Chardonnay for We Are Not Like Them

We were so excited to dig into the Books & Wine Club’s February book pick, We Are Not Like Them. This book alternates between the perspectives of two best friends: Riley, who is on her way to becoming one of the first Black female anchors on a top news channel, and Jen, who is white and married to a police officer. We are brought in to witness the dynamics of how their friendship is tested and changed when Jen’s husband is involved in the shooting of an unarmed Black teenage boy. 

This book is a raw look into prevalent and concealed racism, privilege, racial bias, and police brutality. What stands out in this way of storytelling is the differing perspectives we get to read about, whether it be from Riley and her family members, Jen and her husband’s family, or families who have been victims of racial bias. 

We found that Brown Estate’s House of Brown Chardonnay ($23) was a perfect pairing while reading this book. Brown Estate, the first Black-owned estate winery in Napa Valley, created a second label with House of Brown. While average Brown Estate wines hover above $50, House of Brown is a wine label built on inclusivity, at an affordable price. 

The Chardonnay label features a stunning collage of people from all different backgrounds and ethnicities, and the bottle cap says “welcome” – an inviting wine from every angle. This Chardonnay isn’t what you may expect either – it is a full bodied Chard with all the aromas of a cheese plate, but absolutely no butter on the taste. Instead, green apple, guava, fresh cut flowers and lemon make this one of the most interesting Chardonnays we’ve ever tried; tasting even better the next day.

“We have always sought to provide an entrée, a safe space in fact, for consumers who historically felt a little left out of the Napa Valley wine realm. What Denomination has helped us convey with House of Brown is an important aspect of Brown Estate’s evolution. The Brown brand has never been more vibrant, more dynamic, or more diverse.”

-Deneen Brown, President, Brown Estate Wines, on working international drinks brand specialists Denomination

We know so many people who hold bias against Chardonnay, but we’ve found that an open perspective and an open mind make venturing into wine so much more enjoyable. Plus it helps enforce habits that translate into everyday life! Magic happens when we stop judging and learn to lead with love and acceptance.

Cheers!