This is not a story about wine. This is a story about humanity within our community.

2020 was rough. In the year we slowed down, we were forced to sit and watch our world be rocked by a global pandemic and a relentless stream of heartbreaking news. Related to those moments was June 2, 2020. Accounts across social media posted black squares in a movement called Black Tuesday. It was done in solidarity with the Black community reeling from the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. While some larger brands in the wine industry participated, most stayed quiet. In the past, it wasn’t unusual for companies to selectively care, but this time was different. This time, business-as-usual in the face of hatred was an insufficient response.

That same week, I shut down my wine-focused Instagram account when my local community stayed a little too silent about saving Black lives. I realized that with every swirl, every sniff, every chew and aeration I was working hard for approval to sit at the tasting table. It’s very difficult to appreciate the wine when you’re busy trying to prove your worth.

So, this is not a story about wine. This is a story about creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Finger Lakes. We can do better. And, this is a story about how one local winery already is.