About BLACK GRAPES
The Spice Food and Wine Group presents BLACK GRAPES, a Black History Month Celebration.
An evening of celebrating black winemakers and agents from around the world.
In wine, the term ‘black grapes’ is used to describe the grapes that go into making red wine. On February 21st, however, we’re using the term to celebrate wines with contributions made by the black community to celebrate Black History Month.
Come and taste wines from Canada, the United States, South Africa, and more. The wines are curated by sommelier Beverly Crandon, and each come with a unique sense of style and delicious versatility.
EXHIBITOR OVERVIEW
EXHIBITOR OVERVIEW (2026)
TABLE 1
Carmen Stevens
Carmen Stevens Wines
Website: https://cswines.co.za/
Carmen Stevens is a pioneering force in South African wine, the first Black woman winemaker in the country, qualifying in 1995 after battling prejudice to study the craft.
Founder of Carmen Stevens Wines (SA's first 100% Black- and woman-owned winery in Stellenbosch), she’s earned global acclaim: Decanter International Trophy, California Winemaker of the Year (2015), UK Winemaker of the Decade (2018), and SA Entrepreneur of the Year.
Her wines reflect resilience, excellence, and empowerment.
TABLE 2
Gynore Hendricks
Great Heart
Website: https://greatheartwines.com
Gynore Hendricks, from Malmesbury in South Africa’s Swartland, serves as head winemaker for Great Heart Wines and Associate Winemaker at Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, crafting exceptional wines from Swartland, Stellenbosch, and Elgin with natural intensity and sense of place.
A Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme graduate (2017), she leads Great Heart (launched 2020), where all 22 employees are shareholders sharing profits to drive equity and transformation in viticulture. Taste her sustainable vision at Black Grapes.
TABLE 3
Steven Byfield
Nyarai Cellars
Website: https://nyaraicellars.ca
Nyarai Cellars is a “Virtual” winery, in that they do not own their own vineyards or winery building. In creating wines that bear the Nyarai Cellars’ name, careful consideration of ideal vineyard localities is paramount. The strength of individual appellations such as Niagara River, Lincoln Lakeshore and Twenty Valley Bench, go into creating a product of distinct character and elegance. A simplistic approach is followed during the entire winemaking process, which allows for purity-of-fruit to be the main focus.
Nyarai Cellars is being featured at Black Grapes because of Steve's (the winemaker) unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and unleashing many firsts on the industry. Steve has an incredible knack to take grapes from differing sources and turn them into magic, and you will get to taste that at Black Grapes.
TABLE 4
Rachel Adjei
The Abibiman Project
Website: theabibimanproject.com
Chef Rachel Adjei is the founder of The Abibiman Project, a culinary initiative based in Toronto that aims to celebrate and promote African foods and cultures.
With Ghanaian roots, Rachel established the project in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to her desire for greater representation of African cuisine in the culinary world.
The Abibiman Project not only focuses on providing delicious, culturally significant dishes but also emphasizes education about the origins and stories behind the food.
Through her work, Rachel seeks to foster community connections and address issues of food insecurity, particularly within Toronto's Black community, by partnering with organizations like Afri-Can FoodBasket. Her vision is to create a platform where African culinary traditions are recognized and respected on a global scale.
TABLE 5
Troy Amos-Ross
Gloves Off Rosé
Website: Gloves Off Rosé
Troy Amos-Ross is a Canadian retired boxer and proud member of the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame. He represented Canada in two Olympic Games and achieved international success in the ring, celebrated for his skill, determination, and sportsmanship. After hanging up his gloves, Troy brought that same champion’s focus and passion to wine, working with Pillitteri Estates Winery to craft a rosé that reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence.
TABLE 6
Intra Vino Wines
Intra Vino Wines
Website: https://www.intravino.ca
Intra Vino specializes in bringing high quality wines from around the world to Ontario. While they were known for their Greek wine portfolio, the group has expanded its offering while still keeping a keen eye to quality.
Intra Vino is featured at Black Grapes because of Jerome's (he's the one pouring the wines for you) commitment to the community keeping in mind not only traditional wine marketing needs, but the needs of diverse palates that come from a similar background to his.
TABLE 7
Gourmandee Tees
Gourmandee Tees
Website: https://gourmandeetees.com/
Gourmandee Tees is a Black-owned Toronto small business crafting cheeky, stylish apparel celebrating food, beer, wine, and good vibes, from "Champagne Flights" tees and "Rosé All Day" hoodies to embroidered hats perfect for tastings and brewery tours.
Founded for enthusiasts who love to wear their passion, this local brand has been a Black Grapes staple, bringing playful designs that pair perfectly with wine culture. Stop by their table to snag event swag and support Black creativity in the culinary scene.
TABLE 8
Sanda Forever
Website: https://www.sandaforever.com/
Sanda Forever is the organization behind 'Journal, Organize and Colour Your Way to Mindfulness'. This thoughtful journal is a guide designed to support young girls through adulthood in cultivating mindfulness, self-reflection, and creativity. Featuring monthly affirmations, organizational tools, and coloring pages, it encourages healthy habits, confidence, and stress relief at every stage of life. With a special section on “Important Rarely Known Facts About Women,” it also celebrates history and empowerment. Whether for a young girl building self-awareness or an adult seeking balance, this journal is a perfect companion on the mindfulness journey.
TABLE 9
CJ's Punch
Website: https://www.cjspunch.com/
CJ’s Punch started as a family favourite. Reflective of the founders' Kittitian and Jamaican roots, it was the kind of rum punch everyone asked for at every lyme, BBQ, and birthday.
Word spread fast, and soon we were making bigger batches for friends, then friends-of-friends, until it turned into the brand you’re sipping today.
Smooth, non-carbonated, and made with real Caribbean flavour, CJ’s Punch now comes in Mango, Pineapple, and Fruit Punch.
Our mission is simple: bring a taste of the islands to Canadians, one glass at a time.
TABLE 10
Ntsiki Biyela
Aslina Wines
Website: https://www.aslinawines.com
This wine is from South Africa and is made by a force in the industry, Ntsiki Biyela.
Ntsiki grew up in a small village in KwaZulu-Natal and was once a domestic worker until she got a scholarship to study wine at Stellenbosch University. In 2004 she was hired by a brand as their winemaker, making her the first black female winemaker in South Africa. In 2009 she was named South Africa’s Woman Winemaker of the Year. Finally, in 2017, with her own funds, she started her wine brand, Aslina Wines.
Ntsiki Biyela now sits on the board of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy – an organization focused on supporting youth who want to pursue a career in wine. Moreover, a portion of her wine sales goes to help the organization in their fundraising
efforts.
Aslina Wines is imported to Ontario through the Gradwell Wines Agency
TABLE 11
Shawn Mathyse
Ken Forrester Wines
Website: https://kenforresterwines.com/
Shawn Mathyse is a talented South African winemaker at Ken Forrester Wines, where he has honed his craft since 2014. As the protégé of renowned winemaker Ken Forrester, Shawn has developed a deep understanding of the unique terroir and crafting exceptional Chenin Blanc.
His approach emphasizes meticulous vineyard management and natural fermentation processes, allowing the grapes to express their true character.
Shawn's commitment to quality is evident in his work on the iconic FMC, where he carefully selects and blends grapes from old bush vines to create a complex and balanced wine that showcases both richness and elegance. His innovative techniques and dedication to sustainability continue to elevate Ken Forrester Wines' reputation in the global wine community.
The Ken Forrester wines are represented by Noble Estates and can be ordered through them or at the LCBO.
TABLE 11
Natasha Williams
Two Oceans Wines
Website: https://www.twooceanswines.com/
Natasha Williams is the winemaker behind Two Oceans, one of South Africa’s most widely enjoyed wine brands, produced at The Bergkelder on the outskirts of Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch‑born and raised, she worked her way up through cellar roles and road shows to become the face of a range now poured in more than 80 countries, known for smooth, refreshing wines that overdeliver for their price.
Drawing fruit from cool coastal vineyards influenced by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Natasha focuses on creating approachable, varietal‑true wines that still express their Cape origins. Curious and technically driven, she experiments in the cellar to optimize texture and flavour, taking seriously what she calls the “massive responsibility” of crafting wines that everyday drinkers will enjoy and remember.
Two Oceans Wines are also available in the LCBO.
Our Sponsors
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation in the Canadian automotive industry. They provide Black talent and youth with access to mentorship for skills building and peer networking to support professional growth and career development. They facilitate career pathing through the form of internships to attract more Black talent to automotive and build awareness of opportunities within the industry.
Wines of South Africa: We are deeply grateful to Wines of South Africa (WOSA) for their generous support of Black Grapes 2026. As the industry body dedicated to promoting South African wine globally, WOSA plays a key role in showcasing the country’s diverse regions, innovative producers, and world‑class winemaking on the international stage. Their partnership helps us spotlight Black South African winemakers and projects featured at this year’s event, connecting Toronto wine lovers with stories and bottles that reflect both heritage and progress in the Cape winelands.
