Black-Owned Breweries and Wineries Gain Recognition

Black Representation Remains Limited in the Alcohol Industry

A recent report highlights a significant disparity in Black ownership within the beer and wine industries. Despite growing support for Black-owned businesses, representation remains strikingly low, underscoring a need for greater inclusivity.

Beer Industry Disparity

According to a 2024 report from the National Black Brewers Association, only 86 Black-owned beer brands exist among the 9,761 breweries nationwide, accounting for less than 1% of the market. The situation is similar in the wine sector, where over 11,600 wineries operate in the United States, with less than 1% being Black-owned.

Black-Owned Breweries and Wineries

These businesses are blending heritage with craft, creating award-winning beverages and transforming the industry. They carry a shared spirit of resilience and pride, offering small-batch wines that honor ancestral stories and bold brews that unite communities. More than 150 Black-owned wine ventures and dozens of beer brands exist nationwide, inviting consumers to consider who is historically centered—or excluded—when enjoying alcoholic beverages.

Featured Businesses

Black Beauty Brewery (Maryland): Launched in 2022, this brewery celebrates Black culture and community through bold, flavor-forward beers.

Brown Girl’s Brew (Chicago): Founded in 2021, this brand champions representation, diversity, and inclusion in craft beer.

Chula Vista Brewery (Illinois): Since 2016, this brewery has built a welcoming taproom culture around approachable, high-quality beers.

Full Circle Brewing (Fresno, CA): Established in 2000 and Black-owned since 2016, this brewery reinvigorates craft tradition with inventive flavors.

Henderson Harvest Wines (Oakland, CA): Launched in 2023, this winery crafts small-batch wines celebrating California’s vineyard variety.

J. Moss Wines (Napa Valley, CA): Since 2001, this winery has produced elegant Napa wines blending tradition with a modern sensibility.

Meadows Estate Vineyard & Winery (Oakland, Oregon): Founded in 2017, this winery focuses on sustainable farming and expressive varietals.

Métier Brewing Company (Washington): Launched in 2018, this brewery crafts award-winning ales while fostering belonging and celebrating Black excellence.

P. Harrell Wines (Oakland, CA): Since 2015, this winery tells soulful family stories through expressive wines.

The Shepard Collection (Paso Robles, CA): Launched in 2020, this winery blends tradition with a modern Black winemaking perspective. Website: www.theshepardcollection.com

Two Locals Brewing Company (Philadelphia, PA): Launched in 2024, Philadelphia’s first Black-owned brewery crafts distinct, flavor-driven beers.

Wachira Wines (Alameda, CA): Founded in 2017, this brand celebrates Kenyan-American heritage and offers “Californian wines with a Kenyan accent!”