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10 Fantastic Black-Owned Wines And Spirits To Add To Your Summer Shopping List

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When enjoying a glass of wine or craft cocktail, it’s important to drink responsibly. But the responsibility doesn’t just end with drinking only as much as we can handle, or should handle. Responsibility is also about drinking consciously.

According to a recent report via 15 Percent Pledge, Black people comprise 15% of the U.S. population, but more than 40% of Black-owned businesses have been forced to close their doors during the coronavirus pandemic. And that pandemic is not yet over.

While stocking up our wine cabinets or the shelves of the bar, it is important to support to Black-owned businesses. There’s another reason, too: There are fantastic options waiting to be uncorked!

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey 

Uncle Nearest, a premium whiskey made using a combination of corn and rye, has a really cool story. The name is inspired by the country’s first Black master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green. Green is a legend in the whiskey world because he is believed to have perfected the Lincoln County Process that  Tennessee Whiskey is known for, which is a filtering system through sugar maple charcoal. He also taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey! In September of 2019, the Nearest Green Distillery opened in Shelbyville, Tennessee as the first distillery in the world to honor an African-American whiskey maker. Buttery with notes of sweetness, this is an incredible whiskey to add to any top shelf collection.

Love Cork Screw Touch The Sky Niagara Wine

Niagara is a Native American white wine varietal, and is light and fresh and super drinkable, with flavors of currant, black cherry, fig or apricot. These bottles are sleek and colorful and fun, and perfect for enjoying with girlfriends on a summer afternoon.

Stuyvesant Grand Reserve Brut 

This Champagne was founded by New York native Marvina Robinson and named after the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn where Robinson grew up.  Stuyvesant Grand Reserve Brut is a crisp, dry, pale golden color with sea-green highlights and fine bubbles.  The floral bouquet releases scents of fresh flowers, with a spicy palate featuring flavors of apple, and gingerbread biscuits.

FLO Wine 2015 Red Blend

Produced in Sonoma, California. FLO Wine (meaning For the Love of...,) was created by jazz pianist Marcus Johnson, who believes wine and music are alike in that they are both about experiencing and enjoying the journey. These wines, like music, enhance life’s experiences and remind us to enjoy the journey. The Red Blend is a mix of three classic varietals: Merlot at the base for smoothness, Zinfandel for ripe and bold flavor; and Cabernet for a satisfying finish. It is a definite crowd pleaser. 

La Fête Du Rosé 

La Fête du Rosé is the first entirely Black-owned rose out of St. Tropez, France.   Founder Donae Burston saw a void and created a brand for the multicultural demographic. For that reason, the company donates a portion of proceeds from every bottle sold to programs for underrepresented youth.  La Fête du Rosé is made up of 80% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre and 6% Syrah, making for a beautiful pink color that is balanced and complex.

Angostura 7 Year Rum

Angostura 7 Year Rum is a blend of  light, medium and heavy rums have all been aging for a minimum of 7 years. The blend is then returned to bourbon barrels so that its flavors can be married. The result is super rich and drinkable, in cocktails or on its own.

McBride Sisters Wine Smooth & Sexy Bundle

This wine origin story is so incredible, it should be a movie. The McBride sisters are two sisters who shared a love of wine, but were unaware of each other because they grew up thousands of miles apart! Robin and Andréa were raised in the wine regions of Monterey, California and Marlborough, New Zealand; where they each developed a love of wine and winemaking. They found their way to each other in 1999 and quickly realized their shared interests and passions. This coming together has resulted in what is now the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States. This bundle showcases the California Rosé,  two luscious Red Blends and the new Hawke's Bay Sparkling Brut Rosé, perfect for arranging a personal tasting of this amazing company.

Toast Vodka

Founded by Dieuveny "DJ" Louis, Toast Vodka is unique in many exciting ways. This is the world's first ultra-premium vodka made with coconut water. It’s not flavored with coconut, but maintains all the natural benefits. This vodka is 100% corn based, six times distilled, gluten-free and non-GMO. It’s as healthy as vodka can get and still be fun to drink.

HH Bespoke Gin 

HH Bespoke Spirits was created by the family behind the Harlem Haberdashery and  5001 FLAVORS and is inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.  This gin has a feel of a traditional London Dry style gin, but has a modern American feel as well thanks to the juniper flavors balanced with lavender, rosehip, beach plum and cranberry. This gin works in everything from cocktails to a simple soda.

Sip and Share Wines Conjure Zinfandel

This micro-winery makes a variety of artisanal vegan wines. The Zinfandel  is dry, with notes of raspberries and peppercorns as well as dried herbs and cherry that pairs perfectly with hearty meats off the grill this summer season. Nicole Kearney, Sip and Share’s winemaker and founder, was named one of 40 African American Tastemakers (Under/Over 40).

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