How Wine Tells a Deeper Story
Wine is more than just a drink—it’s a story of history, craftsmanship, and connection. In this blog, I explore how wine mirrors life, revealing depth and complexity beyond what meets the eye. Just like people, every bottle has a journey shaped by time, care, and experience. I also share my experience with IBest Wines, a Black-owned brand that blends wine, art, and culture while creating space for meaningful conversations.
Wine has always fascinated me. Not just for its taste or prestige, but for what it represents—connection, history, and the kind of craftsmanship that stands the test of time. The more I learn about it, the more I realize how much it mirrors life.
A bottle on the shelf is a finished product, polished and presented for the world to see. But what we don’t see is the process—the years of cultivating vines, the unpredictability of the seasons, the patience required to harvest at just the right moment. Then comes the fermentation, the aging, the delicate balancing act between time and technique. It’s an art. A process. A labor of love. And unless you take the time to understand it, you might never appreciate what it took to get there.
People are the same way. We meet someone and form an opinion based on what’s in front of us—their appearance, their presence, the way they carry themselves. But just like wine, there are layers beneath the surface. There’s history, struggle, refinement. And when you take the time to ask questions, to be curious, to truly listen, a whole new world opens up. You start to understand the experiences that shaped them, and the resilience it took to become who they are.
Maybe that’s why I love wine so much. It reminds me that depth takes time. That everything—whether a great bottle or a great relationship—requires patience, care, and a willingness to go beyond the surface. And that’s a journey I’ll always be excited to take.
That’s also why I’m so excited to share my experience with IBest Wines, a Black-owned brand that embodies this same philosophy. Their mission, to blend wine, art, and culture while offering a portfolio designed for the modern-day wine drinker, feels both intentional and inspiring.
Their wines, produced in the renowned Stellenbosch region of South Africa, reflect the richness of their origins. The red blend, a harmonious mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Syrah, and a hint of Malbec, offers deep, bold flavors that I paired with a gouda cheese and look forward to trying with some lamb chops or crispy duck. Meanwhile, the white blend, featuring Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc, presents bright aromas of peach, apricot, a little lemon and would complement a creamy, white sauce pasta dish or some chargrilled oysters. I tried the white blend with a brie cheese and wasn’t a fan. However, with a medium ABV and a retail price under $30, iBest Wines are accessible for both the curious novice and the seasoned sommelier. I would definitely recommend it for personal indulgence or even as a gift recommendation.
Beyond the wine itself, the story behind the brand makes me appreciate it even more. Founder Ingrid beautifully captures its essence, saying, “I hope to reach across cultures and customs to create a global conversation over a glass of wine about what it means to be human and to give love and light.” And with every sip, I feel the vision come to life.
I purchased my bottles at my local Total Wines but they can also be purchased on their website at https://ibestwines.com/collections/all/wine.
As always, let me know your thoughts and if you enjoyed the wine!
Until next time!
