Queen Theo-Patra for Treating Yo’ Self

Known in the wine world as Theo-patra, queen of the vineyards, Theodora Lee was a San Francisco trial lawyer whose love of wine inspired her to enroll in viticulture classes at UC Davis. She founded her Mendocino County winery in 2003, and her Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, and Symphony (a rare white varietal) wines have been winning accolades ever since. 

Theopolis Vineyards Theo-Patra’s Cuvée Cerise ($36) is absolutely lovely! It’s a blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, and Petite Sirah that warms your soul with cherry jam, vanilla, and baking spices. 

In addition to making wine for almost 20 years and practicing law, Lee has been involved with many community-minded organizations. She is now in the process of establishing a scholarship fund at UC Davis – the Theopolis Vineyards Diversity Fund – to assist students that may understand and experience the barriers that she and others like her face in pursuing a career in the wine industry and vineyard management. 

“As a Black woman who owns her own winery, when I show up to trade shows or to restaurants or distributors to pitch my wines, most people assume I work for the winery. When I tell them I am Theodora Lee, the owner and vintner of Theopolis Vineyards, they are shocked. However, I persevere and the award winning wines speak for themselves … Black women are the backbone of the Black community and were key contributors to the civil rights movement, and will be critical in creating a diverse and inclusive environment in this and every industry. We will not be denied. We are leaders and deserve a seat at the table.”

– Theodora Lee, Forbes

A strong, incredible woman deserves the best – even (and perhaps especially) when that means growing the grapes and making the best wine herself. We say to honor Theo-Patra, channel your inner diva and treat yo’ self to a divine bottle fit for an Egyptian queen! Cheers!

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!

Black Girl Magic for Video Call Catch-ups

We promised we’d be back and trying more wines by the McBride Sisters, and here we are! Last week, we were due for a sister Facetime, and to make it feel like we were in the room together, we each cracked open a bottle of Black Girl Magic Red Blend ($23).

While we naturally love a sister duo, the McBride Sisters have a particularly fascinating story! Sisters that were raised on either end of the world (California + New Zealand), Andréa and Robin didn’t know about one another for much of their young lives. When their shared father was diagnosed with cancer, he let Andréa McBride know that she had an older sister living in the States. After four years spent tracking each other down, Andréa and Robin met for the first time in NYC in 1999. 

After both growing up in iconic winemaking regions, they shared a passion for wine and a desire to pursue careers in winemaking. Starting with an importing business, the sisters created their first wine together in 2009. Fast forward to today, and the McBride Sisters is the largest Black-owned wine company in the U.S., not to mention one of the most sustainable, accessible, and inclusive.

The Black Girl Magic collection is inspired by the resilience of Black women, to be enjoyed by everyone.

“Black Girl Magic is more than a phrase. It’s a feeling. A look. A mood. A taste. The Black Girl Magic collection is our personal ode to our culture and story, inspired by the magic and resilience of black women, to be enjoyed by all.”

-McBride Sisters

The Black Girl Magic Red Blend is incredibly well balanced with well-woven tannins, dark cherry, vanilla, and a hint of cedar.

Share this post with a friend who you want to have a cross-country (or international!) wine date with, find Black Girl Magic at your local wine shop (Target totally counts!), and make it a date!

Sparkling Wine for a Long Weekend

Bodkin Wines was founded in 2011 by Chris Christensen with a clear vision of creating America’s first Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. In 2013, Andrew Chambers joined him in Sonoma County, and the two made 1,100 cases of their award-winning bubbly, made in the charmat method, similar to Prosecco. They’ve been showcasing Sauv Blanc ever since – making a variety of styles including a late-harvest dessert wine.

Like our favorite still Sauvignon Blancs, their Cuvée Agincourt ($28) is crisp, acidic, and refreshing, but with big bubbles that tickle your tastebuds. Pair with your favorite take out for dinner and keep your long weekend buzz rolling into the night!

Cab Sauv for Struggling Plant Parent Life

Long weekend for many, full week off for some (looking at you, Boston parents), but one thing is certain: if you’re heading out of town, don’t forget to tend to your plants. We admit, sometimes we neglect our plant babies for too long and they wilt, dry out, or drown when we feel the shame and overwater to make up for lost time. When this happens, all you can do is say a little prayer and open the next bottle of wine. 

We’d suggest Longevity Wines Cabernet Sauvignon ($12). Its silky, smooth tannins and dark fruit on the palate will soothe your struggling plant parent woes with just a few sips, giving you time to either tend to their revitalization and continued longevity or plan your next plant shopping spree to load up on replacements – your choice, no judgment! 

Longevity Wines is a family-owned, urban winery, and certified minority-owned business based in the Livermore Valley wine region of Northern California, founded by Debra and Phil Long in 2008 when their winemaking hobby outgrew their garage. By this time, they’d experienced plenty of tasting rooms and saw the need for some changes to the industry. In 2020, Phil was named president of the Association of African American Vintners, a non-profit dedicated to strengthening diversity and inclusivity in the wine world. 

Phil and his assistant winemaker son, Phil Long, Jr., make an array of Longevity Vintner Select (black label) wines and more affordable and accessible Longevity Classic (white label) wines in partnership with the Bronco Wine Company using the Franzia family fruit. Yes – the very same Franzia family responsible for our fondest boxed wine memories of college days. Slap the bag, anyone? 

…If your wine snob radar went off with this last note, shut that thing down! Their partnership helped Longevity achieve the volume required for national distribution, bringing approachable, affordable wine to thousands of stores across the country. And you can take it from us ⁠— it’s delicious!

Ramato for Getting Ready

Slaying a Superbowl halftime show isn’t the only bragging point for Mary J. Blige this week! MJB has worked with many amazing artists and made her mark in R&B, including this action-packed throwback show. After discovering her love for wine she entered a new kind of collaboration. In a joint venture project with Italian winemaker & winery owner Marco Fantinel, the two created Sun Goddess, a brand that makes two wines including a delicious, Ramato style Pinot Grigio ($18) made in Friuli, Italy. 

Pinot Grigio is one the most popular grapes in Italy, and ramato is a style of winemaking that is unique to Pinot Grigio produced in Friuli. Ramato means the grape skin stays in contact with the grape juice for longer, giving the wine a coppery hue. In fact, Ramato is derived from the Italian word ‘rame’ which means ‘copper.’ This winemaking style may ring a bell, as rosé wine is made similarly, but Ramato is special to Pinot Grigio, and is a historical winemaking practice from Friuli more aligned with orange winemaking… more on this come. 

We can’t think of a better way to get ready for a night out than blasting some of MJB’s best hits (looking at you, Family Affair, Just Fine, Real Love, and so many more) and enjoying a glass of Sun Goddess. 

Saluti!

Rosé for Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! This can be a contentious holiday for some…but our mentality is that no matter your status, there’s no need to dread V-Day! Whether you’re celebrating with your partner, hungover from your Galentine’s Day celebration, or even cooking a delicious meal for one, doing something extra nice and simple for yourself today goes a long way. 

An easy fix is to buy yourself some beautiful flowers and enjoy a glass of La Fête du Rosé ($23). This dry rosé from St-Tropez, France has become a go-to of ours to achieve vacation mindset year round with a lovely floral nose, and notes of melon, apricot and citrus on the palette.

After realizing how heavily rosé has been marketed to (mostly white) women in America, founder Donae Burston decided to create an inclusive rosé that speaks to a multicultural audience. The labeling is sleek and clean, while the flavor is balanced between fruity and acidic. La Fête du Rosé is the only Black-owned wine brand produced in St-Tropez.

This bottle is an easy score available at Target, Trader Joe’s, Total Wine, and more, so be sure to add it to your ‘to-drink’ list!

Santé!

Intercept Pinot Noir for the Super Bowl

OMG, it’s Super Bowl Sunday. Can’t say we always care about the game itself, but we enjoy the commercials, the halftime show (most years), and the camaraderie that comes from gathering with friends and serving up our favorite game day snacks. Chips and guac, spinach artichoke dip, you name it! 

Whatever you’re serving, be sure to open a bottle of something delightful to pair with the occasion – we can think of nothing more appropriate than former NFL defensive back Charles Woodson’s Intercept Pinot Noir ($18). With cherry and a touch of chocolate on the nose, this medium-bodied wine is balanced with soft tannins that linger just enough. 

Woodson discovered his love for wine early in his career while in Napa Valley for training camp as a member of the Oakland Raiders. In his last year as a pro player, in partnership with Robert Mondavi winemaker Rick Ruiz, Woodson created a small boutique label called Twenty Four that produced fewer than a thousand cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, priced at $85 per bottle.

While his early label had a decent fan base, the price was prohibitive to many so Woodson set out to explore making quality wine at an affordable price. In 2019, he settled on a short list of offerings: Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a red blend and rebranded. Intercept is a football reference, short for “interception,” referring to a pass caught by a defensive player. It’s worth noting Woodson is the only defensive player in history to win the coveted Heisman Trophy while playing at Michigan – Go Blue!

Woodson’s approach to wine is not unlike his approach to football.

“You also have to have a great team around you to make sure that all of those things align,” he continues. “Sometimes it takes a year, or 24 months, or maybe even 30 months, but it’s going to take time. The same goes with football. You might not win in the first year. The second year, you may get a little better, and so on. I played in Green Bay for five years before we won the Super Bowl, so it took time to get it done. Though they’re different businesses, both need a little bit of time in order to get the best out of them. “

-Charles Woodson, Haute Living

His head winemaker Amanda Gorter is a Central Valley native. Together they develop wines that are bold and expressive, complementing Woodson’s preferences for wines with approachable tannins and a long, lingering finish. 

If his successful 18 year career with the NFL is any indication, Charles Woodson Intercept is here for the long haul – and the already delicious wine will just keep getting better!

Flirty Reds for Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day came early for us this year! Our Parks and Recs fans know that Galentine’s Day is a very important holiday to celebrate your female friendships. We celebrated by getting together with a couple of girlfriends…and opening more than a couple of bottles of wine. Two major highlights of the lineup were from Love Cork Screw and Teneral Cellars.

Founder of Love Cork Screw Chrishon Lampley built her brand from the ground up. Lampley created a blog called Love Cork Screw after inspiration struck while curating the wine list for a gallery in the South Loop of Chicago that she co-owned. When a flood caused the gallery to close, she took it as an opportunity to launch her wine brand in 2014. 

Lampley sources grapes from small regional farmers and works with winemakers in the Midwest to produce her wines right in Illinois and Michigan. Some, but not all, of her wines feature North American native vitis labrusca, the fox grape.

To understand what’s unique about this, let’s break down grape species. Almost all of the wine we drink today is made from a species of grape called vitis viniferas. This species dates back to ancient winemaking, is now all over the world, and includes standby varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and so on. 

Vitis labrusca varieties are generally thought of as table grapes as opposed to wine grapes. Think Niagara (the delicious green grapes you buy at the grocery store!) and Concord – often used in jams and grape juice, but also common as landscaping decor in New England. Lampley challenged the status quo in sourcing vitis labrusca grapes from the Midwest, yielding some full-bodied, sweeter wines. 

Between the contemporary, primary-color-driven labels, low prices, and cheeky names like We Go High, Hard Knock Life, and Touch the Sky, Lampley aims to make a wine for everybody.

“I did these wines and these labels for a reason, to help people unaccustomed to wine find a better product that doesn’t talk down or sell up to them … My taste leans toward dry and crisp, but I want to give people what they want. I don’t want people to be embarrassed about buying something that’s sweet, while their friends are drinking Chianti and Bordeaux … As a one-woman show, I don’t have the funds to do marketing — I embody ‘doing twice as much to get half as far.’ But I’m all about helping other black women entrepreneurs be seen, and these stores and distributors have given me a chance to do that. You can’t tell me I’m a fad. “

-Chrishon Lampley, Chicago Tribune

Our taste leans dry and crisp too, but if sweet is your thing, now you know where you can find something just your speed.

We’re Movin’ On Up Cabernet ($16) is smooth, plump with black fruits and vanilla, and just slightly sweet, making it a perfect bottle to dish over with your girlfriends. Our other favorite: Teneral Cellars 1 in 8 Claret ($20) is a beautiful ode to Bordeaux – but we’re going to get into this one in March, so stay tuned!

Cheers!

Something New for Online Dating

Scenario: you’ve sworn off dating apps (again) after another dull first date that resulted in you polishing off a bottle of wine to get through it on a Tuesday night. Sound familiar? Too specific? Well we’re here to remind you not to get discouraged after a bad date! 

Think of perusing dating apps like trying a new wine! You’re taking a chance on something new and seeing if it works for you. There’s no harm in trying a new wine and ultimately deciding you didn’t like it, right? Same goes for dating! If it’s not a learning lesson, it’s at least a story to share with friends. 

We were stoked to try one of the McBride Sisters SHE CAN canned wines recently, and picked up the Coastal Berry Dry Rosé Spritzer ($8). While the first few sips were perfectly tasty, it soon became far too sweet for us. Just because this can wasn’t our flavor won’t stop us from trying other wines from the McBride Sisters’ collection – more to come on McBride Sisters soon! 

And if sweeter pink wines are your style, definitely try this out!