"Never ask for money, ask for advice" was one of the many gems that I gathered from the Blk Wine Fest in Cincinnati! This wine festival was an absolute blast, and a huge shoutout to Natasha Williams for pulling off such an incredible celebration of Black excellence intertwined with the love of wine. The event kicked off on a delicious note with a 12-course dinner sponsored by Kroger, where head chef Paul Sturkey served up dishes like his Chicken and Waffles with Sweet Potatoe Butter (You read that right!).
One of my personal highlights was getting to share the stage on the Women in Wine Panel with the amazing Jonquell of Sun Goddess Wine and Tahiirah Habibi, of The Hue Society, expertly moderated by the ever-inspiring Yvette Simpson. We got real about the highs and lows of being women in the business world and the trails we're blazing for the up-and-coming minority winemakers.
Then came a moment I'll never forget: meeting Chrishon of Love, Cork, Screw! It was a total fan-girl moment for me. Chrishon's journey to getting her wines into Target, Total Wine, and other big retailers has been so inspiring to watch. Chatting with her and soaking up some of her wisdom was a highlight of the festival for me.
But let me tell you, the main event on Saturday felt like a scene straight out of a movie. It was incredible to see so many beautifully dressed folks, all vibing together, spreading love, and enjoying wine. I felt right at home. And hearing how much people enjoyed HER Wine was the cherry on top. It's moments like these that remind me why we do what we do, aiming to bring HER Wine to not just the nation but the world. Here's to more wine, more love, and more connections!
Want to watch the recap? Check it out here
Curious about my panel discussion? Check it out here
