—they each carry a story, a connection to my heritage, and a nod to the incredible diversity of Kenyan wildlife.

• Our Chardonnay, represented by the Buffalo, is known for its strength and balance. Just like the Buffalo’s role in its herd, this wine is a social centerpiece—perfectly balanced and versatile, making it a favorite at any gathering.

It was awarded a 2022 Silver Medal at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition and a 2022 Gold Medal with 92 points at the LA Invitational Wine & Spirits.

• The Cabernet Sauvignon, symbolized by the Rhinoceros, surprises people with its light, smooth finish—much like the Rhino, which despite its size, moves with surprising grace. This Cabernet is known for its elegance, with notes of black raspberry, vanilla, and cocoa.

It earned a 2022 Double Gold Medal at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition and 90 points from VinePair.

• Our Zinfandel, representing the Elephant, stands out for its boldness. It’s as commanding as the largest of the Big Five, with bold tannins and a long, lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression.

It was awarded a 2022 Silver Medals atLA Invitational Wine Challenge & NY World Wine & Spirit Competition

• The Muscat, represented by the Leopard, is one of the most versatile wines we offer. Just as the Leopard effortlessly navigates different terrains, our Muscat pairs beautifully with a wide range of cuisines and is perfect for any season.

It was awarded 90 points and two Gold Medals at the New Orleans Wine & Food Expo and the LA International Wine Competition.

• Finally, our Sparkling White, symbolized by the Lion, truly captures the essence of celebration. Much like the Lion’s commanding presence, this wine shines at any gathering, with its lively bubbles and fruity aromas.

It earned 99 points and a Double Gold Medal at the CA State Fair and a Bronze Medal at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition.

Each wine in our safari has its own distinct character and story, making it impossible to choose just one!

Winter is coming. What food and wine pairing do you recommend this Fall?

As the weather cools, my mother’s lamb stew becomes my go-to comfort food. It pairs effortlessly with our Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine I crafted specifically to enhance the flavors of hearty dishes like this. The rich, savory depth of the stew is perfectly balanced by the wine’s smooth tannins and vibrant fruit, creating a symphony of flavors that lingers long after the meal.

In fact, during one of our wine club pick-up parties, we shared this very pairing with our members—lamb stew alongside our Cabernet Sauvignon. We even gave out spice packages so they could recreate the experience at home.

The Shepard Collection (Paso Robles, California)

Brynne and Brandon Shepard created The Shepard Collection in 2022 as a wine and lifestyle brand to bring wine to culture and culture to wine. Their goal is to disrupt the world of wine by creating a space that inspires and builds a diverse community driven by creative expression, empowerment, and a shared love of wine. Welcome to their revolution.

When is the best time to visit?

Private tasting are available in the Estrella District on the westside of Paso Robles. Also we’re close to opening a new tasting room in Downtown Tempe, Arizona.

Which wine(s) are you best known for?

We are best known for our TSC Cabernet Franc and TSC Rosé of Grenache.

Winter is coming. What food and wine pairing do you recommend this Fall?

With Autumn upon us, we recommend pairing our TSC Cabernet Franc with our Shepard Family Jambalaya recipe. The vibrant, crisp flavors of the Cabernet Franc perfectly complement the rich, savory notes of jambalaya.

Henderson Harvest Wines (Oakland, California)

Owner Don Henderson, hails from Pensacola, Florida, with family roots in New Orleans. After relocating to Palo Alto at a young age, he discovered his passion for photography at 12, which sparked a successful 35-year career in filmmaking. His impressive portfolio includes work on acclaimed films such as “Blue Jasmine” and “Steve Jobs.” In 2020, after 15 years of winemaking, he launched his own wine brand, Henderson’s Harvest. Don shares a love for cooking with his wife, Dr. Catherine Metayer, where they artfully blend Southern and French culinary traditions. Looking ahead, he plans to retire from the film industry in 2025 to pursue winemaking full-time, fulfilling a long-held dream.

When is the best time to visit?

Hendersons’ Harvest has an online store. We also do pop-up wine pours throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, which we post on our website and social media. Twice a year we do tastings at Donkey and Goat Winery in Berkeley, California, where I am currently making my wine.

Which wine(s) are you best known for?

Hendersons’ Harvest is best known for its Rosé and Napa Cabernet wines. I made my Sangiovese rose patterned after a French Loire valley style rose. And I am very happy with the result. I am greatly influenced by the practices of “French” and Napa Valley wine makers. This year we will introduce our 2023 Mendocino Primitivo.

Winter is coming. What food and wine pairing do you recommend this Fall?

Fall is here and the Summer Rosé that has been enjoyed on hot days, and warm evenings has one last fling! Khēmia’s 2023 Sangiovese Rosé pairs fantastically with Dungeness Crab which is coming into season. Khēmia Rosé is the perfect accompaniment with all seafood and shellfish dishes. The bright fruit-forward, balanced acidity, and depth of mouth feel of the Sangiovese Rosé showcases the flavor range of broiled fish, grilled scallops, shrimps, or lobster, as well as boiled Dungeness Crab.

P. Harrell Wines (Oakland, California)

Paula J. Harrell, a San Francisco native and founder of P. Harrell Wines, has established a winery that champions diversity and inclusivity within the wine industry. Inspired by her family’s entrepreneurial spirit and her passion for wine, Paula’s journey began while studying abroad in Spain and evolved through her experiences in real estate and her deep immersion in wine culture. Founded in 2015, her winery emphasizes community building and crafting unforgettable wine experiences. P. Harrell Wines has received numerous accolades and has been featured in various media outlets. As a proud member of several organizations dedicated to promoting diversity, Paula’s wines pay tribute to her family’s legacy and cultural heritage.

When is the best time to visit?

We currently do not have a brick and mortar, rather we are carried in several tasting rooms and restaurants listed under the “Partners” section on our website. But sign up for our newsletter for updates on a future location.

Which wine(s) are you best known for?

Haight Street Dry Riesling

Winter is coming. What food and wine pairing do you recommend this Fall?

Haight Street Off-Dry Riesling + Curried Butternut Squash Soup.

Due to its highly acidic nature, Riesling naturally pairs with many spicy foods, particularly Asian and Indian dishes. This off-dry option pairs exceptionally with curried stews, such as curries butternut squash soup, which is perfect for Fall! The creaminess of the coconut milk base is a perfect contrast to Riesling’s crisp and citrusy profile, while the curry and spices help temper the wine’s acidity. And though tempered, it still cuts through the richness of the dish, with the mineral undertones adding complexity.

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