Celebrating Diversity in the Wine Industry

While historically wine is no stranger to black culture, in recent years, it’s become panoptic. If you are a product of the South as I am, as a kid you may recall your grandfather or uncle in the back shed next to the vegetable garden making wine. I can remember being the wide-eyed, inquisitive kid asking a million questions from the seat of my grandfather’s tractor as he made secret syrup. 

The Odds

The odds of our grandfathers becoming the pace setters were barren because they neither possessed intricate knowledge of wine making nor the finances to support such endeavors. Fast forward to today. There remains a lack of diversity in the wine industry–as well as other industries–from race, gender, ethnicity, and other marginalized groups. There is hope. We see movements to bridge the disparity from an increase in funding through sponsorships and grants for education to increased programs in viticulture and oenology. 

Though the pathway to inclusivity is elongated, it is in the spirit of hope and in honor of Black History month that we celebrate diversity in wine. And since love is in the air with Valentine’s Day in a few days, we thought we’d offer food pairings with black wines. A side note on pairing. When it comes to pairing food and wine, note that everyone has different sensitivities to flavors and aromas. That said, your personal preference is the only perfect pairing. Here are our suggestions.

The Pairings

If s/he likes crab cakes, consider Longevity Wines 2019 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine. Smooth with crisp citrus notes, this wine’s vibrant palate reveals a creaminess that enlivens the taste buds with refreshing green apple. Savor the many tiny bubbles with every sip. It also pairs well with smoked salmon or a grilled chicken Caesar salad.

McBride Sisters 2018 Red Blend is a perfect date night wine. It is especially wonderful with a steak dinner. This red blend is fruitful with notes of black cherry and red plum. The beautiful complexities of its full body balances the fruit with smooth hints of cedar and vanilla. The lengthy finish is luxurious with layers of velvety tannin on lush fruit.

Jazz pianist, Marcus Johnson, recommends pairing his FLO wines with his or Miles Davis’ playlist to create a recipe for the perfect evening. The acronym means For The Love Of. Johnson’s FLO Chardonnay is a good selection for the chicken lover, specifically white meat. This is a well-balanced wine with medium complexity. Its toasty oak is kept to a minimum, allowing the bright, fruity sweetness to take center stage. Savor the elegant and rich finish. 

We also highlight Victoria Coleman’s, the first black woman winemaker in Napa Valley, Lobo Wines 2014 Napa Valley Pinot Noir. It’s a medium-bodied, elegantly balanced red wine with supple cherry and raspberry fruit and layers of herbs. Savor the hint of cedar and dash of white pepper on the finish while enjoying dark meat of the chicken.

No matter your selection, celebrate Black Excellence, as you Swirl. Sip. Savor.