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WINE LIKE MUSIC
Written By: Jewels Alexandria
(4 Minute Read)
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To continue our series on alcohol and music, The Juke Joint proudly presents: Wine Like Music.​​
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Similar to Brown Liquor Music, there is a genre of music that pairs beautifully with wine. Red wines tend to evoke a relaxing emotion—calming, even. Meanwhile, white wines give off celebratory vibes. Both are often associated with romantic evenings, whether shared with someone special or enjoyed in peaceful solitude.
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One thing I feel red wine offers over white is a deeper sense of sophistication, similar to brown liquor. It also seems better suited for the winter months. When the days end early and the nights grow cold, red wine is there to warm the soul. On the other hand, white wine feels perfect for hot summer days—on the rooftop, or chillin’ in the backyard.
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Whichever you prefer, just be sure to Wine Like Music.
Black Americans have contributed to the United States in countless ways, including the wine industry. Diversity and inclusion remain ongoing challenges in this country, but as Langston Hughes once said, “Negroes, sweet and docile, beware the day they change their minds.”
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John June Lewis, Sr. was the first African American to own a winery in the United States, established in 1940. His winery was believed to be the only one in Virginia by the early 1970s producing wine solely from its own grapes (Taylor). It would take another forty years before another Black-owned winery emerged.
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Two doctors—Bassett and Marcela Brown—purchased an abandoned ranch in Napa Valley as a summer home in 1980 (Spaulding). They transformed it into a vineyard, producing their first Zinfandel in 1996. Eventually, their grandchildren took over the operation under the Brown Estate label. As of 2023, this remains the only Black-owned estate winery in Napa Valley.
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There are now many other Black-owned wineries continuing this legacy.
Photographed: John June Lewis Sr.
Just like a single red rose, chocolate-covered strawberries, or a fragrance that brings a soft smile to your face, wine complements our most sentimental moods. And what better way to enjoy it than with the most seductive and calming R&B music the world has to offer? Oh, and let’s not forget the jazz.
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Whether you prefer your wine chilled or at room temperature, it’s best to have your playlist ready to set the mood. Jazz, once upon a time, was the American tune. Artists like Louis Armstrong, Paul Whiteman, and Duke Ellington dominated the genre, providing the foundations for much of the sampling heard in today’s hip hop music. When paired with a lovely evening of cooking your most delectable meal and enjoying your favorite red blend, the music becomes a part of the moment, creating memories that can last for years.
Artists like Sade, Alex Isley, Cleo Sol, and countless others provide the rhythm and blues needed to awaken our wildest fantasies, all while appreciating our favorite Riesling. Some songs even allow for a little dance as we listen.
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There are moments when this feeling may not be present, and drinking can easily become an escape. But always remember this: never drink to feel better, drink to feel even better.
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Drink Responsibly!
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May 25, 2025
For more information Black contributions to winery in the United States, click the links below.
Resources:
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https://winesavoy.com/blogs/the-cellar-a-wine-savoy-blog/a-black-history-moment-in-wine-and-me
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