I brought these liquid jewels back from the annual @theopolisvineyards Harvest and Bottle Release Party, a heartwarming affair because it marked my first time at a black-owned vineyard, I witnessed Vintner Theodora Lee’s support of black women and I met 86-year-old @irisrideau, the first black woman in the United States to own a winery. Scroll through for photos and videos, including Theodora’s meaningful words, of the uplifting day among the redwoods in Mendocino County. Iris, who was born into a poor Creole family in New Orleans, shared her moving story of how she used to pass for white — and then went from a single teen mom working in a factory to helping Black people after she opened her own insurance agency after the Watts Riots. I already started reading her memoir, From White to Black, which she signed copies of at Theopolis. Theodora also invited to the party @bunchie5160 of @stoneywines in Willamette, Oregon to pour her wines, which of course I bought as well having met Donna at @aowinery a couple of years ago, and @dorian.webb to showcase her jewelry. Being in the company of these inspiring black women, not to mention several of my Delta Sigma Theta Sorors, including a few from USC’s @upsilondst and Theodora herself, and many Divine Nine members was quite special because we were at a black-owned winery. Of course there was good BBQ, dancing to live music (you should have heard Althea Battle belt “At Last”!!!), and poolside lounging. Thank you Soror Theo-patra for putting on this memorable event and making sure it was on my calendar early. I’ll be back next year! #buyblack #blackwinesmatter #blackvintners #theopolisvineyards #blackownedwine #deltasigmathetasororityinc #deltasigmatheta #africanamericanvintners #irisrideau #womenhelpingwomen #womeninwine #stoneywines