The Swirl Suite

In this episode of Swirl Suite, we sit down with Randi Brady, founder of Diversified Vines, a unique platform blending the worlds of hip-hop and wine. Randi, a WSET-certified wine enthusiast, shares how her passion for music, food and wine led to the creation of experiences that make wine education more inclusive, approachable, and culturally connected. From curating wine events with hip-hop storytelling, Randi is redefining how people engage with wine.

https://www.diversifiedvines.com/

DC native Justin Trabue of Ward Four Wines joins us for an incredible conversation about her journey as a new winemaker. We dive into how she's preparing for harvest, navigating challenges in the industry, and the potential impact of tariffs.

This is a must-watch for wine lovers and industry insiders alike!

https://www.wardfourwines.com/ 

Join our Patreon to watch the full episode now! 

https://www.patreon.com/posts/justin-trabue-of-124228825?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

The Winemakers Playbook Event 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winemakers-playbook-harvesting-financial-business-strategies-tickets-1250300736159?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Swirl Suite Podcast 

In this powerful and timely episode of Swirl Suite, we sit down with Ikimi Dubose Woodson, co-founder and executive director of The Roots Fund, to have a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the wine industry. With increasing backlash and companies pulling back on DEI initiatives, we ask the tough question Is DEI dead?

Ikimi shares how these shifts are directly impacting The Roots Fund and the vital work they do to support and uplift BIPOC talent in wine. We also dig into how the broader wine industry is responding (or failing to respond) to the changing tides, and what this all means for the future of equitable access and representation in wine.

This is an unfiltered discussion about accountability, real change, and what happens when companies use DEI as a buzzword instead of a commitment.

In this special Black History Month episode of The Swirl Suite Podcast, were raising a glass to some of our favorite Black wine producers who are making an impact in the industry!

From trailblazers with decades of experience to rising stars changing the game, these winemakers are crafting incredible wines while breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. Were sharing our go-to bottles, the stories behind these winemakers, and why supporting Black-owned wine businesses mattersnot just in February, but all year long!

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In this special live episode of The Swirl Suite Podcast, we celebrate the 1st anniversary of The Urban Grape with a night of wine, wisdom, and vibrant conversation! Recorded live at The Urban Grape, this episode features special guest Jarrell The Wine Guy Jay, a wine expert and advocate for inclusivity in the wine industry.

Join hosts of The Swirl Suite as they dive into the power of progressive wine retail, the importance of diversity in the wine space, and the art of selecting the perfect bottle. With laughter, expert insights, and an intimate crowd of wine lovers, this episode is a toast to community, education, and the future of wine culture.

https://www.instagram.com/thewineguyjay/ 

In his new novel Jupiters Blood, an American wine expert, Dante Lombardi, is struggling to come to terms with his best friends suicide. His world is further upended when his ex, Dr. Claire Durant, introduces him to a synthetic lab-made wine shes developed. Replivino can pass for the finest wines produced by the worlds best winemakers at a fraction of the cost. When Claire and her companys Vino Code disappear, however, Dante must put his feelings aside and rush to Europe to find her. But Dante isnt the only one looking for Claire as she pursues her own agenda to pop the cork on the traditional world of wine. So too is a ruthless wine counterfeiter. In a race across Europe, Dante must rely on his French and Italian wine industry connections, partner with new allies and old adversaries, and plumb the depths of his memory cellar to find Claire. Can he do so in time to save the global wine industry from ruin in the face of mass commoditization?