Clyopatra Winery to Build East Coast's Largest Black-Owned Wine Resort in Maryland

In a powerful testament to the growing influence and dedication of Black winemakers, Clyopatra Winery has announced plans to break ground on a substantial vineyard village resort in South Laurel, Maryland. This transformative project, slated to commence early this year, will establish Clyopatra Winery and Vineyard Village Resort as the largest Black-owned winery on the East Coast, significantly expanding its footprint and impact within the American wine industry.

The visionary behind this ambitious undertaking is Onyia, who currently operates Maryland's sole Black-owned winery with a vineyard. Her commitment to diversifying the wine landscape and fostering community growth is at the heart of this expansion. The new development will encompass 40 acres of land and feature a 20-bedroom boutique-style hotel, a dedicated tasting room, and even a golf range. Beyond hospitality, the resort will include a vegetable garden designed to offer internships and apprenticeships, providing invaluable agricultural education to local children.

This initiative not only solidifies Clyopatra Winery's position as a leader but also addresses a critical need for greater representation in an industry where Black ownership remains remarkably low. Current statistics reveal that less than one percent of the more than 11,000 wineries in the U.S. are Black-owned. This disparity underscores the systemic barriers, including high land costs and limited capital, that Black entrepreneurs have historically faced when entering and scaling businesses in the wine sector.

Onyia’s expansion of Clyopatra Winery stands as a beacon of progress. Her work, alongside other trailblazing Black winemakers, is actively reshaping the narrative and creating new pathways. As we have seen with figures like Theodora Lee of Theopolis Vineyards, who continues to earn accolades for her exceptional wines and vision (as highlighted in our recent post, “Theodora Lee Continues to Reign: Forbes Spotlights Theopolis Vineyards’ Trailblazing ‘Queen of the Vineyards’”), Black vintners are not just participating; they are innovating and leading.

The growth of Black-owned enterprises in the beverage alcohol space is also being amplified by organizations like Pronghorn, which is dedicated to cultivating Black-owned companies in the spirits industry through investment, knowledge, and resources. While challenges persist, with roughly half of Black wine business owners feeling that the industry is not taking meaningful action to increase inclusion, projects like Clyopatra’s expansion demonstrate tangible progress and a commitment to building generational legacy.

The new Clyopatra Winery and Vineyard Village Resort is poised to become more than just a destination; it will serve as a hub for learning, community engagement, and a powerful symbol of Black excellence in the wine industry. By creating opportunities for education and providing a platform for diverse experiences, Onyia is not only growing her business but also enriching the entire cultural fabric of American wine. This endeavor contributes significantly to a more inclusive and equitable future for all who wish to raise a glass to the rich, diverse tapestry of winemaking.

Sources

• Increasing diversity has meant more Black-owned wineries in MD - Daily Record - Maryland
• 6 Black-Owned Spirits Brands You Need To Know - Food Network
• Explore Black-Owned Wineries at Goodwood's Vines of Diversity Event | BuyBlack.org