Hey Sistahs & all my wine-loving friends! Welcome back to another edition of The Weekly Vine – our blog about all things Black girl magic & wine. I’m writing this while I am sitting in bed listening to the birds chirping outside and I can’t help but be excited about the weeks and months ahead. Who else is looking forward to taking a trip to celebrate the gorgeous new season on the horizon? I know I’m not alone here!
If you know me – and even if you don’t, believe me when I say there are only a few things that bring me as much joy as a well-planned girls’ trip — especially when wine is involved! Whether you’re looking for picturesque vineyard views, incredible tasting experiences, or just a chance to unwind with your favorite people, the U.S. has some amazing wine destinations that are perfect for a weekend escape.
And because at Sistah Sips Society, we love celebrating diversity in wine, we’re highlighting destinations that include Black-owned wineries, giving you even more reason to raise a glass. 🍷✨
Grab your weekend duffel bag (or your largest suitcase – no judgment here!), call your girls, and let’s get into the top U.S. wine destinations for your next getaway!
Sistah Sips Society Girls’ Trip Loading!
1. Napa Valley, California
Classic Wine Country with a Diverse Touch
Napa is the gold standard for wine getaways, and for good reason. With over 400 wineries, stunning landscapes, and luxurious accommodations, it’s the perfect place to sip in style.
✨ Must-Visit Black-Owned Winery: Brown Estate
Founded in 1996, Brown Estate is Napa’s first Black-owned estate winery. Their Zinfandel is legendary, and their downtown Napa tasting room is a chic and welcoming spot to enjoy a flight.
🍷 Other Highlights:
- Wine train tours with breathtaking vineyard views.
- Spa treatments at Calistoga’s famous mud baths.
- Michelin-star dining experiences.
📍 Best for: The ultimate luxury wine weekend with your besties.
2. Willamette Valley, Oregon
Pinot Noir Paradise with Scenic Views
For those who love a mix of nature and wine, Willamette Valley is a dream. This region is known for its world-class Pinot Noir and laid-back vibe, making it a great escape from city life.
✨ Must-Visit Black-Owned Winery: Abbey Creek Vineyard
Owned by Bertony Faustin, Oregon’s first Black winemaker, Abbey Creek is all about breaking barriers and making wine more accessible. The wines are amazing, and the energy at the tasting room (a.k.a. “The Crick”) is unmatched.
🍷 Other Highlights:
- Hot air balloon rides over the vineyards.
- Waterfall hikes at Silver Falls State Park.
- Boutique shopping and farm-to-table dining in McMinnville.
📍 Best for: A relaxing and scenic wine escape with a touch of adventure.
Seriously – you can get stunning tulip farm experiences without leaving the continental US. What are you waiting for??
3. Charlottesville, Virginia
Southern Charm Meets Wine Country
Virginia is home to some of the oldest wineries in the U.S., and Charlottesville, in particular, offers a stunning mix of history, rolling hills, and incredible wine.
✨ Must-Visit Black-Owned Winery: Sweet Vines Farm Winery
Owned by Seidah Armstrong, Sweet Vines Farm Winery is Virginia’s first Black woman-owned winery. Located in Unionville, this charming, rustic winery offers a variety of delicious wines in a welcoming and intimate setting.
🍷 Other Highlights:
- Wine tastings along the Monticello Wine Trail.
- Historic tours of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate.
- Chic boutique stays at The Clifton.
📍 Best for: A sophisticated yet cozy girls’ getaway with plenty of charm.
4. Texas Hill Country
The Hidden Gem of U.S. Wine
Yes, Texas makes wine — and it’s GOOD. With over 100 wineries, Texas Hill Country is giving serious competition to the more well-known wine regions.
✨ Must-Visit Black-Owned Winery: Kai-Simone Winery
Located in Spring Branch, Kai-Simone Winery is a family-owned establishment and one of the newest wineries in the Texas Hill Country. They are committed to producing high-quality wines and providing exceptional customer service in a serene Hill Country environment.
🍷 Other Highlights:
- Winery-hopping on the 290 Wine Trail.
- Live music and dance halls in Fredericksburg.
- Floating down the Guadalupe River for a fun daytime adventure.
📍 Best for: A mix of wine, music, and a good ol’ Texas-style good time.
5. Sonoma County, California
The Laid-Back Side of Wine Country
If Napa feels a little too polished, Sonoma is its relaxed and equally stunning sister. With farm-to-table restaurants, rustic wineries, and incredible Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it’s the perfect blend of sophistication and chill.
✨ Must-Visit Black-Owned Winery: Fog Crest Vineyard
Owned by Rosalind Manoogian, Fog Crest Vineyard is the only Black- and woman-owned vineyard and winery in Sonoma County. Established in 1998, this family-owned vineyard specializes in Burgundian-style wines tailored to the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley. Visitors can enjoy tastings in a serene setting with stunning vineyard views.
🍷 Other Highlights:
- Wine picnics at picturesque estates.
- Beach sunsets at Bodega Bay.
- Farm tours and cheese tastings in Petaluma.
📍 Best for: A chill yet upscale getaway with wine, food, and stunning views.
6. Finger Lakes, New York
East Coast Wine & Waterfront Views
For a wine weekend with a unique setting, the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York delivers. Known for its crisp Rieslings and cool-climate wines, this region also offers breathtaking lake views and charming small towns perfect for a girls’ getaway.
✨ Must-Visit Black-Owned Wine Destination: The Communion Wine + Spirits Shop (Syracuse, NY)
Owned by certified sommelier Cha McCoy, The Communion Wine + Spirits Shop is a must-visit for wine lovers looking for expertly curated selections. Recognized by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as a Top 40 under 40 Tastemaker, McCoy brings a fresh perspective to the wine world, offering a diverse range of wines — including Finger Lakes selections and an emphasis on quality and representation.
🍷 Other Highlights:
- Visiting scenic wineries along Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.
- Cozy wine lodges with lakefront views.
- Exploring the stunning waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park.
📍 Best for: Wine lovers who want a mix of education, exploration, and lakeside relaxation.
Plan Your Next Girls’ Trip & Sip in Style
Whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, or just a cozy weekend with your best friends, these wine regions offer the perfect setting for unforgettable memories. And with incredible Black-owned wineries and wine shops in the mix, you’ll be supporting diversity in the wine industry while enjoying some truly fantastic bottles.
📍 Which destination is calling your name? Drop a comment or tag your wine sistahs and start planning your next girls’ trip! And do I want to go with you – YES! Always, yes.
Also stay tuned – you know I love an opportunity to bust out the passport, so the international edition is coming soon! 🌍🍷
Cheers! 🥂
