

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
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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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Robin D. Thomas is a brunch loving, Brooklyn born and raised Licensed Social Worker currently working in the Bronx. When she's not writing about all things wellness, entertainment and love, you can find her eating her way through different cities and tending to her plants. Connect with her on IG and Twitter at @_MissRobin or on her Instagram wellness page @thisnoirethat.
Luxury Hairstylist On Viral 'Hey Boo' Texts & Professionalism In The Hair Industry
As Black women, our hair is our crowning glory - whether we paid for it or not. We take pride in how we wear and take care of our hair. As with everything, hair care and hair styling have evolved over the years. Long gone are the days of Blue Magic (although I hear it’s making a comeback).
Now, we have a plethora of creams, oils, conditioners, shampoos, and stylists to choose from. Beyond wearing our natural curls, we have a range of options, from wigs and sew-ins to tape-ins, I-tips, and K-tips. So much choice! But you know what they say about too much of a good thing...
The Black hair industry has definitely blossomed in the last decade with a wave of new stylists and salons popping up all over the place. As much as I love that for us, many of these stylists have become the subjects of viral TikTok and Instagram tirades because of their alleged questionable behavior and bizarre rules.
Excessive policies, strange fees, long wait times, poor performance, and the infamous “Hey boo” texts. Beauty is pain, they say… xoNecole got to the root of these issues with luxury hair extensionist Dee Michelle, who’s been in the hair game for 20 years and runs a seven-figure business - all while being a mom of four.
Antonio Livingston
“I started my business with my career in the hair industry [at] very, very young age when I was maybe like eight...So, over the years, I've just built a very successful seven-figure business very quickly just by offering high-end services and creating great experiences for my clients, many of whom are high-profile professionals,” she said. “I'm also a mother of four, including a set of triplets, which inspires me daily to show what's possible with my hard work and focus.”
Dee’s business has gone viral on social media because of what many call outrageous prices for her invisible K-Tip installs.
“When I developed my invisible K-tip extensions technique, I made sure that it wasn't just about the hair or the style, but about providing a high-end experience from start to finish. So, my clients just aren't paying for the extensions or just the style itself, but they're investing into my meticulous, seamless craft and premium hair sourced from the best suppliers…I've spent so many hours mastering my craft, creating this seamless method that gives my clients long-lasting natural results, and my pricing just reflects that - the value of my expertise and the exclusivity of the service.”
The K-tip specialist stands on business when it comes to catering to her clients and giving them an experience worth the cost.
“And it's just important for me to also say that my clients are high-profile individuals who value quality, their privacy, and their time. They want a service that fits into their lifestyle and their time. They want things that deliver perfection. And I deliver that every single time.”
I’m sure we’ve all seen the various TikTok rants about people’s nightmare experiences with stylists and uttered a silent “FELT!” We asked Dee her opinion on a few nightmare scenarios that beg the response, “please be so forreal."
On stylists charging extra to wash clients’ hair:
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
On ‘deposits’ that don’t go towards the cost of the service:
“I think that's kind of weird, too, for deposits to not be like a part of the service. I've seen people have booking fees and I just don't understand it, to be honest. I disagree with that kind of policy…By all means, people should do what works for them, but to me, it doesn't make sense. Why does somebody have to pay a fee just to book an appointment with you? I don't get it. It feels like exploitation.”
On stylists charging extra to style (straighten/curl) wigs, sew-ins etc., after installing:
“I don't get it. Clients come to us to get their hair done, to get it styled. So why is it extra for you to style it? If you're going to charge extra, just increase your price. I feel like it could be just a lack of confidence in those stylists, feeling like people won't pay a certain price for certain things, or just their lack of professionalism as well, because people are coming to us to get styled.”
On the infamous “Hey boo” text stylists send to clients when they need to cancel/reschedule:
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
We know all too well what kinds of things will keep us from ever gracing certain hairstylists’ chairs with our butts again. So, what should hairstylists do to provide a good service to their clients? What is good hairstylist etiquette?
“For one, being on time is an important rule for stylist etiquette. It's just not okay to require your clients to be on time, and you're not on time. Also, communication. Being able to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally, whether that's in person, via text, or on social media. Style is etiquette. Appearance matters. So just maintaining a clean, polished, and professional look. Clients respect you more whenever your appearance reflects your work. There's just so many things, but another thing I would say is active listening. So, being able to pay close attention to what your client wants and also clarifying any questions that they might have. Just to ensure that they feel heard and to minimize any misunderstandings.”
Dee also shared some red flags to look out for when considering a new stylist.
“Even me as a client, if I'm booking somebody and they have a long list of rules, I don't even book with them. That's, for one, just such a huge turn-off. Also, stylists who have inconsistent or unclear pricing, that's a red flag. People who change their rates too much without an explanation. Poor communication. So, if a stylist is responding very slow or responding unprofessionally, or giving vague answers to questions, that can make clients question whether or not they are respecting their time and their needs.
Another red flag - an inconsistent or low quality portfolio. And I feel like, I see this a lot with stylists stealing other people's work, and their portfolio on social media is just very inconsistent.”
We couldn’t let Dee go without getting the tea on what styles she predicts will trend in 2025.
“I feel like people are going back to natural-looking styles. So, a lot of people are ditching the wigs, the lace fronts, things like that. People are still wearing them, of course, but it is becoming more of a trend to embrace your natural hair and something that's not looking too fake. That’s one thing that we're going to be seeing a lot. I would say a lot of layers are coming back, heavy layers. Those are becoming really, really trendy. And people are leaning more towards platinum-colored hair. I've been seeing lots of like blondes coming out. Also, jet black is always going to be a trend. But I would say more like natural colors, but natural colors that are still making a statement.”
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A couple of days ago, I was listening to a friend of mine (who is in her 30s, by the way), semi-rant about how she doesn’t understand why it seems like she has a slight appearance of a double chin emerging when she hasn’t gained any weight and works out on the regular. When I asked her what her skincare routine was like, it took her a minute to connect the dots. That is until I shared with her that I once read that we actually start to lose our skin’s elasticity as early as our 20s and we can end up with as much as 30 percent less of it within the first five years of menopause.
What that means is the skin that once looked so firm, plump, and full can end up sagging, having fine lines and wrinkles and not appearing as youthful as it once did.
Damn Shellie, what a grim way to start an article. Yeah, I hear you. Really though, it all depends on how you look at it because, when you accept that aging is a (blessed) part of life and taking proactive measures can make easing into the aging process so much easier to handle, take it from me — it’s not so bad. And when it comes to your skin, specifically, you can actually hang on to its “bounce back” (the ability for your skin to maintain its natural elasticity) for much longer than you might think.
For starters, by following these eight proven (and all-natural) beauty hacks…
8 Natural Ways To Keep Your Skin Firm and Youthful
1. DIY a Witch Hazel Spritz
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I’m not exaggerating when I say that there isn’t one good reason why every household in this country shouldn’t have a bottle of witch hazel somewhere. It’s inexpensive. It works well for all skin types. And it comes with a myriad of skin benefits including containing properties thatreduce inflammation and irritation, decrease the appearance of pores, speed up the healing process of acne, protect skin from free radicals, and even help to soothe scalp discomfort (if your scalp happens to be particularly sensitive).
As far as your skin’s elasticity is concerned, witch hazel is “that one” because it has the ability to correct elastosis; elastosis is what happens when your skin starts to thicken and degenerate which makes it more difficult for your skin to maintain its elasticity.
That’s why it’s a good idea to create a skin-toning spritz out of one part distilled water and one part witch hazel. Spray your skin with it in the morning and whenever you need a skin refresher in order to maintain a subtle “tightness” and natural glow.
2. Do Some Chemical Peels
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I’ve mentioned before that I am absolutely sold on chemical peels (check out “I've Been Doing At-Home Chemical Peels. Here Are The Pros And Cons.”). Although I’ve had to do a little bit of trial and error (as far as the strength level of the peel and how long I should leave it on my skin before thoroughly rinsing it the peel off), once I got the groove of things (which roughly took me a couple of months), I have appreciated everything that chemical peels have done for the quality of my skin.
That’s because they help to resurface skin, even skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, make skin look and feel much smoother, and boost the production of collagen and elastin in it. Like I said, I prefer to go the at-home route. However, if you want quicker and more drastic effects, book an appointment with a professional (and reputable) dermatologist or esthetician. I say that because to say that all chemical peels are created equal — that is a flat-out lie. Some are so potent that you shouldn’t even want to attempt them without an expert’s assistance. Trust me.
3. Moisturize with Aloe Vera Gel
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Even though Aloe vera gel is made up of 99 percent water, it also has vitamins A, C, E, zinc, magnesium, copper, potassium, enzymes, and a wealth of other nutrients in it. That alone makes it an ultimate skincare go-to; especially when it comes to hydrating your skin, healing the effects of psoriasis and eczema, and treating inflammatory acne. Know what else Aloe vera gel is good for? Keeping your skin firm. That’s because the properties in the gel help to produce collagen production — and the more collagen that your skin has, the more elasticity it will too.
4. Apply Vitamin C Extract
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Something else that your skin loses over time is its amount of hyaluronic acid. If you’re curious about what hyaluronic acid is, it’s a natural substance within your system that helps to keep your skin hydrated as well as flexible. Personally, I’m such a fan of the stuff that I wrote an article on it a couple of years ago (check out “Why Your Skin, Hair, And Nails Need Hyaluronic Acid Like...Yesterday”).
And listen, if you’re super serious about keeping elasticity in your skin, pair the acid up with some vitamin C extract. While a bottle of hyaluronic acid alone will help your skin to maintain its texture, vitamin C extract (serum) will help to brighten your skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, soften the appearance of dark circles underneath your eyes, boost collagen production and yes, help to prevent skin sagging as well.
5. Eat (More) Antioxidants
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Antioxidants are chemicals that help to fight off free radicals. That’s necessary because free radicals are linked to things like impaired vision, autoimmune disorders, cancer, diabetes, gray hair, and yes, skin aging. When you consume foods that are high in antioxidants, it helps your skin by reducing inflammation, improving its texture, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increasing hydration, and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Foods that are high in antioxidants include berries, dark leafy greens, pecans, apples, cabbage, mushrooms, potatoes, olive oil, cloves, and red wine.
6. Indulge in Dark Chocolate
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Dark chocolate brings me so much joy — and I’m not just talking about men either. LOL. I’ve seen what dark chocolate has done for my system to the point where I was inspired to once write “12 Ways Dark Chocolate Can Benefit Your Body From Head To Toe.” And, well, when it comes to your skin, dark chocolate is awesome because it contains organic compounds that increase blood circulation, protect your skin from damaging UV rays, improve hydration, slow down aging signs, and also, because dark chocolate has manganese in it, this means that it’s a food that helps with collagen production (which as you already know, leads to skin that has more elasticity).
So yeah, when it comes to dark chocolate (that is made up of around 65-70 percent cacao) — eat up! Your skin needs you to.
7. Sip on Some Ginger Tea
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Last fall, when I wrote the article, “10 Different Ways Herbal Teas Can Fit Into Your Beauty Regimen” for the platform, I didn’t include ginger tea — oh, but I probably should have. While, health-wise, ginger is great when it comes to reducing nausea and morning sickness, making menstrual cramps more tolerable, and decreasing your cholesterol levels, ginger is good for your skin because it reduces the amount of oil that your skin produces, softens the appearance of scars and it improves your skin’s elasticity and tone.
So, if sipping on tea is totally your thing, the sweet-meets-spicy flavor of ginger tea can do you and your skin some good on a ton of different levels.
8. Get Plenty of Rest
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Sleep is a time of rejuvenation which is why your skin needs you to get no less than 6-8 hours of sound rest on a nightly basis. What science has proven is your skin will most definitely benefit from consistent zzz’s because sleep can help to strengthen your immunity which can decrease inflammation and breakouts; it decreases stress and anxiety levels which can keep your hormone levels stabilized; it can help to keep your skin cells healthy; it can slow down aging signs (check out “Women In Their 40s Share The Beauty-Related Things They Wish They Did In Their 20s”), and sleep can even help to keep your skin from becoming dehydrated.
And since collagen is also produced while you sleep — perhaps now it makes all of the sense in the world that the saying “beauty sleep” is actually a very real thing. Sweet dreams (to you as well as your skin), sis!
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