7 Black-Owned Wines to Fall in Love with

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of African Americans who've daringly paved the way. As a community, we become intentional with our purchases, diverting them to empower Black-owned businesses to strengthen our communities in a racially divided economy. The notion to #BuyBlack is a movement that extends into the wine industry, as less than one percent of US wineries are black-owned.

The lack of diversity is blaring and that's why representation from producer to consumer matters. Consumers help to increase visibility through demand. As we celebrate the significance of this time of year we're encouraing our fellow wineo's to spread the LOVE and support these seven Black-owned wines this month. *Insert shameless plug don't forget to join us later on February 12th at O.S.T Liquor Store for a special Valentine's Day wine tasting featuring one of the Black-owned winemakers on our list. More info HERE.

Love Cork Screw Head Over Heels Riesling $18-

Fall "head over heels" with this Black-Owned wine based in Chicago which prides itself on tantalizing all five senses. This sweet Riesling has a lemony-grapefruit character and offers sweet wine lovers balance with its ripe peach and citrus aromas. Rieslings are perfect to pair with your favorite white chocolate dessert for a night cap. 11.5% ABV

Flo Wines Red Blend $20- A budget-friendly California red blend that has found its way into my heart. Perfect to pair with grilled juicy meats and a group of friends who don't take themselves too seriously. 13.5% ABV

Lyons Wine Lambrusco $40- Thank Clubhouse for the introduction. This frizzante hails from the Emilia-Romagna region known for it's sparkling red Lambrusco. Visionary, Chris Lyons is known for creating high-quality products and he doesn't miss with this homage to the popular varietal from the late 60s. Cozy up on the couch with this fruit-forward wine and a cheesy pepperoni pizza. 10.5% ABV

Cheramie Riesling $24- This 100% Texas grown varietal is the pride and joy of a Black woman winemaker. An off-dry Riesling with light acidity and green apple notes that highlight the unique character of the Texas High Plains soil. Pair it with your Friday night playlist and best dance moves. 11.9% ABV

Three by Wade Rose $24- It’s produced by basketball legend, Dwayne Wade and slowly becoming my favorite rose to drink on any given day. Lovely floral aromas add to its fruity fresh character and it's surely a slam dunk for any rosé enthusiast. This bottle is made for those who enjoy luxury on a dime. 11.3% ABV

Indigene Cellars Paso Robles Grenache Blanc $30- This central Cali variety is most widely known for its richness and crisp acidity. Originating in Spain and popularized in France, Grenache Blanc is a single varietal mostly used in white blends. The bits of minerality make this an interesting wine to enjoy amongst your wine snob friends.

P. Harrell Three Fifteen Zinfadel $37- Hailing from Sonoma California, P. Harrell Wines offers a traditional Zinfadel that's versatile and delicious. Hints of cinnamon, clove and pepper support this fruit driven Zinfandel. Enhance the profile with a braised lamb pairing and a scenic view. 14.8% ABV

The 25 Wines of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide: Black-Owned Wines

To make your holiday shopping easier we've compiled a list of 25 of the best wine bottles to gift this holiday season. Giving the gift of alcohol is always a good idea and why not go beyond the basic bottle of wine and treat yourself or the wine-o in your life to something special after enduring a year like 2020. Whether they enjoy red, white or sparkling this list has you covered. Check out part three of the 25 Wines of Christmas featuring Black-owned wines to sip this holiday season or gift to the wine connoisseur in your life.

1. Stuyvesant Champagne Grand Reserve Brut $58.95- Bubbles are always the answer. Stuyvesant stays true to the traditional method of producing Champagne with a three blend grape varietal of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This gift will arrive a little late due to delays however it's well worth the wait.

2. Three by D Wade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $40-Cheers to a true Cali Cab, full-bodied filled with tannins and structure to brighten up any glass. This is a great dinner wine to enjoy with friends or ring in the new year. Houston wineo's can pick this bottle up at OST Liquor.

3. La Fete Rose $25- If the wine lover in your life can't resist the pretty pink drink then look no further. Recently landing in Houston retailers like Spec's La Fete is the bottle that you try once and immediately regret not buying two. This is a must-have for the wine lover in your life.

4. Brown Estate Chaos Theory Red $35.99- Napa's first Black-owned winery and tasting room is currently shut down due to Covid restrictions and the California wildfires so it's the perfect time to show your support for this Black-owned business. This red blend of Zinfadel, Merlot and Petite Syrah is pleasureable on the palate filled with floral and blackberry notes.

5. Longevity Wines Syrah 2016 $38- Winemaker, Phil Long gets this one right on the nose. A family-owned and operated winery producing award winning wines just outside of the Bay area in Livermore Valley AVA. An easy drinking juicy wine with just enough spice that it doesn't overpower the prevelant red berry fruit flavors.

6. McBride Sisters $15.99-$18.99- Can your really make a list and not include the McBride Sisters? Of course not, so grab a bottle of their 2017 Red Blend, Sparkling Brut Rose or the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc which can be found in major retailers like Target, Total Wine, Walmart and many more after a big push to create space for Black-owned wines on shelves across the country.

7. Pur Noire 2018 Limited Selection Merlot $60- Vinted with Napa Valley grapes this bold red is perfect for those who enjoy rich wines with character. It's full-bodied and filled with consistent tannins that leave blackberry cobbler and dark chocolate notes on the mouthfeel. If you're in Houston you can pick this up at OST Liquor or Shop Bottles Texas.

8. LVE by John Legend Cotes de Provence Rose 2018 $25- I love French rose wines especially from the Cotes de Provence region. This pale pink wine is aesthically pleasing to the eye and to the palate with luxurious strawberry and white peach notes. Add-on a bottle of the sparkling rose varietal for double the fun. Houston you're in luck local black-owned liquor store OST Liquor and Shop Bottles Texas keep it stocked.