Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard

Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard was established in October 2023 by Ifeoma C. Onyia in Laurel, Maryland. The winery is distinguished as the first African immigrant-owned winery and vineyard in the United States. Onyia, born in Enugu, Nigeria, and raised in London, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and finance. Prior to founding the winery, she was the founder and CEO of MISO Medical Center, an outpatient mental health clinic, and also the CEO and designer of Clyopatra Couture. She also founded Capitol Fashion Week. The winery operates at 24 C St Unit 100 in Laurel, MD, and is part of a developing 40.793-acre regenerative agritourism destination. Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard produces 18 distinct wines handcrafted in small batches using Maryland-sourced grapes. Noteworthy selections include The Mayor, SJ's Pami, Naijaitalia, The Tribe, The Grande Dame, and Petit Rosé. In 2026, the winery plans to open for vineyard tours. It has been recognized as the official Maryland state wine by the governor. Ifeoma C. Onyia received the United States President's Lifetime Achievement Award. The business, which is 100%-women-owned, reports an annual revenue between $1 million and $5 million. Its notability within the Black-owned beverage sector stems from its pioneering status as the first African immigrant-owned winery in the U.S. and its mission to blend cultural heritage with innovation, fostering community and representation.