When we gather in community, we're reminded of who we are.
For me, this year's Wine & Culture Fest experience hit different.
This past Sunday afternoon, I left National Harbor feeling so full.
Not only from drinking delicious wine all weekend long but from gathering with my colleagues and peers, and celebrating their presence and work within the industry.
As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, my first Wine & Culture Fest in 2021 was a pretty surreal experience. As the saying goes, “I was just happy to be there” and to be nominated for the Journalist/Blogger of the Year Award. I considered myself very green and almost unworthy to be in the room. I was familiar with the work of many folks thanks to Instagram and my own research. But to have been seen and celebrated by people who look like me hit differently, and I’ve long carried on how important it is for us to show up and celebrate one another.
***
The summer of 2020 (aka the “summer of reckoning”) put the wine industry on front street_like many other sectors of business–calling out its tenure of unfair practices, racism, injustice toward and dismissal of Black and brown folks in the industry. After the black square fiasco (because really, WTF was that?!), many Black wine professionals were calling on the industry to change its ways and accept that Black and brown folks were making incredible strides in more ways than one. Additionally, we needed equal opportunities for jobs, education, and mentorship to succeed.
As a Black woman who just so happened to write about wine at this time, I was put in a unique position to report on this space–requesting interviews with Black men and women I had *long* admired, but who had been doing the work for YEARS – only to be recognized as “the only Black sommelier” or the “only Black wine retail owner”. It was because of their courage and boldness to take up space in the industry that I could even dare to pursue a career in wine, let alone write about it.
What resulted was stories like this one for Imbibe Magazine and this one for 5280 Magazine – two stories that to this day, I am still very proud to have written.
Fast forward to Saturday, July 13, and returning to Wine & Culture Fest felt like walking into a 10-year class reunion. Yes, I had accomplished some things, visited a few places, and written more words than I could remember. But there was still residual neophyte energy that clung lightly to my skin.
I’ve never been one to truly absorb the feeling of “I’ve arrived” or “I’ve made it”- because to be clear, I am still becoming. There’s still so much for me to learn, explore, research, and discover as a writer, author, and wine culture expert. But there are always questions that arise like, “What AM I working on?” or “How come I haven’t done more to promote myself?” or “Am I doing my best to be present?”
That immediately washed away at the end of the first session when everyone got up and immediately started exchanging hugs and pleasantries like “So glad to see you!” and “It’s finally great to meet you in person!” And was even more palatable on Sunday during the Roses and Rosé Brunch. The laughter, joy, and even tears shed created a concoction that not only uplifted me but served as a reminder to keep going.
All of that to say, I’m grateful to have made the trip and shared hugs, wine, dance moves, laughs, and so much more with so many great people.
Big shout-out to The Hue Society (especially the DMV chapter!) and the entire Wine & Culture Fest team. To the vendors, chefs, and wine brands – THANK YOU for keeping us satiated all weekend long! And to Tahiirah Habbibi, congratulations on believing in your vision and executing it – even when it’s challenging. We all are better and will continue to become better because you’ve given us a place to gather.
Enjoy the weekend, and make sure to keep scrolling for more juice!
***
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 20 (NYC) – UnWine 101 is running it back with another kickback at Rosa’s in The Bronx. Grab your tickets here.
July 25 (CHI) – Next week, Kendra Anderson will host a High/Low Caviar Class at Bottles Up! in Lakeview. If you’re curious about fish eggs, you don’t want to miss this. Get your tickets here!
July 28 (CHI) – The homie Derrick C. Westbrook is hosting Samples & Samples at City Winery in the West Loop. Grab tix before they’re gone!
July 31 (CHI) – The Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists is hosting a “Welcome Kick-Off” event you don’t want to miss! Break out your flyest kicks and get ready to party! Tickets here.
August 10 (CHI) – The Veraision Project presents “Beyond The Glass: Fete Gala” which will be a good time! The inaugural gala will benefit The Veraison Project, a non-profit of a passionate and diverse team of beverage professionals to make our industry more inclusive and equitable. Tickets are on sale now.
September 22 (Chicago) – CLINK Festival, a unique wine and spirits experience, returns for its third year! Grab your tickets here.
WINE-ish NEWS
Is wine tourism challenging the wine industry to step its game up?
Speaking of, Wine Enthusiast just announced a new product.
I love seeing Northern Virginia wine getting its time to shine. (PAYWALL)
NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony is in his winemaking era.
When it comes to wine, the East Coast has something to say!
So proud of you, friend! 💜