Some of the few are from Chicago. CBS 2’s Audrina Bigos spoke to the trailblazers about breaking into the wine business – and breaking barriers, as we see more Black and Brown in the world of reds and whites.was founded in June 2020 by Howard University alumnus Aaron “Michael” Coad and Terrence “Lavelle” Low, and their partners, sommelier Devin Kennedy and Brandon Crump. Low and Crump are from Chicago’s South Side and sat down with Bigos to talk about their success.
And that is needed. Right now, less than 1 percent of the 8,000 winemakers, negociants, and brand owners in the United States are Black. The team at the Brnozeville Winery wants 60 percent, Black-, minority-, and women-owned items on their menu – which is being built by Derrick C. Westbrook, head sommelier and wine consultant.
And now, there’s more of them to choose from – like Lampley’s Love Cork Screw, with more than 1 million wine bottles sold.And Michael Lavelle wines are now sold in 10 states.