Wines With Heart: Black-Owned South African Blend & Sonoma Grenache

27/06/2025 10 min
Wines With Heart: Black-Owned South African Blend & Sonoma Grenache

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Episode Synopsis


Great wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about who makes it, and why their story matters.



Julia and Michelle each bring a bottle this week that proves it:



Julia pours a bright, easy-drinking white blend from I Best Wines, a Black woman–owned brand out of South Africa. A mix of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, it’s the kind of bottle made for patios, picnics, or just winding down after a long day.



Michelle is sipping a beautifully expressive Grenache blend from Hamel Family Wines in Sonoma, crafted with volcanic soils and a winemaker obsessed with terroir. Light enough for summer but full of depth, it’s a perfect match for summer dinners or even a quiet glass on the porch.



Also in this episode:



– Why small producers deserve more of your attention



– How a simple weekly “brain dump” is helping Julia stay sane



– Michelle on why family time is still the ultimate reset Because good wine, like life, is always better when you pause to appreciate the story behind it.



Wines:



– I Best Wines White Blend (South Africa)



– Hamel Family Wines Grenache (Sonoma, CA)



Vibes: picnic tables, family dinners, clean notebooks, and wines with heart



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