Chrishon Lampley and Love Cork Screw | Indulge Black History Encyclopedia

Chrishon Lampley is an acclaimed entrepreneur, negociant, and the visionary behind Love Cork Screw, a Chicago-based Black-owned wine and lifestyle brand that has significantly impacted the beverage industry since its inception. Recognized for her tenacity and commitment to inclusivity, Lampley has positioned Love Cork Screw as a brand that makes wine approachable, enjoyable, and reflective of a diverse consumer base.

The Founder's Journey

Chrishon Lampley's journey into the wine industry was forged through resilience and an entrepreneurial spirit, shaped by her experiences living and working in diverse cultural landscapes including Chicago, Germany, New York, and Las Vegas. Prior to founding Love Cork Screw, Lampley co-owned a thriving art gallery and wine bar in Chicago. However, a devastating flood, coupled with an insurance loophole that left the damages uncovered, forced her to close the business. Faced with this significant setback, Lampley channeled her passion for wine and connecting with people into a lifestyle blog and radio show she had started called “Love Cork Screw.” This platform, where she shared wine tips, restaurant recommendations, and lifestyle advice, quickly gained a following and became the unexpected genesis of her wine brand.

Lampley observed a palpable disconnect within the traditional wine scene, noting that many consumers felt intimidated or alienated by its perceived exclusivity and complex rules. Recognizing a crucial opportunity to democratize wine, she envisioned a brand that would be fun, easy to understand, and inclusive for everyone. Leveraging her years of experience in wine and spirits sales and marketing for a local distribution company, she set out to create her own wine label, despite facing skepticism about entering the industry without owning a vineyard or having a Napa Valley background. Her determination led her to become a négociant, a wine merchant who sources grapes from various vineyards worldwide and oversees the wine production process to ensure quality and taste.

Building Love Cork Screw

In December 2013, Chrishon Lampley officially launched Love Cork Screw with an initial portfolio of six varietals. The brand's philosophy centered on breaking down barriers and making wine accessible to a broader audience, which was reflected in its distinctive and whimsical labels. These labels, such as “We’re Movin’ On Up” Cabernet Sauvignon, “Head Over Heels” Riesling, and “Good Times, Good Friends” Pinot Grigio, were designed to be approachable and evoke a mood rather than intimidate with traditional jargon. This innovative approach resonated with consumers, particularly those aged 25-44, who sought a welcoming and unintimidating wine experience.

Love Cork Screw quickly established itself as a Black-owned, woman-owned brand dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity within an industry historically dominated by men. Lampley herself is a pioneer, being one of less than one percent of Black women négociants in the wine industry.

Growth and National Recognition

Love Cork Screw experienced significant growth, expanding its reach from the Chicago metropolitan area to a national presence. Within months of its launch, the wines were available in several Chicago locations. By 2019, Lampley witnessed her brand, particularly its “We Go High” Rosé, displayed on a billboard in New York's Times Square, a testament to her brand's growing visibility and successful social media engagement. As of 2023, the company distributed its wines in 18 states and offered shipping to 40 states, with plans for continued expansion across the continental United States.

A major milestone for Lampley and Love Cork Screw was becoming the first African-American woman in the Midwest to achieve national distribution for a wine brand. The brand’s wines are now available in over 1,800 retail stores nationwide, including prominent chains like Target, Whole Foods, Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Meijer, Binny’s, and Total Wine. This broad retail presence underscores the brand’s successful navigation of the competitive wine market. As of 2024, Love Cork Screw has sold over 2 million bottles nationwide. Its “Be the Light” Sauvignon Blanc received an 89/100 rating and a “Best Buy” distinction from Wine Enthusiast.

Beyond sales figures, Love Cork Screw has garnered significant media attention, being featured in publications such as Forbes, People Magazine, VinePair, Cosmopolitan, Food Network, and the Chicago Tribune, further cementing its place in the national conversation about wine and entrepreneurship.

Beyond Wine: A Lifestyle Brand

Chrishon Lampley's entrepreneurial vision extended beyond just wine, transforming Love Cork Screw into a broader lifestyle brand. In 2014, she introduced a line of wine-scented candles, followed by skincare and body care products, and Lampley Cigars. In 2020, she launched “The Lampley,” an online retail platform that features handmade home goods and natural body care products created by underrepresented artisans, particularly women and BIPOC creatives and purveyors. This initiative complements Love Cork Screw's mission by celebrating diverse craftsmanship and enhancing the overall lifestyle experience.

Lampley is also a fervent advocate for diversity and inclusion within the wine and spirits industry. She serves as the Vice President of the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV), where she champions the representation and growth of Black professionals. In Chicago, she co-founded the Clink Festival with Joyce Dawkins of She ROCKS It, an event designed to highlight women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the wine and spirits sectors, addressing the exposure gap faced by minority-owned businesses. Through these efforts, Lampley utilizes her platform to elevate underrepresented voices and foster a more equitable industry.

Philanthropy is a core component of Love Cork Screw's mission. Lampley is dedicated to inspiring young men and women to become entrepreneurs, engaging in speaking engagements at institutions like the YWCA, Macy's, and the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University. She has also contributed to her community by gifting scholarship money to Chicago-area students.

Impact and Future Vision

Chrishon Lampley's relentless drive and innovative approach have made her a transformative figure, as detailed in articles like “Black Women in the American Wine and Spirits Industry: Pioneers and Innovators” and “Black Wine Professionals: Empowering Black Talent in the Global Wine Industry”. Her mission extends beyond selling wine; it is about creating a movement that celebrates authenticity, joy, and connection, challenging preconceived notions, and forging a path for greater diversity. Her commitment to transparency and authenticity, shared through her social media presence where she is affectionately known as “the Wine Lady,” has resonated deeply with her audience.

Lampley continues to focus on increasing Love Cork Screw's brand recognition through more store tastings and a greater presence on restaurant and golf course menus nationwide. She also launched 'The Lampley Learning' to mentor and educate aspiring founders, sharing her insights and strategies for building successful brands. Through Love Cork Screw and her various initiatives, Chrishon Lampley is not only building a successful enterprise but also leaving an indelible legacy of empowerment and inclusion in the global wine and spirits landscape.