Black Women Winemakers Leading the Charge: Pioneers Transforming the Wine Industry

The Real Pioneers: Black Women Transforming Wine

The wine industry has long been one of the least diverse sectors in agriculture, but a powerful movement of Black women winemakers is changing that narrative. These aren't just stories—these are real women crafting exceptional wines, building legacies, and opening doors for the next generation.

From South Africa's Western Cape to California's Napa Valley and Maryland's emerging wine country, Black women are proving that excellence, innovation, and determination can overcome centuries of exclusion. Let's celebrate their real stories and the remarkable wines they create.

Ntsiki Biyela: South Africa's Groundbreaking First

In 2004, Ntsiki Biyela made history as South Africa's first Black woman winemaker—a milestone that cannot be overstated in a country still grappling with the legacy of apartheid. Growing up in rural Mahlabathini in KwaZulu-Natal with no exposure to wine, Biyela's journey began when she received a scholarship from South African Airlines to study viticulture and oenology at Stellenbosch University.

"I had never tasted wine before," Biyela has said. But that didn't stop her from excelling. After a 13-year tenure as winemaker at Stellekaya, she launched her own label, Aslina Wines, in 2016, named after her grandmother who raised her.

Aslina Wines: Honoring Heritage Through Terroir

Biyela's 2021 Aslina Chardonnay showcases her technical mastery—a complex, fruity wine that's creamy and full, with partial wooding that gives it an edge. The tropical fruit and lime character balanced with good acidity demonstrates why she's earned international acclaim.

Her 2023 Aslina Sauvignon Blanc is equally impressive, offering bright tropical fruit, lime, and grapefruit citrus with layers of minerality and lemon zest. The extended time on the lees gives it a unique, lingering, silky finish.

The 2021 Aslina Umsasane Red Blend is particularly meaningful. "Umsasane" is the Zulu word for umbrella tree, which gives shelter, protection, and comfort—it was Biyela's grandmother's nickname. This bold blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Petit Verdot honors the matriarch who raised her.

Impact Beyond the Bottle: Biyela actively mentors young Black South Africans interested in winemaking, ensuring her legacy extends far beyond her own wines.

The Brown Family: Napa Valley's Black-Owned Legacy

In 1980, Dr. Bassett and Marcela Brown bought a ranch in the eastern hills of Napa Valley and planted grapes, mostly Zinfandel. In 1995, their children—Deneen, David, and Coral Brown—founded Brown Estate, making it one of the only fully Black-owned and operated wineries in Napa Valley.

The family bottled their first vintage of Zinfandel in 1996, and today Brown Estate is highly regarded for the quality of its sustainably grown estate wines. The 2021 Brown Estate Zinfandel is their flagship—a classic Napa Zin with hallmark notes of dried hibiscus flowers, rose petals, Asian spice, violets, and continuously aromatic fruit.

House of Brown: Diversity and Inclusivity

Deneen Brown had a vision for a second label that would be more affordable and have diversity and inclusivity at its heart. House of Brown was born from this vision—a brand where, in the family's words, "everyone was welcome."

The 2022 House of Brown Chardonnay (85% Chardonnay, 15% Chenin Blanc) is crisp and clean with aromas of night blooming jasmine, tropical guava, starfruit, and key lime. Made from sustainably grown grapes, it showcases bright, silky, creamy texture with a refreshing minerality.

Their 2022 House of Brown Red Blend (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Pinot Noir) offers aromas of hibiscus, tea rose, pomegranate, and Maraschino cherry with subtle cinnamon and clove—a certified sustainable, vegan-friendly wine perfect for any occasion.

Ifeoma Cleopatra Onyia: From Nigeria to Maryland

From Nigeria to Maryland, Ifeoma Cleopatra Onyia is making history as the founder of Clyopatra's Winery & Vineyard—the first African immigrant-owned winery and vineyard in the United States. Her journey is one of passion, perseverance, and commitment to breaking barriers.

Onyia's love for winemaking began at just eight years old when she became fascinated by wine and her late father's love for it. Growing up in Nigeria, her father was a collector and connoisseur. When young Ifeoma told him she wanted to do the same, he encouraged her to do even more. Decades later, inspired by his words, she planted her vineyard's first vines sourced from Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Her 2021 Clyopatra Naijaitalia Red Blend celebrates the fusion of two worlds—Nigerian heritage and Italian winemaking. This premium blend (54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Cabernet Franc) captures the spirit of Maryland with perfectly balanced aromas of blackberries, cassis, and earth undertones, with a lush palate of bold layers finishing with elegance.

Sitting on about six acres in Laurel, Maryland, Clyopatra's Winery offers more than wine—it's a space for education, inspiration, and inclusion. Her son, SJ Oyebade, assists with operations while pursuing his MBA, making this truly a family legacy.

Dalia & Cyndi: Narcisso Wines' Sisterhood

Dalia and Cyndi, sisters from the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua who grew up in Washington, DC, founded Narcisso Wine Cellar in Maryland. What started as Dalia's hobby—an opportunity for family and friends to gather on weekends—grew into a passion that resulted in their commitment to produce high-quality wines with vibrant flavors.

Their 2022 Narcisso Merlot (85% Merlot, 10% Barbera, 5% Malbec) is medium-bodied with bright berry aromas and subtle jammy spice. French oak-aged, it offers round layers of soft leather, earth, and bold notes of blackberry, cherry, and plum.

The 2022 Narcisso Fiesta White Blend is a bright, refreshing Vidal Blanc brimming with tropical pineapple, pear, and ripe citrus—a great representation of what a semi-sweet white wine should be.

Their 2022 Narcisso Serenity Red Blend and 2022 Narcisso Midnight Red Blend showcase their range and creativity, proving that Maryland can produce world-class wines.

Justin Traube: Ward Four Wines

Justin Traube runs Ward Four Wines, a Black woman-owned micro winery where each bottle features an artist specially selected by Justin. Her 2022 Ward Four Grist Vineyard Petite Sirah from Dry Creek, Healdsburg is 100% Petite Sirah—full-bodied with endless acidity and moderate tannins, making it cellar-worthy for the next 10 years.

Royal purple in color with aromatics of violet, sage, and dark chocolate-covered blueberries, this unfined and unfiltered wine is reminiscent of boysenberry, roasted hazelnut, plum jam, and black cherries. The label was created by artist Jordan Rhema Labbe, a Washington, DC native whose work represents narratives of identity.

Kindra Dionne: Fifty Leven Wines

Kindra Dionne created Fifty Leven (the name derives from a Black American colloquialism meaning abundance) as the first Black-owned wine company in Loudoun County, Virginia. After noticing that people of color at networking events didn't drink the table wine, she discovered that many have different palates and sensitivities to acid levels and tannins in conventional wine.

Her 2021 Fifty Leven Heritage Red Blend is a Bordeaux-style wine blending 44% Merlot (Lodi, CA), 43% Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington State), and 13% Cabernet Franc (Virginia). This multi-state meritage offers aromatics of vanilla, clove, and cassis with jammy black fruit and rich wood on the palate.

Kindra has partnered with veteran Loudoun winemaker Fabbioli Cellars, and her mission is to offer wine options for people who want luxury and fun at the same time.

Kimberly T. Johnson & Denise Roles Matthews: Philosophy Winery

Kimberly T. Johnson (Vintner) and Denise Roles Matthews (Sommelier) became the first African American women-owned winery in the state of Maryland when they founded Philosophy Winery & Vineyards over a decade ago.

Their 2020 Philosophy Teroldego showcases their commitment to exploring classic and native grape varietals. Teroldego is an Italian grape that grows very well in Maryland, and this medium-bodied red offers hints of espresso with notes of pomegranate and plum. Aged in French and American oak for 10 months, it's a beautiful representation of Maryland terroir.

Their vision spans from Maryland's past to its future endeavors, producing small-batch, high-quality dry wines that incorporate characteristics from the old world as well as new theories of winemaking.

Maiyeshia McFadden: FlyGirl Winery

Maiyeshia McFadden is the owner of FLYgirl Winery (FLY = First Love Yourself). Five years ago, she began hosting intimate wine tastings that led to certifications including WSET 1 and 2 from Napa Valley Academy and a Winemaking Certification from Cornell University.

Her 2022 FlyGirl Daisy White Blend is a one-of-a-kind marriage of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Petite Manseng grapes creating a refreshing and floral white wine. Bright and aromatic, lush and off-dry with refreshing crispness and soft texture—it's super drinkable!

Maiyeshia's vision is to bring together a vibrant community of wine lovers, creating a space where everyone can celebrate themselves.

Theodora R. Lee: Theopolis Vineyards

Theodora R. Lee, aka Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards, is a bold and dynamic Texan and San Francisco trial lawyer who founded Theopolis Vineyards in prestigious Yorkville Highlands, Anderson Valley. As a minority Black woman in the industry, she receives major awards for her wines.

Her 2022 Theo-patra's Cuvée "Cerise" is a blend of 10% Petite Sirah, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, and 40% Grenache. The palate is rich and juicy with notes of cherry preserves and buttery shortbread that transcend to a long, warm finish.

Her 2023 Theopolis California Symphony features the Symphony grape (a California crossing of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris). This exquisite dry white wine offers notes of peach candy, basil, and spicy lychee fruit with crisp acidity and generous tropical fruit.

Praisy Dlamini & The HER Collection Team

Praisy Dlamini, Winemaker and GM of Adama Wines, leads an all-women, all-Black team in Wellington, South Africa that created the HER Collection. The name was chosen to represent sisters, mothers, daughters, and grandmothers—women who strive to make the world better and retire with a well-earned bottle of HER wine.

The 2024 HER Collection Chenin Blanc offers delicate lime blossom, pear drop, subtle spice, and white peach aromas leading to a soft but dry palate with rich apricot, pear, and hints of fresh lemon and almond.

Their 2023 HER Collection Sauvignon Blanc is fruity, zesty, and full-flavored, bursting with juicy grenadilla and grapefruit flavors with hints of green apple and freshly cut grass.

The 2024 HER Collection Rosé offers flavors of watermelon, raspberries, and strawberries—hand-picked and blended by Praisy Dlamini, one of the brightest stars in the wine industry.

Deborah Cox: Kazaisu Wines

Deborah Cox, award-winning recording artist and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, founded Kazaisu Wines with Lascelles Stephens during the pandemic. Reflecting on the power of human connection over a glass of wine, Deborah created wines to sit on tables at family gatherings and celebrations of everyday life.

Her 2023 Kazaisu Rosé from Provence is like a beautiful pale pink dress—powerful and fragrant with dominant floral notes, rose, litchi, and a lemony touch. The mouth is full and intense with aromas of white peach and citrus.

The 2023 Kazaisu Blanc (90% Vermentino, 10% Ugni Blanc) offers a powerful bouquet of white flower blossoms with whiffs of citrus zest and ripe stone fruit. Bottled at Château Margillière, which practices certified organic agriculture.

Tia Clarke: Roman Clarke Wines

Tia Clarke, CEO of Roman Clarke Wines, created this brand as a legacy named after her son. As a tribute to her hometown and late mother who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Tia included a backdrop of the city's skyline as part of the branding to keep her mom's memory alive.

Her 2023 Roman Clarke Viognier Blend (Viognier, Chardonnay, and Petite Manseng) from Prince Georges County, Maryland delights the palate with harmonious acidity and sweetness, culminating in a vibrant citrus crescendo with luscious flavors of sun-drenched peaches, crisp green apples, and zesty citrus.

Why Supporting These Women Matters

When you purchase wines from these Black women winemakers, you're investing in:

Real Stories, Real Impact: Every bottle represents years of dedication, education, and overcoming barriers in an industry that hasn't always been welcoming.

Economic Empowerment: Supporting Black-owned businesses helps build generational wealth and creates opportunities where they've been historically denied.

Mentorship and Legacy: Many of these winemakers actively mentor the next generation, ensuring the path they've cleared remains open.

Exceptional Quality: These wines stand on their own merit—you're not compromising quality, you're discovering excellence you might have otherwise missed.

Diversity of Perspective: Different backgrounds bring different approaches to winemaking, enriching the entire wine world with new techniques, styles, and expressions of terroir.

How to Support Black Women Winemakers

1. Seek Out Their Wines: Make a conscious effort to include wines from Black women winemakers in your regular rotation. Our Black Wine Producers Three-Bottle Subscription Box or Single-Bottle Subscription makes discovery easy.

2. Share Their Stories: When you serve these wines, share the winemaker's real story. These narratives matter and inspire others.

3. Follow and Engage: Support these winemakers on social media, attend their events when possible, and help amplify their voices.

4. Educate Yourself: Learn about the specific challenges facing Black winemakers and the history of Black contributions to wine. Knowledge leads to meaningful action.

5. Demand Representation: Ask your local wine shops and restaurants to carry wines from Black women winemakers. Consumer demand drives change.

The Future is Being Written Now

From Ntsiki Biyela making history in South Africa to the Brown family's Napa legacy, from Ifeoma Onyia's immigrant success story to the sisterhood of Dalia and Cyndi in Maryland—these are real women doing real work, crafting real wines that deserve a place on your table.

Their wines tell stories of perseverance, innovation, and triumph. Each bottle represents not just grapes and terroir, but the determination to succeed despite systemic barriers, the courage to pursue dreams in unwelcoming spaces, and the commitment to open doors for those who follow.

As we celebrate Black History Month and beyond, let's raise a glass to these remarkable women who are leading the charge and transforming the wine industry one exceptional bottle at a time—not with made-up stories, but with real passion, real skill, and real excellence.

Start Your Journey Today

Ready to explore wines from these pioneering Black women winemakers? Browse our curated selection, or join our subscription service to discover new favorites delivered to your door. Every bottle you purchase supports these incredible winemakers and helps create a more diverse, inclusive wine industry for future generations.

For more wine education and inspiration, explore our related articles on Black-Owned Wineries, BIPOC Winemakers Breaking Barriers, and Diverse Voices in Wine.