Imagine this: the iconic Citi Field in Queens, New York, filled with the buzz of excitement, the clinking of wine glasses, and the beats of incredible music. That was the scene at the 10th Annual Fine Wine Festival on September 6th! MadameNoire was there, soaking in the VIP experience as we celebrated ‘Timeless Elegance’ alongside a fantastic selection of Black-owned wines from across the country.
An Electric Atmosphere and VIP Treatment
From the moment we stepped into Citi Field, the energy was palpable. Attendees were greeted with warm smiles, setting the stage for a day filled with wine tasting, dancing, and pure celebration. VIP guests were treated to thoughtful gift bags from Pattern and personalized wine glasses before heading to an exclusive upstairs area. There, delicious appetizers like spicy aioli-drizzled crab cakes and buttery chicken and waffle bites whetted our appetites for the main event: the wine tasting!
Discovering Black-Owned Wine Gems
The ‘Timeless Tasting’ area was a treasure trove of Black-owned wine brands. We were particularly impressed by The Smith, a brand founded by a dynamic married couple from the NYC area. Their bold, fruit-forward wines, crafted from California grapes, have quickly made a name for themselves. Raxize Smith-Maylor shared how a trip to Napa Valley sparked her passion, leading her to get certified and eventually launch the brand in December 2022 with a Red Wine Blend and a Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc.
Raxize beautifully combined her background in fashion and product management to create The Smith’s sleek, eco-friendly branding. She emphasized the challenges of breaking into the wine industry, noting that less than 1% of winery owners or head winemakers are Black, and women make up only 14% of winemakers. Despite the odds, The Smith is thriving, having secured distribution in Connecticut and earning industry praise. ‘This is all self-funded,’ Raxize revealed, highlighting their passion and investment in the brand.
Another standout was Takina Wilson’s Castlebridge Wine brand. Her Cabernet Sauvignon captivated us with its bold, full-bodied flavor profile, featuring notes of blackberry, dark chocolate, and cherry, all leading to a smooth finish. Takina shared that her journey started simply by making wine for fun and as gifts. Realizing the potential, she refined her ideas and launched her first product, a crisp Rosé, in 2022. She’s now expanding nationwide, with her bold Cabernet being a particular favorite.
Exclusive Tastings and Electrifying Music
After exploring the tasting arena, VIP guests enjoyed an exclusive session led by Maba Ba of Flying Whale Wine. Known for their sustainable and innovative approach to winemaking from southern France, Flying Whale offered delightful samples, including a red wine with a softer finish and an exquisite Gold Rosé with notes of cherry, vanilla, and spice. The wines were rich, well-structured, and left a lingering, vibrant finish.
As the evening progressed, the energy shifted to the dance floor. DJ Miss Milan, Doechii’s official DJ, kicked things off with an electrifying set of R&B and hip-hop. Then, Grammy-winning producer Jermaine Dupri surprised everyone with his own dynamic DJ performance, spinning iconic hits that had the crowd going wild. An impromptu Electric Slide even broke out, creating a perfect, unforgettable ending to the night.
The 10th Annual Fine Wine Festival was more than just an event; it was a celebration of culture, entrepreneurship, and the incredible artistry behind Black-owned wines. It was a night filled with ‘Timeless Elegance,’ great company, and unforgettable flavors.
Have you attended the Fine Wine Festival before? What are your favorite Black-owned wine brands? Share your thoughts in the comments below!