Melanated Wine
Melanated Wine is a distinguished Black woman-owned winery based in Durham, North Carolina. Founded by Lashonda Fort-Modest in 2021, the winery embodies the motto "uncork the culture," aiming to make wine more accessible and reflective of diverse communities.
Historical Significance/Story:
Recognizing the underrepresentation of minorities in the wine industry, Fort-Modest established Melanated Wine to bridge this gap. Her vision was to create a brand that resonates with people of color, offering a welcoming space to enjoy and learn about wine.
Tasting Notes:
Red Blend (Lust): A medium-bodied wine combining Cabernet Franc and Syrah grapes, presenting a dry profile with low tannins.
White Blend (Privilege): An unoaked Chardonnay blended with Riesling, offering a dry, crisp taste.
Riesling (Manifest): A semi-sweet, light, and refreshing Riesling aged in stainless steel tanks.
White Sangria (Vibe): A sweet and crisp white sangria with vibrant fruit notes.
Blackberry (Dream): A sweet, crisp fruit wine highlighting blackberry flavors.
Sweet White (Legacy): A sweet Muscadine wine with a crisp finish.
Sweet Red (Radiance): A sweet red wine offering a crisp and refreshing experience.
Production Details:
Ingredients: Melanated Wine sources grapes from North Carolina's Yadkin Valley, utilizing varietals beyond the traditional muscadine and scuppernong.
Process: Operating as an urban winery, Melanated Wine collaborates with local vineyards for grape sourcing and production, emphasizing community engagement and education.