Curated by Eric White, Manager

The Winery NYC
257 West 116th St.
New York, NY 10026

List of Black Winemakers:

Cape Red “Umsasane”  2022 Aslina by Ntsiki Biyela  for $39.95/ btr.

Grape: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot. 

Region: South Africa> Western Cape> Stellenbosch. 

Notes: 16 months French Oak (30% new). Filtered, not fined., Certified Sustainable, vegan-friendly, 300 cases made. 

Description: Ntsiki Biyela, was named 2009 South African Woman Winemaker of the Year. In 2017 Food & Wine Magazine and Fortune Magazine honored Ntsiki as one of the “Most Innovative Women in Wine”. Forbes and others have heralded her arrival on the scene as a winemaker to watch. Just to be clear, the accolades bestowed on her are well deserved. “Aslina” is named after her late grandmother, who remains her inspiration today. A full-bodied wine, Umsasane exhibits red and dark fruits and plum characteristics. Bold, structured with ripe tannins, long finish. A good balance of wood, acidity and fruit. 

Food Pairing: Rich meals such as steak or lamb, etc.

South African Chardonnay 2025 Aslina by Ntsiki Biyela  for $25.95/bt

Grape: 100% Chardonnay

Region: South Africa> Western Cape.

Notes: Sustainably farmed.

Description: Ntsiki Biyela, was named 2009 South African Woman Winemaker of the Year. In 2017 Food & Wine Magazine and Fortune Magazine honored Ntsiki as one of the “Most Innovative Women in Wine”. Just to be clear, the accolades bestowed are well deserved. “Aslina” is named after her late grandmother, who remains her inspiration today. This Chardonnay is delightful and unique. Aromas of apple and lemon tree. The palate opens with saline and marine-like characteristics. Limestone, quartz, and schist comes to mind as the wine opens with hints of white flower. A medium-bodied white wine with rich and savory tones that will hold up to multiple dishes, including rich meat or seafood sauces. The wine has enough acidity to cut through fats and oils, showing perfect balance.

Food Pairings: Apples dishes, goat cheese, crab, shellfish, seafood, poultry in cream sauce, turkey, etc.

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Phil Long “Reserve” for $34.95/bt

Grape: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Teroldego, 7% Tannat, 1% Proprietor’s blend.

Region: USA> California> Sonoma County> Alexander Valley.

Notes: 28 months is new and used barriques, single vineyard, unfined, vegan-friendly.

Description: Winemaker Phil Long is the president of the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) and the founder of Longevity Wines, located in northeastern Sonoma County. Alexander Valley is majestic and compelling, known for its diverse ancient soils, a deep-rooted farming culture steeped in tradition, and wines of renowned character. It is one of the most important regions for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon in California. This exhibits the classic characteristics from the region, black fruit, silky tannins, vanilla bean., and a touch of mint (eucalyptus).

Food Pairing: Beef (braised, grilled, roasted), soft cheese (brie, gorgonzola, etc.), dark chocolate, Mole sauce, burgers, grilled chicken, BBQ, grilled eggplant, etc.

California Chardonnay 2023 Longevity Wines for $17.95/bt.

Grape: 87% Chardonnay, 13% Viognier.

Region: USA> California> Livermore Valley.

Description: Winemaker Phil Long is the president of the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) and the founder of Longevity Wines. Longevity Chardonnay was his first offering from his family-owned, Livermore Valley estate. Medium-bodied wine with toasted oak aromas, buttercream, and pear notes with a subtle hint of vanilla and spice. 

Food Pairing: Fried/spicy poultry, roasted pork medallions, creamy cheese, fruit salad, etc.

Napa Valley Zinfandel 2023 Brown Estate for $67.95/bt

Grapes: 100% Zinfandel (Napa Valley).

Region: USA> California> Napa Valley> Yountville.

Notes: 100% Estate Zinfandel, 12 months in oak (30% new French and American).

Description: Established in 1996 by the Brown family.  In January 2000 they debuted their first three vintages at the annual ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers) Grand Tasting in San Francisco.  Needless to say, they are a hit and 27 years later they have grown their business to one of the very best, high-quality Zinfandel wine producers.

The wine exhibits light burgundy reflections with aromas of wild berries, expressing the purity of the fruit. Full-bodied with ripe tannins that are slightly gripping on the palate. Juicy core of boysenberry and other mixed berries with a touch of chocolate and lavender on the finish. 

Food Pairing: Beef esp. grilled, red meats, game meats, duck, pork Mexican, lamb, cheese, etc.

Ethiopian Honey Wine (Mead) NV Saba Tej  for $22.95/bt

Mash Bill: Certified Organic Raw Honey (Mexico, single estate), purified water, Gesho (Medicinal shrub).

Description: The Heritage Winery have spent many years perfecting Tej with a carefully guarded refining process developed by tradition, using absolutely no sulfites or any kind of additives. Thier heritage of traditional Tej and Tej-based wine making has evolved over the years to include their mastery of the correct recipe passed on to them from their ancestors. As part of their culture, Tej wines are produced from the finest, purest and organically grown Ethiopian ingredients using modern technology for a delicious reminder of antiquity. Excavations at Axum, an Ethiopian city that was the capital of the ancient Aksumite empire, proved to have existed since 80 B.C. suggesting the existence of tej for many centuries. Legend has long claimed that Tej (Ethiopia’s Honey Wine) was made thousands years ago, well before the rest of the world came to know it as Mead.