In the heart of Clarksville, Virginia, a significant piece of American wine history is being lovingly resurrected. Woburn Winery, founded in 1940 by John June Lewis Sr., is widely recognized as potentially the first Black-owned winery in Virginia and even the entire United States. Now, more than eight decades later, his grandson, June Lewis III, and his wife, Ayana, are dedicating themselves to restoring this pioneering estate, aiming to bring its rich legacy back into full bloom.
John June Lewis Sr.’s journey into winemaking began in the late 1930s. Having inherited approximately 193 acres of land, he started cultivating scuppernong grapes, a native variety thriving in the region. By 1940, Woburn Winery opened its doors, producing light red, sweet white, and a distinctive peach wine. Despite facing immense obstacles characteristic of the era, including systemic racial discrimination that barred him from wine trade groups and severely limited his access to USDA loans, Lewis Sr. successfully grew his business.
The winery's operations were officially bonded, signifying its legal registration with the federal government for wine production and distribution. At its peak, Woburn Winery produced and sold several thousand cases of wine annually, reaching consumers across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This remarkable achievement, especially given the socio-economic landscape for Black entrepreneurs at the time, underscores Lewis Sr.’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. The winery continued to operate until 1974.
For many years, the Lewis family farmhouse and the winery property stood vacant. However, the legacy was not forgotten. June Lewis III, who inherited about 64 acres of the original farm, recently unearthed his grandfather’s handwritten wine recipes, igniting a passionate drive to reconnect with the past and rebuild what was once a thriving enterprise. “I don't know what prompted him to do that but he did it and was successful,” June Lewis III stated, reflecting on his grandfather’s pioneering spirit.
The current restoration efforts by June and Ayana Lewis are both ambitious and deeply rooted in preservation. They are undertaking much of the work themselves, meticulously piecing together the story of the farm and winery by seeking out local residents who remember Lewis Sr. Their vision includes restoring the homestead to its original look and attracting investors to support the comprehensive revitalization project. A soft launch event in April 2026 unveiled the original Woburn Winery sign, signaling the promising future of this historic site.
This revival comes at a time of growing recognition for the historical and contemporary contributions of Black Americans to the beverage industry. Events like the recent Men, Wine, and Spirits Dinner in Seattle, hosted by Marcia Jones of Urban Connoisseurs, paid tribute to John June Lewis Sr., acknowledging his foundational role as the first Black winery owner in the United States. Such gatherings underscore the importance of celebrating past achievements while fostering new growth and community within the industry.
The story of Woburn Winery echoes the broader narrative of Black resilience and innovation in America's winemaking landscape. Despite facing systemic barriers, Black winemakers continue to push boundaries and build legacies. We’ve seen this spirit in Theopolis Vineyards, led by trailblazer Theodora Lee, and in the accolades received by Lovelee Wine. The efforts to restore Woburn Winery not only honor a specific family's heritage but also contribute significantly to the rich, often overlooked, history of Black-owned businesses in American viticulture. As we reported recently, the Finger Lakes Museum is also unearthing the legacy of New York's first Black-owned winery, further highlighting a national movement to recognize these crucial historical contributions.
June and Ayana Lewis are not just rebuilding a winery; they are reviving a beacon of Black excellence and entrepreneurial courage that defied the odds. Their dedication ensures that the story of John June Lewis Sr. and Woburn Winery will continue to inspire future generations in the wine industry and beyond.
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