When you think “wine snob,” what comes to mind? Nicole Carney wants people like her to flood your brain. Specifically, black and brown people – not the stereotypical white person arrogantly sipping a chardonnay. Black people are constantly fighting for representation in many industries, but in Kearney’s experience, going through the wine industry has been particularly challenging. Determined to be heard, she launched Sip & Share Wine—a boutique winery specializing in artisanal vegan wines and something truly rare in the wine world: inclusivity.
Nicole Carney
Falling in love with alcohol
Kearney’s passion for wine is completely romantic. As with salons past, Carney was engrossed in a dramatic writing MFA program when he took the wine. His program featured playwrights, novelists, screenwriters, and non-fiction writers sipping wine as they passionately transcribed their artistic visions, and the vino fueled these creative conversations. Fast forward three years later, Carney was gifted a 32-bottle wine refrigerator, so he organized an impromptu wine tasting party and soon filled the fridge. Over the years, her wine-tasting parties became a regular occurrence, eventually earning her the title of Wine Lady. Among friends, he was adored and respected, but the outside world did not give him the same recognition.
Obstacles in the world of wine
Kearney has toggled back and forth between following her commitment to writing and following her passion in wine. It was the hurdles he faced while attending corporate wine functions that prompted him to take the road less traveled. Carney recounts several instances where he was “accidentally” left off the guest list, almost turned away at several events, and constantly relegated to the back seat wherever he went. When others refused to accommodate him, he created his own and launched Sip & Share. While initially popping up at various events, the business became a federally licensed winery in 2018 and began producing its own vegan wine.
Black Girls Wine Society
Wine that isn’t scary, but included
“I love wine because it can take you back to where it was made. It allows people to be in community with others they might not otherwise talk to,” Kearney explained.
He was deliberate about the name of his winery. In his experience, as in others, wine is a foundation for sharing—not just the wine itself, but for sharing thoughts and ideas. “In creating community with wine, it allows me to share wines with other black and brown wine enthusiasts who might not normally be exposed to wine at home. Sip & Share wines take place and allow culture to sip, share and improve their knowledge because We guide and provide wine education during tastings. It is also a means of discussing legacy and intergenerational wealth building within communities and cultures.”
Carney believes this new inclusive model of wine appreciation is the future. People aren’t just looking for more vegan wine (as its relatives were), but they’re looking for more accessible products and overall experiences. Admittedly, the industry has a long way to go. She noted that only one percent of all wineries in the United States are owned by blacks, and only 0.1 percent are owned by black women. He is determined to change those numbers, though. “Resistance is futile,” he joked.
Sip & share wine
Vegan wine and food pairings to try
Those who typically shop at big-box wine stores may want to try boutiques. Kearney noted that these mega stores typically don’t carry bottles from boutique wineries because these independently owned productions don’t make enough wine for large-scale retail distribution. Further, he warned, “Distributors are consolidating and selling only wineries that produce the most wine. Many people don’t realize that most of the wine they drink is owned by a handful of companies.”
Sip & Share is a tough place to start for those looking to branch out. Carney recommended the 7 Worlds wine collection, though he also provided recommendations for other Black and Brown-owned vegan winemakers, including Brown Estate and Stuyvesant Champagne.
When asked what vegan food and wine pairing she likes best, her answer was refreshingly simple: sip and share the Wine Gratitude Red Blend with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
For more vegan wine and food pairings, read A Wine Educator’s Secrets to Perfectly Pairing Vegan Wine and Chocolate.
To learn more about vegan wine, read:
Tanya Flink is a digital editor for VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.