Educating yourself on the many lesser-known trailblazing Black vintners, distillers, and entrepreneurs who have been continuously transforming the wine and spirits industry is a great way to support Black communities, show up, give flowers, and even create some lasting memories. Another way is to put your money where your mouth is by supporting Black-owned businesses. And this time of year, filling up your bar cart is the perfect place to start.
There's a range of Black-owned legacy brands on the market that can help you craft the perfect signature cocktail—Appleton Estate’s aged rum, which dates back to the mid-1700s and brings the rich history and culture of Jamaica to the American market. There are also celebrity wine and spirits enthusiasts who've taken on the challenge of creating brands of their own—from Issa Rae’s Viarae Prosecco to Michael Jordan’s Cincoro tequila. And many of these founders also enlist experts in the industry, like Black master blenders, to help lead their brands and ensure quality.
These 12 liquor and wine brands—plus one artisan mixer—are all Black-owned and have amazing founders and stories behind their portfolios. Whether you want to try a recipe that dates back to Prohibition or are a huge fan of all things Mary J. Blige (yes, she has a wine brand!), you’ll love any of the bottles you try from this list.
Appleton Estate Rum dates its first distillation back to Nassau Valley, Jamaica, in 1749. Today, you’ll find the aged rum in varieties that embody the Jamaican landscape, thanks to Master Blender Joy Spence, who's not only led the brand since 1997 but was the first woman in the spirits industry to hold the title.
If you prefer mixing your alcohol rather than enjoying it on the rocks, AVEC is a Black-owned company that makes uniquely-flavored sparkling drinks to add to your booze — or to enjoy alone, if you want. Flavors include grapefruit & pomelo, spiced mango & passion fruit, yuzu & lime, hibiscus & pomegranate, and more.
This plain “hooch” is inspired by the beverage of the same name (essentially illicit, unaged whiskey) that was ultra popular during the Prohibition era. The recipe uses oats, wheat, and barley, just like Birdie Brown used to make, and is distilled in her homesteading state of Montana.
One might call this tequila the GOAT. Alongside four other friends and a basketball franchise owner, NBA legend Michael Jordan co-owns Cincoro Tequila.
What's cultivated from highlands in Jalisco, Mexico, and distilled with Weber blue agave turns into blanco, reposado, añejo, gold, and extra añejo varieties, all offering a range of smooth to sweet finishes. You may end up showing off this bottle like a trophy, too: It’s shaped like an agave leaf with five points to represent the five owners.
Sisters-in-law Ayesha Curry and Sydel Curry-Lee co-founded Domaine Curry in 2015 as an homage to the amazing women in their lives. Just like the matriarchs who raised them, the red wines in their collection embody strength, structure, and softness. The duo and their team describe the Domaine Curry 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as having velvety tannins and a savory finish from notes like red fruits, caramel, and cinnamon toast. Yum!
6. Equiano Rum
This rum is named after Olaudah Equiano, an enslaved man originally from Africa, who eventually escaped to the United Kingdom in hopes of a better quality of life. There, he traded rum on the side until he saved enough money to buy his own freedom. Equiano rum combines the processes of African and Caribbean rum and honors Olaudah by giving 5% of company profits to ground-level freedom and equality projects annually.
After discovering they were long-lost sisters in adulthood, Robin and Andréa McBride bonded over the wine regions they grew up in. They started their Black Girl Magic wine line—an array of rosé, red, and white wines fit for all palates and an homage to Black women’s resilience and culture— in 2018. They debuted the Riesling expression at ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans, and, after selling out in just one weekend, they realized how special this brand would be and have been adding to their portfolio of products ever since.
Four-grain whiskeys are some of the most challenging to make, and this one uses corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley. Saint Liberty Mary’s is named after the iconic bootlegger Mary Curley who made moonshine out of the back of her hotel room and never paid any of the fines tied to her name.
You know Mary J. Blige as a singer, songwriter, and actress, but now get to know her as the founder of Sun Goddess wines. This sauvignon blanc has notes of passion fruit, banana (yes, banana), and melon and goes for around $17 at the store.
The brainchild of Tiffany Capri Hainesworth, TCapri Tequila is the first and only tequila created and owned by a Black woman. When she couldn’t find the right tequila to feature in her homemade cocktails, she researched and partnered with artisan distillers out of Jalisco, Mexico, to create a tequila blanco and resposado of her own.
You’ve likely heard of Jack Daniels whiskey, but have you ever heard of Uncle Nearest? The brand is named after master distiller Nathan “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill in the 1800s. Although this history is lesser known, the Uncle Nearest whiskey brand launched in 2017, bringing his story to the forefront of the whiskey industry again.
12. Viarae
Multi-hyphenate Issa Rae says her Viarae Prosecco is for “catching up, turning up, or whatever’s up.” Ever since Insecure director Melina Matsoukas introduced Rae to Prosecco over a sushi dinner, it’s been her signature drink. And when setting out to make her own sparkling wine—which comes in a sexy-as-hell chocolate and gold bottle—the actress, writer, and producer kept approachability in mind with bright and crisp flavors that are smooooth on the palate.
Drink up. Be merry. Drive safe. And, of course, let me know which one's your fave.
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