Even in 2024, the number of Black sommeliers and wine professionals in the US is still drastically disproportionate to those of other races in the industry. A 2024 study in the Journal of Business Diversity reports that only 2% of U.S. wine professionals identify as Black. While we still have a long way to go in terms of evening the playing field, strides are certainly being made. Over the last five years or so, we have seen an uptick in Black men and women looking to diversify the wine industry in their own way.
Whether they go through the rigorous examination process to become a sommelier, launch organizations to help raise capital or even risk their life savings to develop their own brand, the work is being done. We don’t always see the tears, obstacles and setbacks endured to reach one’s dream of making an impact in wine, but what we do know, is that we are proud.
As we continue to celebrate those in the food and beverage space, EBONY has curated this round-up of fresh faces across the wine world who are doing the work. Below, check out our list of Black sommeliers and wine pros to put on your radar.
Editor’s Note: This is not a ranking system. Names are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Alice Achayo
Affectionately known as The Wine Linguist (also the name of her business), Achayo seeks to change the way the world approaches wine. Named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 list in 2023, the East African native works to educate folks on the conversations around vino as well as how we ultimately think about it. One of her current goals is to produce and launch a docu-series which centers various wine regions around the world.
Social media handle: @thewinelinguist
Matthew and Jon’ll Boyd
This husband and wife duo is the brains behind Boyd Cru Wines. Based and grown in Maryland, the Boyds describe their blends as “approachable, vibrant and zero pretentiousness.” There are currently four varietals in the portfolio: Living Legacy Red Blend, Community Vida Blanc, Free Spirit Rosé and the soon-to-be-launched Ubiquity White Blend. They are said to be the first Black-owned vineyard in Maryland.
Social media handle: @boydcruwines
Chasity Cooper
An author and journalist within the wine world, Cooper recently released her “Wine Convo Generator.” Deemed a wine culture expert, the Chicago-based vino lover also works closely with various brands and events to host tastings and other experiences in which she not only educates but seeks to use her gift of storytelling to break down the nuances of reds, whites and even bubbly.
Social media handle: @bychasitycooper
Shakera Jones
A woman who wears many hats, Jones is a healthcare IT professional based in NYC, and in her free time she’s a wine educator and show host. The face behind Weekly Wines on the streaming platform SOMMTV, Jones’ show explores grape varieties and production regions to broaden the palates of her followers. Additionally, she was recognized as one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 40 under 40 Tastemakers in 2021, as well as a cast member on season 2 of the James Beard Award-nominated competition show Sparklers.
Social media handle: @blackgirlsdinetoo
Chris Lloyd
Bringing a new perspective to a world that can often been seen as “stuffy,” Lloyd has masterfully found a way to marry two of the world’s most influential cultures—wine and hip hop. Going by the moniker, The Hip Hop Somm, the Atlanta-based wine pro also hosts and curates various wine pairing dinners and other events around the country and world that bring his two favorite things together.
Social media handle: @thehiphopsomm
CJ McCollum
While you may have heard his name from his career as an NBA baller, the New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard also happens to be the proud owner of Heritage 91 wines. Grown in Portland, his former team base, McCollum has had a direct hand in developing every step of the company from marketing all the way to the actual winemaking. There are currently five varietals in the portfolio and the pro-athlete is always reaching back as he climbs.
Social media handle: @heritage91wine
