In the booming industry of wine, beer, and spirits, it’s always exciting to come across Black-owned businesses that we can support. The spirits industry has long been a space where Black entrepreneurs have faced significant barriers, from accessing capital to breaking into predominantly white-dominated networks.
I didn’t enjoy beer until I was in my mid-20s, partially due to the fact that it didn’t seem to be marketed toward me. According to a 2021 report from the Brewers Association, less than 1% of breweries in the U.S. are Black-owned, and Black winemakers make up an estimated 0.1% of winemakers nationwide. Despite these challenges, Black-owned wineries, breweries, and bars are still carving out their place in the industry.
By visiting and supporting Black-owned establishments, you’re not only indulging in world-class drinks but also contributing to a movement of equity and inclusion. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or craft beer lover, these businesses celebrate culture, tell stories, and foster spaces where everyone feels welcome.
The more we pour into these Black-owned breweries, bars, and wineries, the more doors we will see open for others to enter the beer, wine, and spirits industries.
There’s nothing I enjoy more than having a sip of wine surrounded by people who look like me in an establishment owned by someone who also looks like me. From lively bars to innovative breweries and boutique wineries, here are 10 Black-owned spots across the country where you can raise a glass to diversity and excellence. Cheers!
1.Harlem Hops - New York, N.Y.
Harlem Hops is more than just a craft beer bar—it’s a celebration of community and culture. Co-founded by three HBCU graduates, this gem focuses on showcasing beers from local and independent breweries, including offerings from Black brewers. When it opened in the summer of 2018, Harlem Hops became the first 100% African American-owned NYC local craft beer bar in Manhattan.
With its cozy vibe, rotating tap list, and tasty bites, Harlem Hops is the perfect spot to discover your new favorite brew while supporting a mission of inclusivity in the craft beer scene. Don’t miss their delicious beer pairings and community-driven events.
2.Brown Estate - Napa Valley, Calif.
Brown Estate is Napa Valley’s first and only Black-owned estate winery. Established in 1996, the family-owned winery is known for its exceptional Zinfandels and refined vineyard experiences. Beyond the Zinfandels, Brown Estate also crafts a variety of other wines to fit everyone’s preferences, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Petite Sirah. If you can’t make it to the winery, you can also enjoy an intimate tasting experience at their downtown Napa tasting room, which opened in 2017. With stunning views and award-winning wines, Brown Estate is a must for wine lovers visiting Napa.
3.Abbey Creek Vineyard - North Plains, OR
Facebook/AbbeyCreekVineyard
What do you get when you merge a love for wine with an appreciation for Hip Hop and Culture? You get Abbey Creek Vineyard in North Plains, Oregon. Loved by both locals and visitors, this community spot offers a unique wine experience while embodying the saying “Hip-Hop, wine, and chill." Owner Bertony Faustin became Oregon’s first Black winemaker when he founded Abbey Creek Vineyard. Faustin’s wines, dubbed “The Creole Collection,” bring a unique cultural perspective to Oregon’s wine industry. Visitors can enjoy tastings at the vineyard’s wine bar, known as “The Crick,” for an intimate experience that’s all about community.
4.Two Locals Brewing Co. - Philadelphia
Business is always better when it’s a family affair. Two Locals Brewing is Philadelphia's first Black-owned brewery, founded by brothers Richard and Mengistu Koilor. The brewery officially opened its doors in early 2024 in the University City neighborhood after years of planning.
The brothers, West Philadelphia natives, started brewing beer as a hobby in 2016 and began planning their expansion while noticing the lack of Black representation in the brewing industry.
Aside from serving up tasty brews, the brothers offer Liberian food, a homage to where Mengistu was born. Throughout the month, guests can pop in for some improv or a comedy night event while enjoying a cold one.
5.House of Pure Vin - Detroit
Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, House of Pure Vin is a Black-owned wine bar and retail shop. It features an impressive selection of global wines, including many from Black winemakers. One highlight is their focus on boutique and hard-to-find labels, offering guests the opportunity to discover unique flavors they won’t see on typical store shelves.
The space frequently hosts events such as wine education classes, collaborations with local chefs, and themed wine nights, giving customers plenty of reasons to pop by throughout the week. Whether you’re shopping for a bottle, enjoying a tasting flight, or attending one of their vibrant events, House of Pure Vin is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to elevate their wine experience while supporting a Black-owned business.
6.LaShellé Wines - Woodinville, WA
LaShellé Wines, located in Woodinville, Washington, stands out as one of the region’s few Black- and female-owned wineries. Founded by Nicole Camp, the winery reflects her passion for winemaking, which she developed through her formal training at the Northwest Wine Academy. Opened in 2021, LaShellé Wines is known for its range of refreshing white and red wines and offering a welcoming and family-friendly environment. On any given day, you can expect to pop in and see owner Nicole involved in the day-to-day functioning—from destemming grapes to hosting guests in the tasting room.
7.Diamond Farm Winery and Brewery - Nokesville, Va.
Instagram/DiamondFarmWinery
This lovely venue was the result of hard work and a change of plans. Diamond Farm Winery & Brewery is an exciting new Black-owned establishment that blends rustic charm with modern sophistication. Owners Alice and Glenn Bertrand, Sr. originally purchased the property to serve as their retirement home but decided to go in a different direction after seeing the historic barn on the land.
Situated on a picturesque farm, the venue offers a serene setting with features like a remodeled historic farmhouse and a romantic heart-shaped pond. While their tasting room is slated to open this spring, the winery is already a sought-after event space, hosting weddings, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations. The venue is rolling out over three phases, so expect all aspects to be fully functioning later this year.
8.Thurst Lounge - Washington D.C.
Thurst Lounge is the first Black-owned LGBTQIA+ bar and lounge in Washington, D.C. Located in the historic U Street corridor, this bar serves as a much-needed inclusive space for the Black LGBTQIA+ community residing in the city. The lounge offers an intimate setting for socializing, complete with carefully curated cocktails and a stylish ambiance that’s perfect for linking with the crew.
Beyond its role as a nightlife destination, Thurst Lounge aims to foster a supportive environment for community connections and cultural celebration.
9.Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard - Norlina, N.C.
Seven Springs Farms and Vineyards is a Black-owned vineyard established by Preston Williams and his family, and it sits on a 140-acre property featuring seven natural springs, providing a picturesque setting for wine tasting and events. The vineyard specializes in muscadine grapes but also grows Merlot, Cabernet, and Chardonnay varieties. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the cozy tasting room, participate in seasonal grape-picking events, or even book a stay at their on-site Airbnb for a more immersive experience. This family-owned space is the perfect location for an outing with the girls or a group event.
10.For The Culture Brewing - Houston
The name says it all with this one. For The Culture Brewing is a craft beer brand focused on creating an inclusive and vibrant space for beer lovers. Holding the title of being H-Town’s first Black-owned brewery, owners Jonathan Brown and Carl Roaches Jr. began working on this brand after realizing that there weren’t many brands marketing to Black Men who like to drink beer.
The brewery aims to cater to a wide range of tastes, offering a variety of beer styles such as tropical IPAs, rice lagers, pale ales, and dry stouts.
While still in the process of opening its own dedicated taproom, the brewery often collaborates with other local businesses, including Ovinnik Brewing, through a unique cooperative model called Craft Culture X. This collaboration has allowed them to share resources and brewing equipment while planning events and developing new beer recipes.
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Kayla Nicole says she wore a dress that was once worn by Braxton herself for the Halloween costume. “It’s not a secret Toni is more on the petite side. I’m obsessed with all 5’2” of her,” she tells xoNecole via email. “But I’m 5’10'' and not missing any meals, honey, so to my surprise, when I got the dress and it actually fit, I knew it was destiny.”
The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
“I just knew I was going to end up on a local news network at the head anchor table, breaking high speed chases, and tossing it to the weather girl,” she says. Instead, she ended up working as an assistant at TMZ before covering sports as a freelance reporter. (She’s said she didn’t work for ESPN, despite previous reports saying otherwise.) The Pre-Game combines her love for pop culture and sports in a way that once felt inaccessible to her in traditional media.
She’s not just a podcaster, though. When she’s not behind the mic, taking acting classes or making her New York Fashion Week debut, Kayla Nicole is also busy elevating her wellness brand Tribe Therepē, where she shares her workouts and the workout equipment that helps her look chic while staying fit. She says the brand will add apparel to its line up in early 2026.
“Tribe Therepē has evolved into exactly what I have always envisioned. A community of women who care about being fit not just for the aesthetic, but for their mental and emotional well-being too. It’s grounded. It’s feminine. It’s strong,” she says. “And honestly, it's a reflection of where I am in my life right now. I feel so damn good - mentally, emotionally, and physically. And I am grateful to be in a space where I can pour that love and light back into the community that continues to pour into me.”
Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
My main motive? Mostly, I hope that it will serve as a solid reminder to embrace all of the things that you adore about this time of year, so long as you do it in moderation and you weigh the costs.
Especially as far as drinking alcohol is concerned.
PRO: Manages Blood Sugar Levels
GiphyHere’s something that you may have never seen coming. Were you aware of the fact that alcohol can actually help to stabilize your blood sugar? Yep, according to the American Diabetes Association, so long as you leave it to no more than 1-2 cocktails a day, alcohol may be able to lower your A1C levels. Pretty cool, right?
CON: It’s a Carcinogen
GiphyAlcohol is a carcinogen. The reason why this should somewhat alarm you is because carcinogens are things (like tobacco, UV rays, processed meats, etc.) that can increase your chances of being diagnosed with cancer (especially mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and breast cancer). There are various ways this happens including the fact that alcohol, specifically, can hinder your body from breaking down certain nutrients, it can cause your estrogen levels to spike and alcohol can also cause certain toxins to damage your DNA and certain bodily proteins over time.
PRO: Cultivates Euphoric Feelings
GiphyIf you find yourself feeling more euphoric while you’re enjoying a drink, it’s not all up in your head. Although, for the more part, alcohol is considered to be a depressant, when consumed in small amounts, it can provide a stimulant effect. This happens due to the fact that when you first start to consume alcohol, it causes the production of the feel-good hormone known as dopamine to increase — and since dopamine makes us all feel more relaxed and confident while heightening our senses of pleasure too…well, there you have it.
CON: May Increase Anxiety/Depression
GiphyAs they say, “what goes up, most come down” at some point — and that is what you have to be careful of when it comes to alcohol consumption. For instance, when you drink alcohol, although it tends to initially cause your dopamine levels to uptick, because it is a temporary bodily response, sometimes the dips are lower than the rises…and that is when anxiety starts to kick in. A similar point is made with depression because oftentimes, people with depression-related symptoms, will use alcohol as a way to deflect from what’s really going on with them — and that can make them feel even worse than ever once the buzz of alcohol starts to wear off.
PRO: Has Some Heart-Related Benefits
GiphyWhen it comes to your heart, there are interesting findings surrounding its relationship to alcohol. For instance, some research states that, so long as the consumption is moderate, alcohol can actually help to increase the good cholesterol in your system while also breaking down proteins that can potentially lead to blood clots; both of these factors alone can reduce your chances of dying from heart disease.
CON: Packs on Pounds
GiphyIt’s no secret that alcohol tends to contain quite a few calories. That’s why, it’s not uncommon for people who’ve lost weight to mention “I’ve stopped drinking” as one of the causes for the shed pounds. That’s not to say that there aren’t some alcoholic beverages that have less calories than others including vodka (133 calories per serving), white wine (148 calories per serving) and tequila (99 calories per shot). Just keep in mind that the more you drink, the more calories get into your system and the more weight you stand to gain.
PRO: Lowers Inhibitions
GiphyAlthough you really should only be uninhibited around people who you absolutely trust, if that person is your partner and you’re looking to have a pretty — eh hem — active evening, alcohol can certainly help to make that happen. The science of it all is the prefrontal cortex of your brain is what regulates your inhibitions and levels of self-control. Meanwhile, alcohol suppresses your inhibitions which can cause you to be more spontaneous and open to trying things that you might not immediately do if you were sober. And with the right individual, that can be sexually beneficial (emphasis on “right person”).
CON: Makes It Harder to Orgasm
GiphyOn the other hand, as odd as it may seem (in light of what I just said), if you have too much alcohol in your system, it could make climaxing difficult. That’s because orgasms happen, in part, due to your nervous system being stimulated — and since alcohol is technically a depressant…well, it could reduce nerve sensitivity (especially as far as your clitoris goes) for you while making it challenging for your partner to remain erect or have consistent stamina. And yeah, that sucks.
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‘Tis the season. And with that, if some wassails or hot buttered rums are in your immediate future — hey, don’t let me stop you — not even a lil’ bit.
All I’m saying is now that you know what alcoholic drinks have to offer (both ways), you can know exactly how to incorporate them into your holiday plans. Enjoy!
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