In a significant moment for diversity and excellence in the American wine industry, Nicole Camp, the trailblazing founder and winemaker of LaShellé Wines, has recently been honored as the “Best Black Winemaker” in The Seattle Medium’s inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers’ Choice Awards. As we previously reported (LaShellé Wines' Nicole Camp Crowned Best Black Winemaker in Northwest), this accolade shines a spotlight on Camp’s remarkable journey and the growing influence of Black women in winemaking.
Camp’s recognition is more than just a personal triumph; it underscores the increasing visibility and success of Black-owned wineries in regions historically dominated by others. LaShellé Wines, nestled in Woodinville’s vibrant Warehouse District, stands as one of Washington state’s few Black woman-owned wineries, making this award a beacon of inspiration for aspiring vintners of color.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Perseverance
Nicole Camp’s foray into winemaking began in an unexpected place: her own backyard. In 2001, faced with an abundance of pears, she embarked on a curious experiment to make pear wine. What started as a hobby soon blossomed into a profound passion. “I originally started making pear wine in 2001 to about 2007,” Camp recalled. “I was making stewed pears with it originally, and it was literally just one day I was drinking some wine and I decided that I would try and see if pears would do that.”
This initial experimentation ignited a serious interest that led Camp to pursue formal education. In 2015, she enrolled in the Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle College, dedicating herself to understanding the intricate science and artistry behind winemaking. Her commitment culminated in an Associate of Arts degree in Winemaking, transforming her personal curiosity into professional expertise.
With her skills honed and her vision clear, Camp officially opened the doors to LaShellé Wines on Juneteenth 2021, marking a significant milestone not just for her but for the broader Black wine community. The winery quickly gained a reputation for its elegant, small-lot, and handcrafted wines, attracting a loyal following in the Woodinville area.
Impact on the Industry
The wine industry has historically been less diverse, with Black winemakers representing a very small percentage globally. Awards like the “Best Black Winemaker” are crucial in highlighting the talent and dedication of individuals like Nicole Camp and in challenging existing narratives. As we’ve previously explored on Indulge Black History, the landscape of American wine is increasingly being shaped by the leadership and innovation of Black women (Black-Owned Wineries Earn Acclaim, Expand Horizons, and Celebrate Milestones) and events like the Vines of Diversity (Vines of Diversity Event Cultivates Black Ownership in American Wine Industry) continue to cultivate Black ownership.
Camp’s journey is a powerful testament to perseverance and the pursuit of dreams against challenging backdrops. Her story echoes that of other pioneering Black women in wine, such as Ntsiki Biyela of Aslina Wines, South Africa’s first Black woman winemaker, and Chrishon Lampley of Love Cork Screw Wines, who are making significant strides and inspiring new generations.
Beyond crafting exceptional wines, Camp also harbors a deeper mission: to involve more Black people in an industry that has traditionally lacked diverse representation. “My goal is to actually, interestingly enough, I want to employ Blacks,” Camp stated in an interview. “I want … more Blacks involved in wine in one form or another. There’s a lot of us who do one side of it but never all of it.”
A Taste of LaShellé Wines
LaShellé Wines offers a diverse array of handcrafted wines, from refreshing whites to robust reds. While the specific award-winning wine was not singled out, the winery is known for producing quality varietals that reflect Camp’s commitment to her craft. Visitors to the Woodinville tasting room not only experience exquisite wines but also have the unique opportunity to meet the winemaker herself.
The recognition from The Seattle Medium is a proud moment for Camp and the entire LaShellé Wines team, solidifying their place in the burgeoning landscape of Black-owned beverage brands. It reinforces the message that talent, passion, and dedication will always rise to the top, enriching the industry for everyone.
As the wine world continues to evolve, the contributions of Black winemakers like Nicole Camp are invaluable, pushing boundaries and cultivating a more inclusive and vibrant future. This award is a well-deserved celebration of her vision and the exceptional wines she brings to the table.
Sources
- EP. 5: LaShellé Wines Founder Nicole Camp Named Seattle Medium Readers' Choice Best Black Winemaker. The Seattle Medium.
- Best Black Winemaker: How Nicole Camp Turned Backyard Pears Into An Award-Winning Business - The Seattle Medium.
- 10 Black-Owned Wineries, Bars, And Breweries To Visit Across The US - xoNecole.
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