'Tis the season for joy and family connections. As we gather around the table with loved ones for Christmas and Kwanzaa celebrations, that time of year magic calls for a special beverage to enhance the festive spirit. What better way to elevate these cherished moments than indulging in the finest Black-owned wines this holiday?
EBONY spoke with several Black wine owners, from luxury wine brand connoisseur Donae Burston to TV personality Ayesha Curry and her sister-in-law, content creator Sydel Curry-Lee (pictured), to learn all about their brands and why these delicious vinos slay for the holidays. We even got a few suggestions on what to pair them with. Raise your glass and sip on these Black-owned wine brands this holiday season.
Domaine Curry, Ayesha Curry and Sydel Curry-Lee
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, Founders Red Blend Napa Valley
Image: courtesy Domaine Curry.
“At a family dinner a few years ago, I stood to raise a toast to the sophisticated, bold and unique women in our family. These characteristics resembled the glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon in our hands. For as long as I can remember, Sydel and I wanted to partner on a project and that’s when it hit us; we both knew it had to be wine," Curry shares. "The 2021 Domaine Curry Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and balanced, comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, while the 2021 Domaine Curry Founders Blend incorporates wines such as Petite Sirah, Syrah and Merlot to create a smooth, full-bodied wine we love," says Curry-Lee. "You can truly enjoy Domaine Curry anywhere, but we have always bonded over wine to bring our friends and family together for shared moments of celebration – the perfect wine to bring to dinner parties with friends and family, especially during the holidays," the duo says. Curry adds, "I like to pair the Cabernet Sauvignon with a pan-seared/roasted lamb or lamb chops with a balsamic reduction," while Sydel reveals, "I love to pair both wines with a braised short rib, which is my husband’s favorite meal of all time!" Available at theprisonerwinecompany.com, in select state markets and at The Prisoner Wine Company Tasting Lounge in Napa Valley, California.
Amandla Wine, Praisy Dlamini
POWER Shiraz, FUTURE Sauvignon Blanc
"I had the vision to craft exceptional wines, inspire the next generation of wine enthusiasts and nurture future generations of Black female business owners. The holidays offer a perfect canvas for our wines to paint unforgettable memories. From our signature Amandla Wines, POWER Shiraz, with notes of plums, blackberries and spice, is incredibly well suited for hearty holiday feasts, and the FUTURE Sauvignon Blanc is wonderful for lighter, brighter festivities with crisp flavors of passion fruit, pineapple and lemon. These two can serve as companions to your most cherished moments, turning ordinary gatherings into extraordinary celebrations.” Available at WSJwine.com/Amandla.
La Fête, Donae Burston
La Fête du Rouge
"La Fête du Rouge is a vibrant blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, lovingly crafted through a unique fermentation process in steel tanks and concrete eggs. Produced in the luxurious town of St. Tropez, La Fête du Rouge is the ideal bottle to gift. It will whisk anyone away to the enchanting Mediterranean with every sip as they picture themselves basking in the blue waters and sun-kissed beaches while indulging in this bold and luscious creation. Serve it chilled at any holiday gathering or soirée and watch as guests are captivated by its smooth flavors.“ Available at reservebar.com.
IBest Wine, Ingrid Best
IBest Red Blend, IBest White Blend
"By giving IBest Wines as a gift or pouring it at your next holiday function, you're not just experiencing a bottle of wine; you're giving a priceless journey that educates about South Africa's rich wine region and spotlights global stories, artists and creatives you may not have known about. It's a gift that keeps giving, fostering a deeper appreciation for culture, art and the world of wine. IBest Wines red blend & white blend showcases the breadth of wines from South Africa, an underrepresented wine region. It pairs well with festive holiday dishes like Cajun butter steak, oyster mushrooms, curried lentils, oxtail or brown butter sage gnocchi. Try pairing IBest Wines White Blend with your holiday cheese plates, especially sharp cheddar and brie, or serve it with a chicken pot pie, vegetable casseroles or mac and cheese. There’s something for everyone!" Available at ibestwines.com and reservebar.com.
