A New Chapter for Love Cork Screw Wines
In a significant step forward for diversity and innovation in the American wine industry, Chrishon Lampley, the visionary founder of Love Cork Screw Wines, unveiled her new “The Lampley” collection in March 2026. This launch underscores Lampley’s pioneering spirit as a Black woman winemaker, not just in the burgeoning Michigan wine country, but across the national landscape. Her latest collection, featuring the 2024 The Lampley Pinot Grigio, embodies her commitment to making wine both accessible and enjoyable, while simultaneously proving that exceptional quality can emerge from unexpected regions.
Lampley’s journey and the success of Love Cork Screw Wines are emblematic of a broader movement where Black women are increasingly making their mark in an industry historically dominated by other demographics. Her playful wine names and approachable style are not only introducing new audiences to Michigan wines but also paving the way for greater representation.
Breaking Barriers: The Landscape for Black Women in Wine
The achievements of winemakers like Chrishon Lampley are all the more remarkable when considering the challenging landscape. Black women represent less than 1% of winemakers globally. This stark statistic reflects systemic barriers that have long hindered their entry and advancement in the industry, including limited access to capital, land ownership, established industry networks, and mentorship opportunities.
Despite these significant hurdles, Black women are persevering and carving out vital spaces for themselves. Their stories are a testament to unwavering passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to their craft. They are redefining what it means to be a winemaker, producing award-winning wines, and inspiring future generations of diverse talent.
Beyond individual successes, collaborative efforts are crucial. Organizations like the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) are working to increase visibility and provide support for Black wine professionals. Theodora R. Lee, owner and winemaker for Theopolis Vineyards, a brand on our platform, has witnessed this evolution firsthand, noting the growth in AAAV membership from a handful to over 100 individuals representing growers, vineyards, sommeliers, and managers.
A Growing Movement of Black Ownership
The wine industry is slowly but surely becoming more inclusive, with a growing number of Black-owned wineries and brands gaining recognition. For instance, the McBride Sisters Wine Company stands as the largest all-women-founded Black-owned wine company in the country, with their popular Black Girl Magic and SHE CAN collections resonating widely.
While the overall percentage of Black-owned wineries in the U.S. remains under 1% of the more than 11,600 operating wineries, the increased visibility since 2020 has brought many Black-owned brands more recognition and retail presence. As we’ve reported previously, historic brands like Woburn Winery laid foundational groundwork, and today's vintners are building upon that legacy, pushing for a truly inclusive future in American viticulture. Woburn Winery: Reviving Virginia’s Pioneering Black-Owned Wine Legacy
In the spirits sector, initiatives like Pronghorn, a standalone company committed to cultivating Black executives and entrepreneurs, have injected significant capital and support. Pronghorn secured a $200 million commitment to support Black-owned spirits brands and aims to place 1,800 Black professionals in industry roles. Even established brands like Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which recently charted a new path with a potential sale to an African-American investment firm amidst its ongoing restructuring, continue to inspire and support other Black entrepreneurs in the industry, including early investments in brands like Sorel Liqueur. (Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Charts New Path with Potential Sale to African-American Investment Firm)
The journey towards full equity and representation is ongoing, but the continued emergence of trailblazers like Chrishon Lampley and the collective efforts of supporting organizations and consumers are driving meaningful change. Every new collection, every award, and every expanded distribution deal reinforces the message that diversity is not just an aspiration but a powerful force for innovation and excellence in the American wine and spirits industry.
Sources
- The Black Community Breaking Barriers In The Wine Industry! - Sommelier Business
- Black Women Winemakers Leading the Charge: Breaking Barriers and Crafting Excellence
- Get to Know the Most Influential Black-Owned Wineries in the U.S. - Wine Enthusiast
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