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Est. 1997Wine

Rideau Vineyard

Founded by Iris Rideau · Solvang, CA

Verified Licensed

Verified against the DISTRYB licensing directory — public federal & state alcohol records for Rideau Vineyard.

The Story

Rideau Vineyard was established in 1997 by Iris Rideau in Santa Barbara County, California. Iris became the first African-American woman to own a winery in the United States, pioneering Black women's presence in the American wine industry.
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Iris Rideau

Founder

Iris Rideau established Rideau Vineyard in 1997 in Santa Barbara County, becoming the first African-American woman to own a winery in the United States.

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From the Encyclopedia

Black Winemakers in California Wine Country: Pioneers and Modern Vintners

This article explores the journey of Black winemakers in California, from early pioneers to contemporary vintners across Napa Valley, Sonoma, and beyond, highlighting their enduring contributions and the systemic barriers they navigate.

Black Women in the American Wine and Spirits Industry: Pioneers and Innovators

This article highlights the groundbreaking contributions of Black women as winemakers, distillers, master blenders, and founders who have significantly impacted the American wine and spirits landscape, alongside organizations fostering their growth.

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On the public record

Rideau Vineyard appears in the DISTRYB licensing directory as Federal TTB Permit CA-W-16111 (and 1 more) — a public page about this business that nobody here controls.

If this is your business, claim it on DISTRYB and it becomes yours to run: your catalog, your wholesale accounts, your compliance filings.

Claim Rideau Vineyard on DISTRYB →See the record

How we know this

Ownership has since changed. Iris Rideau sold Rideau Vineyard in 2016 to the Gauthier family.

On this being a Black-owned business:

“Iris Duplantier Rideau ... opened Rideau Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara, becoming the first Black woman to own a commercial winery in the U.S.”

We recorded this quote during research but could not resolve a link you can open, so treat it as unverified. If you know the source, send it below.