Written By: Girl Tyler

In the U.S., winemaking is a multi-billion-dollar industry and women of color deserve a cut. From winemakers and CEOs all the way to wine critics and everyday consumers,Black women are redefining an industry where they are noticeably underrepresented. These influential wine experts have created exclusive and well-respected outlets for other minority women to network and become educated in the economics of selling and importing wine. Although many brands have missed several opportunities for inclusion and diverse taste, Black women are ensuring community, lifestyle and building a legacy in wine culture. Here are 4 dope wine entrepreneurs who are killing the game and working to get more Black women a seat at the table.

Julia Coney

Wine Journalist and Black Wine Professionals Founder

Instagram: @juliaconey

Julia’s work has been featured in several major publications includingForbes, Glamour, and TheWashington Post, just to name a few. She was a 2019Fellow of the ProfessionalWine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley and Wine & Spirits recently recognized Julia as a media trailblazer in wine.

Kelly Mitchell

Independent Wine Consultant and Kelly Mitchell Wine, Founder

Instagram: @kells01

Kelly is a wine educator and salesperson with a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 certification. Wine & Spirits recently named her as one of the rising voices in wine sales and marketing.

Chasity Cooper

Wine Journalist and Wine with Chas Creator

Instagram:@chasityscooper

Chasity is a self-proclaimed oenophile. Her work showcases all things wine and features women of color leading the charge in the wine space through trends and culture. She shares her expertise in several outlets, including WineEnthusiast, Food & Wine, Thrillist, and more.

Desiree Harrison-Brown 

Founder, WINO NOIRE

Instagram: @winonoire

Desiree is a Wine Ambassador for Pernod Ricard Winemakers with a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certification. She recently received a Women Behind the Wine scholarship from Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation.