Honoring Juneteenth Through Exceptional Black-Owned Winemaking

Stellenbosch Cabernet from South Africa's Most Trailblazing Winemaker

Ntsiki Biyela is one of South Africa's most celebrated winemakers — the first Black woman to earn a winemaking degree in South Africa, and the founder of Aslina Wines, named in honor of her grandmother. Her Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of genuine character: bold, structured, and deeply expressive of the Cape's finest red wine appellation.

Winemaker Notes

Aslina Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch Natural 2023 750ml

Full-bodied with hints of minty character, cigar box, and lots of dark fruit. Bold on the palate with chewy tannins and a long, satisfying finish.

About Ntsiki Biyela

Growing up in Mahlabathini, a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal, Ntsiki was awarded a scholarship to study winemaking in 1999 and graduated in 2003 with a BSc in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology) from Stellenbosch University. She has since consulted in Bordeaux, collaborated with Californian winemakers, and sits on the board of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy — which provides technical training and personal development for young South Africans entering the wine industry.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
• Producer: Aslina Wines
• Winemaker: Ntsiki Biyela
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for grilled ribeye, braised lamb, venison, aged hard cheeses, and Cape Malay-spiced dishes.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Ntsiki Biyela has an incredible history as the first female black winemaker in South Africa. Her new label, Aslina, is named in honor of her grandmother. The Chardonnay is a pale straw color and full of lush yellow fruit with minerality and brilliant acidity.

Memo Summary Notes

The Aslina Chardonnay 2024 is a standout white wine from South Africa, crafted by Ntsiki Biyela, the country’s first Black female winemaker. Her brand, Aslina, is named in honor of her grandmother, and this specific vintage recently gained significant acclaim, with the 2023 version being named "Wine of the Year – South Africa" at the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Exceptional Quality and Craftsmanship

Aslina Wines Chardonnay 2024 is a remarkable showcase of South African winemaking. This wine stands out because it embodies the unique terroir of the region, showcasing rich fruit flavors and well-balanced acidity. The expert craftsmanship behind its creation ensures that each bottle delivers a consistent and memorable experience, making it a top choice for wine enthusiasts.

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of Aslina Wines Chardonnay is a delicious blend of citrus, stone fruits, and a hint of oak. It offers a crisp and refreshing taste, making it perfect for pairing with seafood dishes or simply enjoying on its own. Because of the careful aging process in oak barrels, this wine has a complex character that evolves beautifully with every sip, enticing both novice and experienced drinkers alike.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Aslina Wines Chardonnay 2024 is not just a wine; it's an experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this Chardonnay delivers quality and sophistication. Its versatile flavor makes it suitable for various dishes, from grilled chicken to creamy pasta. So, next time you're selecting a bottle, remember that Aslina Wines is a choice that will impress your guests and enhance your dining experience.

Whoopi — Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Biologico 2024

Whoopi Prosecco is produced by Sacchetto, a certified organic estate in the Colli Asolani — the Asolo Hills of the Veneto, a subzone that earned its own Superiore DOCG designation precisely because its hillside vineyards, cooler temperatures, and volcanic soils produce Glera of greater complexity and finesse than the broader Prosecco DOC. This is a limited first edition bottling: 100% organic Glera, farmed without synthetic inputs, and vinified to preserve the grape's natural aromatic freshness. Pale straw yellow in the glass, with a fine, persistent perlage.

The nose is fresh and aromatic — green apple, white peach, wildflowers, and a bright citrus lift. On the palate it is crisp and lively, with ripe pear, citrus, and a touch of honey, perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity. The finish is clean and elegant, with lingering effervescence and subtle fruity notes. This is Prosecco as it should be: light, precise, and genuinely food-friendly.

• Producer: Sacchetto (Whoopi), Colli Asolani, Veneto, Italy
• Appellation: Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Glera (certified organic)
• Style: Brut Biologico, sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, white peach, wildflowers, pear, citrus, honey, elegant finish
• Serve: Well chilled, 6–8°C
• Best Paired With: Aperitif, fresh seafood, shellfish, soft cheeses, light antipasti

Organic Glera from the Asolo hills — Whoopi Prosecco Superiore is the step up from everyday Prosecco that actually tastes like one.

La Fête du Rosé · Côtes de Provence · Rosé · Provence, France · 2024 · 750ml

La Fête du Rosé was born from a moment of pure discovery. Founder and CEO Donae Burston was celebrating his 30th birthday at the legendary Nikki Beach Club in Saint-Tropez when he first encountered the pale, elegant rosés of Côtes de Provence — wines he had mistaken for white Zinfandel, but which turned out to be something far more refined. From that first taste, the seeds for La Fête were planted. Today, the brand is one of the most celebrated Black-owned wine labels in the United States, sourcing from the heart of Provence and bringing the spirit of the French Riviera to a new generation of rosé drinkers. A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah — the classic Provencal trio — vinified to the pale, dry, food-friendly style that has made Côtes de Provence the world’s benchmark for rosé. At $24.99, this is summer in a bottle.

Pale salmon-pink in the glass with a fresh, inviting nose of forest fruits, wild strawberry, and a distinctive note of salinity — like a summer evening on the beach in Saint-Tropez. On the palate: perfectly balanced and vibrant, with flavors of strawberry, grenadine, and red currant, carried by crisp acidity and a remarkably fresh, clean finish. Serve well-chilled as an aperitif, alongside grilled fish, summer salads, charcuterie, or soft cheeses. The rosé for every occasion, every table, every season.

• Producer: La Fête Wine Company · Founder Donae Burston
• Wine: Rosé · Côtes de Provence AOC
• Vintage: 2024
• Origin: Côtes de Provence, Provence, France
• Blend: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
• Style: Pale, dry, crisp Provencal rosé
• Notable: Black-owned wine brand
• Drinking Window: Now · Best young and fresh
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Forest fruits, wild strawberry, salinity, grenadine, red currant, crisp acidity, fresh finish
• Pair With: Grilled fish · Summer salads · Charcuterie · Soft cheeses · Aperitif

Born in Saint-Tropez, made for every table — Provence rosé with a story worth telling.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Tonya Pitts writes 91 Points | Lively aromas of baked candy apple, plum, raspberry and notes of allspice on the nose. Flavors of hibiscus flower, mandarin orange, black tea and supple, silky tannins encourage another sip to keep the party on the palate going. Pair with a cold smoked Hamachi collar and pickled mushrooms.

The Tasting Panel 91 Points  This blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Pinot Noir and 25% Tempranillo offers an unctuous mouthfeel, slick and tart with red cherries in aspic, cinnamon rose petals, and peony. Red berries converge in a summer fruit bowl, dotted with white pepper, and scented with jasmine.

Winemaker Description 

Composition:
• 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 25% Pinot Noir
• 25% Tempranillo
• Small amounts of naturally occurring & added sulfites — nothing else.

Appellation: Lodi CA (Cosumnes River)

Alcohol by vol.: 13.2%

Production:
• Regeneratively farmed
• Certified sustainable per “Lodi Rules”
• Fermented in stainless steel lined with oak staves, 11 mos.
• Vegan-friendly

Eye: Brilliant translucent ruby through and through.

Nose: Hibiscus, tea rose, pomegranate & Marschino cherry with subtle cinnamon, clove, and English lavender.

Palate: Light body & crisp acidity meet lush fruit & spices. Intense flavors make for a sublime lingering finish.

Pairing inspirations: Avocado & beet salad; tomato tart; hoisin pork buns; trout & watercress fritters; chicken Caesar salad; French onion soup.

House of Brown is a second-generation wine label under the BROWN Napa Valley umbrella, which also includes Chaos Theory and is anchored by flagship Brown Estate.

The Brown family have been in Napa since 1980. Siblings Deneen, Coral, and David began making wine in 1996. Raised by two medical professionals in a “Blue-Zone” household in Southern California, they all pitched in at their parents’ medical clinic. There, they adopted what would become a guiding principle in their wine business: Do no harm.

The creation of House of Brown was inspired by an extraordinary community of wine consumers who for over two decades had been finding themselves at home with Brown Estate, and in 2017 began assembling at the family’s then newly opened Brown Downtown Napa tasting room. This period marked an evolution in wine consumer demographics, with the industry at large seeing an influx of young and culturally diverse enthusiasts coming to the fore — dynamics that have been manifest at Brown for decades.

House of Brown was established in 2018 to expand access to the Brown wine experience, then nearly 25 years strong. The label designs are an homage to the brand’s Feel Seen ethos, and to the sense of welcome and belonging that are hallmarks at Brown. Produced with the same commitment to purity and balance that is foundational to Brown Estate, House of Brown wines are regeneratively farmed, certified sustainable, and vegan-friendly.

House of Brown is 100% family-owned + 100% Black-owned, and the brand is women-led.

Memo Summary Notes

The House of Brown Red Blend 2022 is the second label from Brown Estate—Napa Valley's first Black-owned estate winery. Known for its "fresh, juicy, and chillable" style, it is designed to be an accessible.

Its high acidity makes it extremely versatile. It pairs brilliantly with hoisin pork buns, tomato tarts, avocado & beet salad, or French onion soup. It's also an excellent "couch wine" to enjoy with a simple charcuterie board.

Winemaker Description 

A beautiful structured medium-bodied Shiraz with juicy ripe plum and dark berry flavours. Has fine textures of sweet spice, new leather and a hint of savoury, refreshed with a juicy, plummy finish.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Pairings: This is a versatile "braai" (BBQ) wine. It pairs excellently with:

• Meats: Grilled lamb chops, ribeye steak, or spicy sausages.

• Casual: Wood-fired spicy pizzas or hearty pasta bolognese.

• Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms or lentil stews with earthy spices.

Winemaker Description

Bright, ruby-red color. The nose is very expressive with notes of wild strawberry, cherry and Mediterranean herbs.

On the palate, the wine is beautifully supple. Tannins are silky and the tasty finish reveals notes of black pepper, red fruits and a hint of eucalyptus.

Memo Summary Notes

The Black Eden 1912 Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a small-batch bourbon that is notable for its rich historical tribute and its unique flavor profile.

Producer Description 

In homage of the history and the legends of Idlewild, Michigan, our premium Bourbon Whiskey captures the exquisite taste of a special time. Our bourbon honors a legacy as well as embodying the rich, smokey, vanilla flavors of a classic, premium Bourbon Whiskey.

• At Black Eden 1912®, we take pride in our commitment to quality, reflected in every bottle we create. Meticulously crafted, our bourbon offers a rich and refined taste experience designed to elevate your palate. With bold, complex flavors, it inspires both enjoyment and a deep appreciation for the art of fine bourbon.

• Celebrating Community

  Black Eden 1912® is rooted in community and tradition. Every bottle represents a celebration of life’s special moments while honoring legacy, craftsmanship, and connection. Our mission is to craft exceptional spirits that bring people together, fostering meaningful experiences and lasting memories.

• Honoring a Legacy

  Black Eden 1912® is more than exceptional bourbon—it’s a tribute to the vibrant legacy of Idlewild, Michigan. Once a thriving center of entertainment, community, and celebration, Idlewild’s rich history lives on in every bottle we craft. By choosing our bourbon, you are honoring an enduring spirit of resilience, unity, and tradition.

Winemaker Description 

Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines has released a one-time, Limited-Edition Hall of Fame Cabernet Sauvignon to commemorate Charles Woodson’s enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In 2019, Woodson launched the Intercept Wines brand and the team prepared to have the 2018 vintage ready for 2021 should he become a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

“When we found out Charles was eligible to be selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we were eager to make a commemorative wine to celebrate the occasion,” said Intercept winemaker Amanda Gorter. “We wanted to create something special that truly embodied the sentiment of greatness from grape to glass.”

The 2018 Limited Edition Hall of Fame Cabernet Sauvignon from four premier districts in California’s Paso Robles AVA: Adelaida, Estrella, El Pomar, and Willow Creek. It is a full-bodied winewith bold tannins and exquisite structure, and can be enjoyed today or laid down to age.

The limited production resulted in 6,500 bottles, an homage to his 65 career interceptions. His career accolades are etched onto the bottle, and a note from Woodson lines the inside of the soft-touch matte black gift box.

Woodson explained, “Intercept has created this Hall of Fame Edition Cabernet Sauvignon – very fitting for this special time in my life! I’m sharing this moment with you because when I go in, we all go in!”

2024 Pop a Wheelie White

Chardonnay made without new oak. Aromas of honeydew melon, apple, meyer lemon, and wet stone. 1,200 cases produced. Vegan friendly.

Nice to meet you, we’re Diana and Frank!

Together, we have over 15 years of experience in the wine biz and a bunch of certifications. We’ve both worked as sommeliers at James Beard award winning and Michelin starred restaurants. We moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2017, so I (Diana) could pursue my Master’s in winemaking and viticulture. We fell in love with Aotearoa and never left.

I’m convinced it’s one of the last cool-to-moderate winemaking regions on the planet. A place with warm days and cool nights, where you can make wines with vitality and freshness without needing to add a bunch of stuff.

I only use wild yeast for fermentation (like a sourdough starter) and keep additions minimal and vegan friendly. The result? Expressive, delicious wines that are vibrant and deceptively complex.

I take my craft seriously, but never myself. So, I keep things fun and light because the world is serious enough these days 😅

We don’t have any staff, wear too many hats to count, and make less than 6,000 of wine bottles a year.

Winemaker Description

Forbes Magazine | Almost 54 years ago, Robert “Kool” Bell along with his younger brother and childhood friends, started a band. The iconic band Kool & The Gang is now one of the longest non-stop touring bands in industry. An avid lover of Champagne, Kool had always envisioned having his own brand out of Europe. For many years, he sought out Grand Cru Vineyards from owners that have been selling for generations and decided to work with Paul Berthelot, a Multi-Vintage Grand Cru Producer since 1884.

Expert Reviews - Vingage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast by Tonya Pitts writes 92 Points | There are so many gems coming out of the 2023 vintage in California. Flavors of fresh-picked red berries, plums, pomegranates, mint sprigs, a kiss of earth and sunshine tell the story of a short but almost perfect growing season. Pick this one up and give it a whirl on the dinner table. 

The Tasting Panel 91 Points | This bright and shining red is a floral beauty packed with peony, violets, orange blossom, and red tea. Cherry pie arises on the midpalate.

Winemaker Description 

Production:
• Regeneratively farmed
• Certified sustainable per “Lodi Rules”
• Aged 12 mos. in seasoned French oak
• Vegan-friendly

Composition: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon • 25% Nero d'Avola

Eye: Deep garnet core, translucent ruby rim.

Nose: Gardenia, lilac, lavender, violet, black cherry, dried rose petals, spicy cedar, cigar box, and sweet vanilla.

Palate: Ripe blue & black fruits with subtle citrus, eucalyptus & brown sugar. Structured yet lush and creamy with soft, supple tannins that lead to an endlessly
delightful finish.

Pairing inspirations: Grilled portobello mushroom with balsamic garlic glaze, Moroccan spiced lamb, spaghetti Bolognese, vegetable lasagne, wild mushroom risotto, Margherita pizza.

House of Brown is a second-generation wine label under the BROWN Napa Valley umbrella, which also includes Chaos Theory and is anchored by flagship Brown Estate.

The Brown family have been in Napa since 1980. Siblings Deneen, Coral, and David began making wine in 1996. Raised by two medical professionals in a “Blue-Zone” household in Southern California, they all pitched in at their parents’ medical clinic. There, they adopted what would become a guiding principle in their wine business: Do no harm.

The creation of House of Brown was inspired by an extraordinary community of wine consumers who for over two decades had been finding themselves at home with Brown Estate, and in 2017 began assembling at the family’s then newly opened Brown Downtown Napa tasting room. This period marked an evolution in wine consumer demographics, with the industry at large seeing an influx of young and culturally diverse enthusiasts coming to the fore — dynamics that have been manifest at Brown for decades.

House of Brown was established in 2018 to expand access to the Brown wine experience, then nearly 25 years strong. The label designs are an homage to the brand’s Feel Seen ethos, and to the sense of welcome and belonging that are hallmarks at Brown. Produced with the same commitment to purity and balance that is foundational to Brown Estate, House of Brown wines are regeneratively farmed, certified sustainable, and vegan-friendly.

House of Brown is 100% family-owned + 100% Black-owned, and the brand is women-led.

Memo Summary Notes

The House of Brown Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a relatively new addition to the "next-generation" lineup from the legendary Brown Estate—Napa Valley's first Black-owned estate winery. This Lodi bottling is designed to be inclusive, sustainable, and highly aromatic.

Highly versatile. It pairs excellently with Margherita pizza, grilled portobello mushrooms with balsamic glaze, Moroccan spiced lamb, or wild mushroom risotto.

Producer Description 

Memo Summary Notes

Doce Mezcal Joven is a premium, women-owned artisanal spirit that has carved out a reputation for precision and balance. Produced in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca—often called the "World Capital of Mezcal"—it is crafted by Maestra Mezcalera Margarita Blas.

Producer Description 

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey is a 93-proof whiskey distilled, aged and bottled entirely by Uncle Nearest. Each batch is curated by 5th generation Nearest Green descendant and our Master Blender, Victoria Eady Butler, who was named Master Blender of the Year by Whisky Magazine for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022 as well as receiving the same honor from The Spirits Business and Vinepair in 2021.

NOSE: Honey and warm brown sugar, cedar, orange peel and tobacco flower. Spices of ground ginger and white pepper.

PALATE:. Caramel balanced with spicy wood tannins. Notes of baking chocolate, cigar leaf, nougat and cinnamon.

FINISH: Long and smooth. The cinnamon lingers with dark chocolate, oak tannins and maple syrup

Producer Description 

Ten To One is proud to introduce its new Five Origin Select, the latest addition to its portfolio of award- winning pan Caribbean rums. The Five Origin Select is an exceptional blend of rums aged up to 15 Years, highlighted by the inclusion of a truly remarkable, 11- 15 year old Guyanese rum distilled on the famed Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still - the only one of its kind still in operation.

Brought together masterfully alongside signature rums from Trinidad, Barbados, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, and bottled at 92 proof, this expression produces a bold and memorable sipping experience.

100% Rum. No added sugar, coloring, or flavoring.

Savor the exquisite notes of our rum, featuring Crème Brûlée, Hazelnut, Baking Spice, Orange Zest, and Stewed Stone Fruits. The well-structured composition unfolds Cacao, Vanilla, Peppercorn, Rich Toffee, Hazelnut, Ginger, and Crisp Apple. This rum has mild acidity, a medium body, and a long, clean finish.

We recommend savoring our Five Origin Select rum either on its own or over ice for an exceptional tasting experience.

Winemaker Description

We are Le Kool The Celebration Champagne! Straight from the heart of Champagne, France... Ready for the world. For many years, Robert "Kool" Bell, Leader of Kool & The Gang, sought out Grand Cru vineyards from owners that have been selling for generations He decided to work with Maison Paul Berthelot, a Multi-Vintage Grand Cru, Premier Cru Producer since 1884. Le Kool Rosé is the House's Signature Champagne, which is guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning palate.

Estate bottled a minimum of 3 Years in the cellar, it embodies the brand's legendary association with women and Ladies Nights around the globe. Perfect for sharing with your significant other, or just a great excuse to Celebrate Good Times... Come On! Le Kool Rosé 60% Pinot Noir 25% Chardonnay 15% Red Champagne Wine Color: Perfectly pink wine - Beautiful salmon dress adorned with a ring of fine pearls. 

Bouquet: Intense, smoky notes, this champagne offers us a basket of red fruits, raspberries, cherries, and morello cherries. Palate: Beautiful liveliness, smooth palate in harmony with the olfactory impressions of red fruit and blackberry jams. The finish is long. Food Pairings: Aperitif or grilled meat Any dessert made from fresh red fruits.

Winemaker Description

A 'Blanc de Blancs' champagne is a type of champagne that is made exclusively from white grape varieties, typically Chardonnay. This style of champagne is known for its elegance, finesse, and bright acidity.

Winemaker Description 

The aromas that rise from the glass are a complex blend of black cherry, herbs, apricot jam and lavender. The dark fruits and hints of herbs delight the palate as the layers of green bell pepper and vanilla emerge. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Aslina "Umsasane" Red Blend 2022 is the flagship wine from Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first Black female winemaker. The name "Umsasane" refers to the umbrella acacia tree and was the nickname of Ntsiki's grandmother, Aslina, symbolizing her role as the family's "anchor and protector."

Technical Profile & Composition

The 2022 vintage is a classic Bordeaux-style blend from the Stellenbosch region, known for producing world-class Cabernet.

• Winemaking: The wine is aged for approximately 16 months in French oak barrels, with about 15–20% being new oak. This adds structure without overpowering the fruit.

• The "Umsasane" is a bold wine that requires hearty flavors to match its structure:

  • Meats: Roast beef, grilled ribeye, or lamb chops with rosemary.

  • Vegetarian: Portobello mushroom steaks or a rich lentil stew.

  • Cheese: Aged Gouda or sharp Cheddar.