Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John are pioneering figures in the American wine industry, recognized as the co-founders of McBride Sisters Collection, which stands as one of the largest Black-owned and women-founded wine companies in the United States. Their remarkable story is rooted in a serendipitous reunion and a shared passion for winemaking that has led them to challenge industry norms and champion diversity.
A Story of Two Sisters, Separated by Oceans
Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John are half-sisters who spent the first half of their lives unaware of each other's existence, growing up on opposite sides of the world in prominent wine-growing regions. Robin was raised in Monterey, California, while Andréa grew up in Marlborough, New Zealand. Their biological father, Kelly McBride, with whom neither had significant contact during their childhoods, made a final request before his passing in 1996 for his family to find and unite his two daughters. This request led to their first meeting in 1999 at LaGuardia Airport in New York.
Despite their distinct upbringings, both sisters developed an early appreciation for wine, influenced by the agricultural landscapes of their respective homes. Upon their reunion, then 25-year-old Robin and 16-year-old Andréa quickly discovered a mutual love for wine, food, and culture, forming an unbreakable bond that would ultimately spark their entrepreneurial journey.
Founding the McBride Sisters Wine Company
In 2005, fueled by their shared passion and a desire to transform a historically homogeneous industry, Robin and Andréa founded the McBride Sisters Wine Company. Their initial venture began as a boutique import firm, bringing unique New Zealand wines to the U.S. market. By 2010, they launched their first proprietary brand, “eco.love Wines,” a line of sustainable wines sourced from New Zealand vineyards, reflecting their commitment to environmental stewardship. In 2015, they expanded their portfolio with “Truvée Wines,” focusing on finely balanced wines from California’s Central Coast, the region where Robin grew up, in partnership with Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines.
Recognizing the strength in unifying their diverse offerings, the sisters consolidated their brands under the single “McBride Sisters Collection” label in 2017. Headquartered in Oakland, California, the company quickly grew to become one of the most inclusive, accessible, and socially aware wine companies in the industry.
The McBride Sisters Collection: Brands and Offerings
McBride Sisters Collection has established itself as a leading force in the wine industry, known for its diverse portfolio of wines that honor their bicultural heritage and commitment to quality. The company's wines are crafted with a blend of 'old-world elegance and new-world finesse,' reflecting the terroirs of both New Zealand and California.
Their primary wine lines include:
- McBride Sisters Collection: This signature line features wines that directly reflect the coastal wine regions where each sister grew up. Offerings include a Central Coast Chardonnay and Red Blend from California, and a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Hawke's Bay Sparkling Brut Rosé from New Zealand. These wines are distributed in Fortune 500 grocery stores, wine chains, hotels, restaurants, sports arenas, and airlines across nearly all 50 states.
- Black Girl Magic Wines: Launched in 2018 at the Essence Festival, this collection is a vibrant celebration of Black women's history, achievements, and resilience. The line includes a Rosé, Riesling, Red Blend (often a Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend), and Brut Sparkling. The Black Girl Magic Wine brand became one of the fastest-growing wine brands in the country within a year of its launch. As of March 2025, Black Girl Magic Wine experienced growth in the On-Premise sector in 2024.
- SHE CAN Wines: Debuting in 2019 on International Women’s Day, “SHE CAN Wines” offers premium wines in convenient, eco-friendly cans, including Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc, alongside wine spritzers in flavors like Coastal Berry and Island Citrus. This line embodies a message of empowerment and accessibility, with a portion of its proceeds supporting the McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund.
- Whiny Baby Wines: Introduced more recently, this line is also part of their growing portfolio.
The McBride Sisters Wine Company stands as the largest Black-owned and largest all women-founded wine company in the United States, operating in the top 1% of volume among U.S. wine companies. They have been instrumental in making wine more accessible to diverse consumers and are known for their sustainable vineyard practices, including organic methods and environmentally friendly packaging.
Philanthropy: The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund
Beyond their commercial success, Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John are deeply committed to social impact through the McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund. Established in 2019, the fund's mission is to promote the professional advancement of women in male-dominated industries, with a particular focus on wine and spirits, hospitality, and finance.
The SHE CAN Fund provides critical support through scholarships, grants, technical training, mentorship, and community-building initiatives. As of August 2021, the fund had awarded over $3 million in scholarships, grants, and technical training to 3,000 professional women. By March 2024, the fund had distributed $431,000 in cash grants and delivered over $3 million in technical services, benefiting 82 women since its inception.
In 2021, the fund forged a significant partnership with Southern University of Louisiana, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), to establish a career pipeline for diverse students entering the wine industry. The fund's 2024 initiatives include providing scholarships for the Court of Master Sommeliers program and offering mentorship placements with Robin McBride and other industry leaders, further solidifying its commitment to fostering equity and representation in the wine world.
Impact and Recognition
Robin and Andréa McBride have been recognized for their groundbreaking work and leadership. They were the first Black women winery owners to be featured on the cover of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Andréa McBride John was also named one of Wine Enthusiast’s “40 Under 40” and received a nomination for the Wine Star Award US Winery of the Year in 2021.
Their journey has not been without challenges, including navigating an industry historically not catered to women or people of color and facing biases. However, their determination to create their own traditions and place women, culture, cuisine, taste, and lifestyle at the center of the wine experience has enabled them to build a thriving enterprise. As of March 2025, McBride Sisters Wine Company announced strategic initiatives for continued growth, including a stronger supply chain and restructuring of its executive leadership team, with the appointment of Art Moreno as Vice President of Sales and Hilary Butler as Vice President of Marketing. These efforts underscore their ongoing commitment to innovation and expansion within the global wine market.
The McBride Sisters continue to inspire as leaders who advocate for fun, experimentation, inclusivity, and empowerment, continually working to revolutionize the wine industry. They are active members of the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV), further contributing to the advancement of Black professionals in the wine sector.
Related Wiki Slugs
- Black Wine Professionals: Empowering Black Talent in the Global Wine Industry
- The Evolution of Black Winemaking in America: From Early Contributions to Modern Entrepreneurship
- Black Women in the American Wine and Spirits Industry: Pioneers and Innovators
- Association of African American Vintners
Sources
- McBride Sisters Collection - Our Story
- How the McBride Sisters are Crashing the Wine Party | Institute of Culinary Education
- How This Sister Duo Became Trailblazers Within The Wine Industry - Forbes