Last week, Andrea and Robin McBride, who are the first African-American sisters to own their own wine company, launched Truvee Wines at The Manor (1327 Connecticut Avenue NW) in the Nation’s Capitol.
The sisters have an interesting to story to say the least. In fact, the two didn’t even know each other until 1999 when Andrea was 16 and Robin was 25. The two, who share the same father, lived on opposite ends of the world, with the former in New Zealand and the latter in Monterey, California. It was their father’s dying wish for the two to meet. Still, they both grew up around vineyards and decided to start a wine company to firm their bond. They named the company “Truvée,” a twist for the French word, trouver, which means “to find.”
At the industry-only event, the sisters treated guests to their wines, either the Red Blend or Central Coast Chardonnay, along with passed bites. The wines were also made available in mixed drinks such as wine spritzers and sangria.
After the sisters explained their wines, guests were treated to a journal to take home with them as a party favor.
Photo credit: Surpass Visuals
Wife and I are interested in acquiring a bottle or two of your wines and will pursue same. Our best to you both on your adventure.
by Anthony Garvin
Where is this wine available in the DMV?
by Teresa Speight
Ummmmmm, HELLO! With all due respect, this article is inaccurate. Please learn and be aware of the Rideau sisters.
http://www.rideauvineyard.com
by Stop Right Now!
Very Cool!!! Can you forward me, when available, info on where I can purchase, or at least where I can go, to taste/purchase? I live in the DC area, if that helps!
I WISH THE TWO LADIES MUCH SUCCESS!!! GOD BLESS!
by MrTommySmallz
I dont know if they are the first, but there is the Brown Estate Vineyards that was established in 1995, and is believed to be the first and only Black-owned estate winery in California’s Napa Valley, that is best known as one of that region’s most well-regarded zinfandel producers.In addition to zinfandel, Brown Estate produces cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and petite sirah.The company was founded by siblings Deneen, David & Coral Brown.
by Leotyne
Congratulations on your endeavor! Now, please teach us some wine etiquette: no ice, no straws, no mugs, and please, please, no more Moscato. LOL Good luck.
by Cynthia
Hi,
I immediatly fell in love with this story about sisters who “wine.” I am very interested in not only trying a few bottles but also having a “women who wine” event.
I launched a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs in June 2013 called Hook a Sista Up and would love to have the sisters visit us and speak about what it took to launch their business and what advice they can give to our women entrepreneurs of Hook a Sista Up.
Okay Sista’s HASU would love to have you in Grand Rapids Mi.
Check out Hook a Sista Up at http://www.hasu1.net.
by Linda Otterbridge
Iris Rideau is the sole owner and vitner of her own company. The article clearly states the McBrides are the first African-American sisters to own a wine company. And it should be stated they were vitners in California years ago and have the experience in winemaking. For years I have been impressed with the tenacity of Black vitners to thrive in such a competetive endeavor. Congratulations to them all. Please pass this skill set to others.
by Gary Daniels