WSD Semester Abroad: Race & the South African Wine Industry

As a black woman, whenever I step into a winery or a wine tasting or a tasting event, I scan the room to see who’s there. What’s the scene, what’s the demographic. I don’t know why, it’s just something I do when I’m in a space that I think or is known to be a predominately white space. 


Back when I first started attending wine tastings is like 2006 or so in Washington DC, the makeup of the room was vastly different than it is now. And I have to say I smile a bit to myself because of this!! The American wine industry is a lot more colorful now if I may say so. Buuuuuut there is still more work to be done. 


So, when I went to South Africa and toured around Stellenbosch, I was very intrigued to see what it would be like. I’m thinking it’s Africa so black, right? When I stepped off the plane and into the airport, yep I was right, there were black people as far as the eye could see. It was great! I was whisked away to the wine region of Stellenbosh and was greeted at the front gates, then saw people working in the vineyards, a black gentleman poured me a glass of wine in the tasting room. Okay Stellenbosch, this is great!! 


As I started to meet the managers and the owners, the colors faded away.


CREDITS:


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