To celebrate international women’s day this year, we are toasting, literally, to a handful of female stars in the wine and spirits industry. From a Black-owned wine label to a premium whiskey distiller, exotic rum-maker, and a new canned wine queen.
Owned by Robin McBride and Andréa McBride, Black Girl Magic Wines set out to make exceptional wine for exceptional women who are significant to culture and society, yet rarely seen and recognized. The portfolio includes a Riesling to a red blend and rose, all made with California grapes. They also offer a sparkling varietal and the SHE CAN canned wine collection which benefits the SHE CAN Professional Development Fund, which awards scholarships and is inspired by the endless pursuit of all women who are making their dreams a reality and breaking barriers daily.
“We want to make wine that celebrates her history and accomplishments,” they said. “With Black Girl Magic Wines, we pay homage to our heritage, including the women in our family from Camden, Alabama – the heart of the agricultural “Black Belt” and Civil Rights movement in the United States. And we honor all Black women in our community, across the Diaspora and the world, who have graced culture and society with her soul, spirit and MAGIC for generations.”
With an ambition of this magnitude and significance, the McBrides are inspired by the original “Noble grapes”, that have been perfected over centuries to make the most majestic, rich and luscious varietals including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The collection of award-winning Black Girl Magic Wines are sourced from elite California vineyards, using the finest grapes.
According to the McBride sisters, “We stand against a culture that has undervalued and restricted Black women from taking a seat at the table. We seek to break away from the path, disrupt the status quo, and create a new and vibrant culture around wine, with her at its center. We empower our community to discover and enjoy high-quality wines that are as unique, fun and bold as they are. Our wines and experiences will never compromise your taste or needs. This is wine to celebrate!”
Elizabeth McCall has recently been crowned the Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve – which is the Presenting Sponsor of The Kentucky Derby. She is the third in the bourbon brand’s 26-year history, succeeding Chris Morris, who will assume the role of Master Distiller Emeritus.
McCall, who has been training for this Master Distiller role for over a decade, will oversee quality and bring new Woodford Reserve products to market. She will lead the brand’s special, rare bourbon releases, including the Master’s Collection and Distillery Series, bringing her unique touch and point of view to new whiskies.
McCall joined Brown-Forman, Woodford Reserve’s parent company, in 2009 as a member of the Research & Development department. She began her career setting up tasting panels to ensure quality and consistency with the company’s products.
“This is very much a tremendous honor and something I am still wrapping my head around. I feel so lucky to be in this position as I am doing what I love every day for such a prestigious brand,” she said. “In this new role, I am looking forward to maintaining the integrity of our core expressions while also making one-time expressions such as our Master’s Collection. Innovation is another area that I will play a leading role. I’m very passionate about sustainability, and I’m looking forward to creating interesting grain recipes utilizing grains grown locally in Kentucky.”
McCall is the second generation of her family to work in the spirits industry – following her mother’s footsteps, who she credits for her success- after earning her master’s degree from the University of Louisville. “My mother was extremely influential on my journey to this position,” said McCall. “My mother never spoke about her time in the industry as some sort of triumph, even though it was quite significant. She was definitely a pioneer in her role, but for her it was just a fun job. But when my mother was working in the industry she was the only woman managing a team, without maternity leave benefits or any flexibility. My mother did a great job at presenting being a woman not as a challenge to overcome, it wasn’t even discussed.”
Zacapa No. 23 is an aged rum, handcrafted in Guatemala under the supervision of one of the only female Master Blenders in the world, Lorena Vásquez. Lorena is the innovative force behind the rum’s distillation process, which includes aging of the dark spirit in the “House Above the Clouds.” Located 7,500 ft above sea level, the unique location and climate allows Zacapa to achieve its deeply complex flavor profile.
Zacapa Rum is heavily influenced by the women in their community and wants to continue paying homage to all the support they receive from these leading ladies. The history of Guatemalan rum cannot be separated from the women in the country who make the alcohol industry possible. Lorena Vásquez is one of these industry visionaries, as a leader of Zacapa.
Vásquez commented, “I am a technical person and I love research. Marie Curie, for me is an example and I love the phrase that inspired me: “Life is not easy for any of us, but who cares! You have to preserve and, above all, have confidence in yourself.”
Zacapa Rum is rooted in the craft of its network of women so this Women’s History Month, the brand is honoring the women who are central to their product – from distillation to creative mixology. In addition to the rum brand’s Master Blender, Zacapa Rum supports the Guatemalan community by employing over 700 female weavers to craft their signature petate bands that encircle every bottle of Zacapa. This provides local women the opportunity to support themselves through small businesses and reinvest in their community.
Founded in Los Angeles by popular local blogger and influencer Caroline Juen of Love & Loathing LA, Best Coast Beverages are made from Santa Ynez grapes and the wine-making skills of Sonja Magdevski from famed Casa Dumetz.
Juen grew up near Napa and has transformed her love of Santa Barbara County wine country grapes into fizzy white and red blends that are some of the best sparkling canned goods in the business.
As for the women in her life who support her passions, “My mom is my biggest cheerleader and hands down the most important person in my life,” she said. “But the most inspiring woman who has guided me the most on this journey is my grandma. She is another serial entrepreneur and all around badass. The woman can fly planes and build companies – just to name a few of her talents. She just turned 80 and is working on developing an app. So, if there’s anyone in my life that can truly relate to me and this process, it’s her. And I’m so lucky to have her love, wisdom, and support through it all. I just want to make her proud.”
