Black Excellence in Beverage: A Historical Look at Industry Triumphs and Future Growth

At DISTRYB, we celebrate the rich and often overlooked history of Black Americans in the wine, spirits, and beer industries. This heritage is not just a footnote but a foundational element, deeply interwoven with the very fabric of American beverage production. Recent years have seen a powerful resurgence in recognition and growth for Black-owned brands, fueled by a renewed commitment to diversity and the unwavering spirit of Black entrepreneurs.

The journey began centuries ago, with the invaluable, albeit uncredited, labor of enslaved Black individuals. These skilled hands tended vineyards, cultivated grains, and refined distilling techniques that laid the groundwork for many iconic American beverages. For instance, historical accounts reveal that enslaved Black workers were instrumental in the viticulture at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Similarly, Nathan Green, an enslaved African American, taught young Jack Daniel how to make whiskey, a pivotal moment in American distilling history that was largely untold until recently.

Despite systemic barriers and the erasure of their contributions, Black ingenuity persisted. John June Lewis Sr. made history in 1940 by establishing Woburn Winery in Virginia, becoming the first recorded Black winery owner in the U.S.. In the post-Prohibition era, the path to ownership remained challenging, yet the determination of Black entrepreneurs never waned.

A New Era of Black-Owned Wineries

Today, the wine industry is witnessing an inspiring expansion of Black-owned wineries. While Black-owned wineries still represent less than 1% of the more than 11,600 wineries in the U.S., their impact is undeniable, and their numbers are growing. The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) has seen its membership swell from around 50 winemakers in 2019 to over 200 today, signaling a vibrant shift.

• Brown Estate: A true pioneer, Brown Estate holds the distinction of being Napa Valley's first Black-owned winery, established in 1996 by the Brown siblings, Deneen, David, and Coral. Their parents purchased the land in 1980, and their commitment to quality has earned them widespread acclaim, especially for their Zinfandels.
• Theopolis Vineyards: Founded in California's Yorkville Highlands in 2003 by Theodora R. Lee, Theopolis Vineyards is among the first U.S. wineries to be helmed by a Black woman. Lee, a Texas lawyer turned winemaker, has built a leading brand through her dedication to crafting impeccable wines.
• McBride Sisters Collection: Co-founded by sisters Robin and Andréa McBride in 2016, the McBride Sisters Collection has rapidly become one of the largest Black-owned wine companies in the U.S.. Their wines, including the popular Black Girl Magic label, are now available in 37 states, and they acquired their first vineyard in Napa last year.
• Longevity Wines: Phil Long, founder of Longevity Wines and current president of the AAAV, is a tireless advocate for increased Black representation in the industry. His Livermore Valley-based winery, established in 2008, has been recognized as Livermore Valley's Winery of the Year.
• Chapelton Vineyards: Opened in April 2022 by husband-and-wife duo Michelle and Kurt Lyn in Washington, Texas, Chapelton Vineyards quickly earned 26 awards in 2024, including the prestigious "Best in Class" at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
• Philosophy Winery & Vineyard: Maryland's first Black-owned and fully female-owned winery, Philosophy Winery & Vineyard, was founded by Kimberly Johnson and Denise Matthews.
• IBest Wines: Launched in 2024 by Ingrid Best, a prominent figure in the wine and spirits industry, IBest Wines focuses on high-quality wines while championing Black and brown voices in the luxury wine market. The brand has already received two Gold Medals at the New York International Wine Competition and partnered with American Airlines to serve its White Blend in First-Class cabins.
• Meadows Estate: Dexter and Marilyn Meadows took ownership of their Oregon winery in 2019, showcasing the potential of the Umpqua Valley with their world-class Pinot Noir, Syrah, and more.

Innovation and Growth in Black-Owned Spirits

The spirits sector is also witnessing remarkable advancements and historical milestones from Black-owned distilleries and brands. From bourbon to vodka, these entrepreneurs are carving out significant market share and receiving critical acclaim.

• Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey: Founded by Fawn Weaver in 2017 to honor Nearest Green, the first-known African American master distiller, Uncle Nearest has achieved unprecedented success. By 2022, it became the most successful Black-owned distillery globally, with sales exceeding $100 million. The brand's commitment to legacy and quality has made it the seventh-most visited distillery in the world in 2023.
• Brough Brothers Distillery: Breaking new ground, brothers Victor, Bryson, and Christian Yarbough launched Brough Brothers Distillery in December 2020, marking it as Kentucky's first Black-owned distillery. Their passion for bourbon and their family's heritage in the industry drives their commitment to both craftsmanship and community.
• Sorel Liqueur: Jackie Summers, creator of Sorel Liqueur, made history in 2012 as the only Black person in the U.S. at the time to hold a Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) permit, highlighting the significant barriers to entry that have historically faced Black entrepreneurs in the spirits industry.
• Mishka Premium Vodka: Pennsylvania's first Black-owned distillery, This Life Forever, Inc., founded by Russell Fletcher in 2014, produces Mishka Premium Vodka. The brand is expanding with a new manufacturing facility expected to open by early 2026 in Allentown and garnered Double Gold and Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023. We also proudly feature Bleu Vodka and Fou-Dré Vodka on our platform, among other innovative Black-owned spirit brands like Ten to One Rum, Greenwood Whiskey, and Nyak Cognac.

The Resurgence of Black Brewers

The craft beer industry is also witnessing a powerful movement to acknowledge and elevate Black brewers and Black-owned breweries. Historically, Black Americans were among the nation's first brewers, yet systemic issues later excluded them from the burgeoning industry.

• Theodore "Ted" Mack, Sr. and Peoples Brewing Company: In 1970, Theodore "Ted" Mack, Sr. became the first Black brewery president in the U.S. when his group purchased Peoples Brewing Company in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, making it the first Black-owned brewery in U.S. history.
• Cajun Fire Brewing Company: Founded in 2011 by Jon Renthrope, Cajun Fire Brewing Company holds the distinction of being the first Black-owned brewery in Louisiana and the South, and the fifth in the United States.
• National Black Brewers Association (NB2A): Founded in February 2023 by Kevin Johnson of Oak Park Brewery, the NB2A is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and vibrant beer industry. Its goals include increasing the number of African Americans in brewing at all levels and preserving the historical context of Black influence on brewing. We are proud to feature groundbreaking brands like Black Viking Brewing, Spaceway Brewing, Black Horizon Brewing, and Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. on our platform.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite significant progress, Black entrepreneurs in the beverage industry continue to face hurdles, with access to capital and distribution being primary challenges. However, the increased visibility since 2020 has brought more recognition and retail opportunities for many Black-owned brands. Initiatives like the NAACP's 'Backing the B.A.R.', in partnership with Bacardi, are providing grants and support for minority-owned businesses in the beverage alcohol service and hospitality industries, demonstrating a collective effort to dismantle long-standing barriers.

At DISTRYB, we are committed to documenting and celebrating these vital contributions. By supporting Black-owned brands, we not only empower entrepreneurs but also enrich the entire beverage landscape with diverse flavors, stories, and innovations. The history of Black Americans in wine, spirits, and beer is one of resilience, excellence, and a future that promises even greater representation and impact.

Sources

• Get to Know the Most Influential Black-Owned Wineries in the U.S. - Wine Enthusiast
• Can Black-Owned Distilleries Finally Claim a Piece of the $9 Billion Kentucky Bourbon Industry? | VinePair
• Black-Owned Distilleries: Innovation & Milestones in American Spirits
• Celebrating Black Winemakers Shaping The Wine World | Black Restaurant Week
• Black People in Wine: A Journey to Excellence - Brix Wine