Pouring Excellence: Ebony Wine & Spirits Shakes Up the Alcohol Industry in Style

Ebony Wine & Spirits: Bringing Representation and Excellence to the Alcohol Space

By | August 29, 2023

In an industry where only 1% of winemakers in the United States are Black, Ebony Wine & Spirits is making waves by bringing representation and excellence to the alcohol space. North Carolina’s first Black-owned wine brand is challenging the status quo and breaking down barriers.

A Symbol of Representation and Hope

The founder of Ebony Wine & Spirits, Camillya Masunda, firmly believes that brand representation is everything. She states, “For me, it’s either you’re going to do two things: Without seeing something, you’re going to want to create it or either it’s going to get to you and you’re going to think, ‘This can’t exist and it can’t happen.’ For me, I did the [former] of the two. I knew that it had to happen.”

Masunda’s initial curiosity about wine during college led her to notice a lack of racial representation among winemakers and those involved in the industry. This realization fueled her determination to create Ebony Wine & Spirits and defy the statistics.

For Masunda, representation is not just about breaking barriers; it is about instilling hope and inspiring dreamers. She emphasizes that representation allows individuals to believe that something is possible and to dare to dream.

Merging Art, Culture, and Luxury

Ebony Wine & Spirits goes beyond producing exceptional wines; it also seeks to merge art, culture, and luxury. Masunda firmly believes that wine and luxury intersect when celebrating something of high-quality and high-end. However, she acknowledges that these qualities can be overlooked in certain communities due to preconceived notions of what certain cultures should possess.

Ebony Wine & Spirits aims to intertwine culture and luxury, creating an experience that mirrors the essence of art. The winery achieves this through its urban art establishment known as the Ebony Experience Gallery. The gallery not only celebrates wine but also gives back to the community by offering opportunities to artists who are often overlooked. Masunda believes that art is a powerful medium that brings people together and celebrates diverse expressions of creativity.

The Essence of Ebony Wine & Spirits

Masunda reveals that the name “Ebony” was specifically chosen to represent culture, melanin unity, and history. The name encapsulates the brand’s mission to bring representation to the alcohol space. From the moment guests enter Ebony Wine & Spirits, they are greeted with a complimentary glass of their choice of Ebony Wine, setting the tone for an immersive and culturally rich experience.

Ebony Red Fusion, a Bordeaux-style blend, stands out as one of the winery’s favored wines. Masunda describes it as versatile, suitable for parties, nights in, and even for cooking. The wine’s flavor profile consists of bright red fruit, floral notes, and hints of spice and oak.

Another standout offering is Moscato, a wine often plagued by a negative reputation. However, Ebony Wine & Spirits has crafted a Moscato that defies expectations. Flavors and aromas of apricots, fresh Indian jasmine, and rose petals burst from the glass, complemented by a sweet and succulent taste with a bright floral finish.

The winery also boasts Kinshasa, named after the capital of Congo, where Masunda’s father hails from. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the Lodi area of Sacramento. Kinshasa offers bright bouquets of orchard peach and mango fruits, with tropical fruit-forward finishes that are crisp and refreshing.

Pioneering Change with Diaspora Peach Vodka

In addition to its exceptional wines, Ebony Wine & Spirits recently launched its first spirit, Diaspora Peach Vodka. This move allows the winery to further increase representation in the alcohol space, where Black-owned spirit brands are still a minority.

Masunda proudly describes Ebony Wine & Spirits as being in a lane of its own. Every creation from the brand tells a story and embodies a purpose. Masunda emphasizes, “You’re going to get a creation with a purpose so that you know that the love that was put into this is not just a mass-produced wine. It’s something that truly embodied the love of what we represent as a wine and spirits company.”

A Message of Inspiration

Ebony Wine & Spirits is not just a brand, but a symbol of hope, representation, and excellence. Through their commitment to bringing diversity to the alcohol space, they challenge the industry’s norms and inspire other dreamers to pursue their passions.

Camillya Masunda’s journey is a testament to the power of representation and the impact that individuals can make. In a world where the wine industry is often viewed as exclusive and inaccessible, Ebony Wine & Spirits brings a fresh perspective and a sense of belonging.

Whether it’s through their exceptional wines or their dedication to supporting artists and the community, Ebony Wine & Spirits offers a unique and enriching experience for wine enthusiasts and culture appreciators alike.