Wine collecting or even buying a single bottle is an extremely exciting pastime for many people. Many women have and continue to start wine businesses or open wineries, and an increasing number of minorities are also getting into the business. Find some of the leading companies to shop below, including at places near you.
The thrill of hunting down the best varietals, performing tastings or shopping for the bottles can be a lot of fun. If you are thinking about purchasing a single bottle or collecting wine yourself, you should know that it’s easy to spend a lot more than you expected on your new hobby. If you are a newcomer to the fun and exciting field, here are some women or minority owned businesses, and also find some tips to help get you going.
Tips when it comes to shopping for wine
You need to think about what types of wine, which varietals, which flavors and which labels you want to start collecting. No matter which you select, there will be options owned by Black, Asian, Latino, or women owned companies. As they dabble in all varietals. They also have staff as well as resources that can help you find the best bottle of wine based on your tase and budget.
You could choose to focus on white wine, rose wine, champagne, Chardonnay, red wine, Pinot Noir, and many more. Although you may collect different labels, you should stick to a single type if your storage space is small, because different types require different storage conditions. As noted, almost all wine businesses, including women and minority owned ones, can help you navigate this process.
There are many different companies and wine makers out there. One is owned by two Black sisters, and that is McBride Sisters Collection. They are in fact the largest Black owned wine maker in the US, and sell at Trader Joes, online and many other retail outlets.
True Colours is affiliated with equal rights and opportunity for LGBTQ community and really everyone. The big focus is on Cava, and they also sell in many locations, even including Whole Foods. 
Oceano Wines has many varietals, but they focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This is a female owned winery with a major following.
There are many other minority owned small wine businesses and manufacturers to shop. they can be Latino, Black, and even many veterans dabble in the business! All sorts of varietals, flavors, and price points are out there.
Patience is a Virtue. When it comes to shopping for that bottle, or collecting, you should avoid buying bulk quantities. Once you know more about the different types of wine and what labels interest you the most, then you can start buying larger quantities from a Black, Latino, or a minority owned business. You should let your local wine store or winery know that you are willing to spend some money and need some help. As he or she may have connections with top-rated vineyards or obscure, interesting ones.
Not a wine drinker? then look into other beverages out there. Maybe a hard seltzer? Or coffee company. Regardless, be sure to give minority or women owned beverage companies “a look” as well. Or if you are just into beer, find a brewery near you.
Trade Shows and Tasting Events at Women and Minority Wineries
Attending trade shows, minority or women owned wineries near you and wine tasting events is a good idea. At those events or wineries, you’ll get to meet others who are interested in wine collecting and learn from them. You can meet with sommeliers of all ethnicities, ages, and genders to get their expert advice
You will be able to network with local traders, other tasters or shoppers and sommeliers. You should aim to learn all there is to know about wine, including the best way to store, taste, serve, and buy it.
When determining how to best store your wine, you need to be able to detect which wines require more time to age. Or which should be served cold or warm. To determine that, you need to have some experience tasting wine.
Take a course that teaches you how to identify different flavors and what those flavors mean. Try a minority or women owned wine distributor. Or go to a place like Total Wine. There are many small to mid sized businesses that give free classes or workshops.
This skill will also help you learn to tell the difference between mass produced wines, learn about varietals or even taste fine vintage wines. As there are hundreds if not thousands of options out there.
Note, before you buy a single bottle of wine from a women or minority owned small business, you need to set up a dedicated storage area. Learn more about the process. While it’s possible to store wine in your home, you need to a location that can be kept between 50 and 65 degrees F, which is the ideal temperature range for storing it.
A Final Word
Remember that the world of wine shopping is not just about fun and games, even when you shop at a female, Latino, or black owned wine company or winery. You can also start a profitable business by investing in wine collecting. Once you develop good skills at identifying different types and flavors, you will be able to find the best option for you at a women or minority owned wine business near you as well as recognize great deals.
By Jon McNamara
