The Sip Consciously Directory is a comprehensive resource highlighting winemakers, distributors, and retailers from around the world.
NEW YORK, MAY 2021 — Filmmaker and Entrepreneur, Angela McCrae’s Uncorked & Cultured, has launched The Sip Consciously Directory, a comprehensive resource of over 100 Black entrepreneurs in the three-tier wine distribution chain. Compiled by Monique Bell, Ph.D, Chief of Cultural Insights and Partnerships, the directory provides a solution to the African Diaspora’s lack of visibility to the $70 Billion wine industry.
A destination for consumers supporting the call to Buy Black, the directory connects wine lovers with brands, distributors, and retailers to create a culture-forward and equitable ecosystem where less than 1% of entrepreneurs of color are represented. The Sip Consciously Directory features businesses across the world, including Rusty Rabbit (London), J.Moss (Napa), House of Pur Vin (Detroit), Cheramie Wine (Dallas), Aslina Wines (South Africa), and Il Palazzone, (Italy), Love Cork Screw (Chicago), and more.
Uncorked & Cultured was birthed as a survival tool during the Covid-19 pandemic intersecting Angela McCrae’s media experience with her family’s legacy in the spirits industry by celebrating the African Diaspora through wine, wellness, culture, and adventure. Combining her passion and lived experience, Uncorked & Cultured highlights marginalized voices to uplift and “uncork” diverse and inclusive conversations around wine, wellness, and culture.
“Uncorked & Cultured offers a space to celebrate the African Diaspora through knowledge and community. Our growing network is powered by the unique and diverse stories of winemakers across the world honoring our rich history and untold contributions to the wine industry,” says Founder and Executive Director, Angela McCrae.
The lifestyle platform and wine community host conversations that engage consumers curious about the industry to oenophiles through video content, feature articles, and events including co-hosting the 2021 International Wine Summit.
Prior to joining Uncorked & Cultured, Dr. Bell conducted a research study surveying over 100 Black wine entrepreneurs and professionals to understand their motivations and challenges within the global wine industry, finding that buying Black wines has important downstream effects.
“I frequently heard from Black wine entrepreneurs that they were building legacies for their families — most have a long-term vision and the goal is intergenerational wealth and community impact. The survey data also indicate that these business owners are vital contributors to their communities through philanthropy and other corporate social responsibility aims,” adds Dr. Bell.
Inspired by Dr. Bell’s findings and the mission of Uncorked & Cultured, the two Morgan State Alumnae curated the Sip Consciously Directory to foster connection and provide an economic pipeline for wine entrepreneurs of color. The stories of Black winemakers, entrepreneurs, and professionals can be found at www.uncorkedandcultured.com and to explore the growing list of Black entrepreneurs in the wine industry, visit the Sip Consciously Directory at www.uncorkedandcultured.com/sipconsciously.
About Uncorked & Cultured
Uncorked & Cultured is a media company that curates original content, consumer research, e-commerce and global experiences to consciously connect consumers with brands that share the same ideals. A destination for culturists to hang out with a glass of their favorite vineyard selection; wellness practitioners share knowledge from our ancestors; and global entrepreneurs provide roadmaps to a life well-lived. Our journey is to share content that’s centered in Culture & Elevation, as a solution to the lack of inclusion in the global luxury, travel and wine industries.
