Black Owned Wineries in Napa: 9 Essential Producers to Support

I have spent considerable time exploring the world of wine, from Napa Valley estates to family-owned operations across the United States. One of the most meaningful shifts in the wine industry has been the growing visibility of black owned wineries in Napa and beyond. These black owned wineries in napa and across California are producing exceptional wines while building community and changing what the world of wine looks like.

Here is a guide to some of the most notable black owned wineries and black-owned wine brands that deserve your support and your glass.

Theopolis Vineyards

Theopolis Vineyards in Mendocino County is one of the most celebrated black owned wineries connected to the Napa wine scene. Founded by Theodora Lee, a lawyer turned winemaker known as “Theo,” Theopolis produces standout petite sirah and other exceptional wines from sustainably farmed grapes. Theodora Lee is one of the most recognized names in the Association of African American Vintners community, celebrated as queen of the vineyards by those who follow her work.

Brown Estate Vineyards

Brown Estate Vineyards is a landmark in black-owned businesses in wine country. Founded by the brown family, it is the first black-owned Napa Valley winery to grow its own fruit on estate vineyards. Marcela Brown and her siblings operate this Chiles Valley estate, producing award-winning cabernet sauvignon and other award-winning wines. The brown downtown tasting room welcomes visitors year-round.

McBride Sisters Wine Company

The McBride Sisters Wine Company is one of the most widely recognized black-owned wine brands in the United States. Founded by sisters Robin and Andréa McBride, who grew up separately in New Zealand and Paso Robles, California, before discovering each other as adults. Their story is as remarkable as their wines. The McBride Sisters Collection includes sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and a range of accessible own wine styles that celebrate diversity in the world of wine. Understanding sugar in wine helps you choose which style suits your palate best.

Phil Long and Longevity Wines

Phil Long founded Longevity Wines in the Livermore Valley near San Francisco. His goal was simple: produce high-quality wine that reflected his community. Longevity produces consistently strong cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, and white wine. Phil Long is one of the local winemakers credited with helping grow awareness of black-owned businesses in California wine business.

Bertony Faustin

While Bertony Faustin is primarily known in the Sonoma Valley and Pacific Northwest region, his work at Abbey Creek Vineyard represents a model for building a family-owned winery with cultural intention. Faustin is often cited as a trailblazer whose story connects the Association of African American Vintners movement across multiple wine regions.

Lloyd Davis and More Black-Owned Wine Producers

Lloyd Davis is another notable name in black-owned wines in California. His work represents a long way of progress for black winemakers in the United States wine industry. As awareness of black-owned wine brands grows through platforms like USA Today coverage and wine publications, more consumers are discovering the first black-owned winery operators who paved the way for today’s generation.

Additionally, Dwyane Wade launched his wine collaboration with winemaker Marchelle Short, bringing further attention to black-owned wine businesses and the world of wine. These stories reflect the breadth of exceptional wines being produced by diverse hands across Sonoma County, Mendocino County, and beyond.

The Association of African American Vintners

Supporting black owned wineries in Napa means also knowing the Association of African American Vintners, a nonprofit organization that supports black winemakers and wine business professionals across Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Napa, and the broader United States wine industry. They offer scholarships, networking, and a directory to help wine lovers find and support exceptional wines from diverse producers.

Why Support Black-Owned Wine Brands

The wine industry has historically lacked diversity. Black-owned wine brands and black-owned businesses in wine country are changing that. When you choose to buy wine from these producers, you invest directly in locally owned operations that produce award-winning, world-class bottles.

Whether it is a bottle of Theopolis petite sirah, a McBride Sisters sauvignon blanc, or a Brown Estate cabernet sauvignon, the quality speaks for itself. The best black owned wineries in napa and across California are making their mark. These are exceptional wines from passionate local winemakers building a more inclusive world of wine. Explore our full guide to wine and spirits and discover more styles worth exploring.