VinoLovers Opens the World of Wines to African Americans

By Valencia Mohammed
AFRO Staff Writer

Brenda Harrison, 47, and her son, Justin Harrison, 25, started an unusual hobby for African Americans that became a flourishing business. The mom and son team have designed a consumer wine education group called VinoLovers that invites African Americans into the world of wines without fear of intimidation.
“I’ve always had an attraction to wine,” said Harrison, a fifth generation Washingtonian, as she smelled the aroma of a Chenin Blanc wine from South Africa. After her son went off to college, the mother looked for something to satisfy her sense of adventure.
“I started studying and attending food pairing. But my interest grew after I attended the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, Calif. The next thing I knew, I was giving events myself,” Harrison said.
When her son came home from college he noticed his mother’s enthusiasm about wines. He became interested, attended wine and food pairing events and began educating other African-American college students.  “My goal is to educate Black college students and urban professionals about wines and other beverages to enhance their corporate careers and enjoy themselves at a new level socially,” Justin Harrison said.
The Harrisons both took exception to that notion that good wines are for White people.
“Neither wine nor its appreciation is solely a European thing. Wines come from all over the world and are made from different kinds of fruit,” said the mother.
The son offered another opinion.
“It upsets me that African Americans have been stereotyped to think that we can only drink what has been marketed to us. We must expose ourselves to all different types and varieties of wines. We must know the differences in the wines and what makes it good,” he said. “VinoLovers wants to increase people’s love and knowledge of wine.”
The VinoLovers motto is based on two simple concepts: “One, that it is a pleasure to enjoy and to fully embrace a solid knowledge and understanding of wine and its components,” said Brenda Harrison. “Two, the best way to learn about wine is to sample and evaluate it regularly with friendly company in interesting places.”
VinoLovers creates memorable experiences for its members and guests by introducing wine education in a fun and non-intimidating manner.
So what wine is right for fried chicken or a slice of pizza or garlic greens? “Love the wine you’re with,” Brenda Harrison said. “Each person may have an interest for different wines. Although there are wines that are recommended in food pairings, if you like the taste of a certain wine with a food, enjoy it.”
Robin Marcus, 55, an English professor at Howard University, joined VinoLovers to support her friend Brenda Harrison. Although she was not interested in wines, Marcus was amazed at what her friend of 23 years learned about wine culture.
“I’ve learned that wines have lots of personality and how to taste and drink in a sequence to make it complimentary. Brenda’s a real interesting speaker and hostess. She really found her niche,” Marcus said.
VinoLovers offers fundraisers, destination trips and events, corporate event management and private wine pairing dinners. Last year, 50 VinoLovers attended an annual worldwide event in Napa.  In August, the group intends to launch its VinoLovers Club membership.
“Our wine tasting events and wine immersion travel tours allow VinoLovers to explore wines at [their] origin and to experience the culture of the various wine producing areas,” said Brenda Harrison.  
Marcus agreed.
“VinoLovers allows me to sit around with people I enjoy eat and compare our perception of wines. It’s not about where’re you from, it’s what you’ve learned about wines. Wine is the equalizer.” she said.
Justin Harrison said he would like to open wine bars across the country where people can sample wines with “lite” fare. His mother has an interest in writing a book about her experiences as a Black woman in the wine tasting and import business.
A large gathering is planned in November for the “Beyond White to Blash” Wine Immersion in Napa.  If you’re interested in learning about food pairing and wines, contact VinoLovers at 202-957-3832 or check the website www.vinolovers.net