When Robin and Andréa McBride launched their namesake wine company in 2005, they didn’t just want to make great wine—they sought to change the face of the wine industry. Nearly two decades later, the McBride Sisters Wine Company stands as the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States, blending premium products with a mission rooted in value, sustainability and sisterhood.
With a story as bold as their wines, the McBride sisters were raised on opposite sides of the globe—Robin in California and Andréa in New Zealand—unaware of each other’s existence for half their lives. After a chance reconnection in their early 20s, the sisters discovered not only a shared father but also a shared passion for wine. Their company is the result of this extraordinary reunion, reflecting their unique blend of cultures and commitment to an industry historically dominated by white male winemakers.
Based in Oakland, California, McBride Sisters Wine Company produces a wide range of wines, including its popular Black Girl Magic and SHE CAN collections. The brands are designed to be accessible while celebrating the cultural identity and excellence of women of color.
Beyond crafting approachable, high-quality wines, the sisters have leveraged their platform to create lasting change. In 2019, they launched the SHE CAN Fund, an initiative aimed at closing the gender and racial gaps in the wine and spirits industry. The fund supports the professional advancement of women through scholarships, leadership development programs and mentoring opportunities.
“Something that we feel is really important is mentorship,” Robin told The Cut in 2021. “Making those connections, getting advice from people who have experienced situations similar to yours.”
Since its inception, the SHE CAN Fund has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships and grants, helping more than 80 women pursue certifications, wine education and entrepreneurial ventures. Past recipients include women breaking into roles as sommeliers, winery owners and viticulturists—positions where female and minority representation remains scarce.
According to a 2020 report by the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, women represent just 14% of executives in the wine industry. For women of color, the figure is even smaller. The McBride Sisters are working to rewrite that narrative.
“Our fund is really about access and visibility,” Robin said in a 2023 interview with Food & Wine. “We want to help women pursue careers in spaces where they haven’t historically been represented.”
Their mission has resonated not only with consumers but also with major retailers. McBride Sisters wines are now sold in more than 10,000 stores nationwide, including Target, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. The company has also expanded its offerings to include canned wines and sparkling varieties, tapping into the growing demand for convenient, eco-friendly options.
Sustainability is a core value of the business. The sisters are committed to sourcing grapes from vineyards that use environmentally responsible practices. Their packaging reflects this ethos, with many products designed to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
Despite their commercial success, the McBrides remain committed to making a positive impact. Their business model reflects their upbringing and values—family, authenticity and resilience.
“We’ve always believed wine should be enjoyed by everyone,” Andréa told Shondaland in a 2020 profile. “We want people to feel included, not excluded, when they pick up one of our bottles.”
The McBride Sisters Wine Company has demonstrated that success in the wine industry can come from fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. As the company continues to flourish, its impact on shaping the future of wine for a broader market also grows.
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