June 28th 2024.
There's an exciting new addition to the wine scene that's sure to elevate your summer sipping experience. Meet Marble Wines, the brainchild of dynamic duo Latoya Jordan and Brianna Shelko. This minority- and women-owned company is here to bring a splash of diversity and a whole lot of flavor to your favorite poolside beverage.
Launched in February 2023, Marble Wines is not your average pretty bottle on the shelf. In an exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, co-founder Latoya Jordan shared the company's mission to celebrate the brilliance and resilience of women, one glass at a time. What inspired this vision? "We really felt like it was a great time for women to connect and collaborate," Jordan explained, highlighting the brand's goal to break down barriers and showcase the power of women from different cultures coming together.
Behind this innovative brand lies a story of passion and purpose. As a co-founder, Jordan brings her Black girl magic and experience as a successful business attorney to the table. Her journey from disability advocate to entrepreneurial trailblazer led her to this delicious venture, fueled by a desire to amplify women's voices and promote diversity in the wine industry. Co-founder Brianna Shelko, a white woman from Rhode Island, is an award-winning singer-songwriter. Both women relocated to Georgia during their early childhoods and met before embarking on this wine journey. Jordan approached Shelko about becoming a founding member of Marble Wines, and she eagerly brought her expertise in digital marketing and advocacy for women to the table. The duo started discussing plans for their company back in 2021, driven by a shared passion to build a community of women.
But why the name "Marble"? Jordan explained the symbolism behind it: just like the interlocking mosaics of marble, each piece unique yet contributing to a stunning whole, this brand celebrates individuality while creating something truly remarkable in the wine industry. According to Jordan, the name reflects the partnership and represents what the co-founders hope to instill in other women. "We have this hope that for each woman who drinks Marble, she's able to see herself reflected... figuratively in terms of what it is," she said.
Now, let's talk about what's inside the Marble Wines bottle. Their debut blend, Marble Red, is a medium-bodied stunner that strikes the perfect balance between dry and sweet. With hints of dark berries, fresh plum, and raspberry compote, this velvety-smooth blend is designed to please both red wine connoisseurs and those new to the world of reds. "We really wanted to create something that will slowly transition... and take the intimidation out of trying new things," Jordan shared. "We intentionally created Marble to be a feast for the eyes, the taste buds, and the spirit." So, if you've been hesitant to venture into the world of red wine, consider this your gilded invitation.
Speaking of gilded, Jordan revealed the thought and care that went into the eye-catching bottle design. It's not just a vessel; it's a work of art. Jordan and Shelko went the extra mile, holding focus groups to ensure their label resonated with women. "What the women said they wanted to see was representation," Jordan recalled. For the co-founders, it wasn't enough to just put a woman on the bottle. The result? A stunning bottle adorned with gold elements and a unique reflective paper that allows you to see your own reflection in the sunglasses on the label. The artwork itself was created by the talented hands of Black illustrator and painter Perryn Ryan Ford, adding another layer of diversity to this already inclusive brand.
Jordan assured us that women will want to keep this bottle long after the last drop is gone, and Marble Wines isn't stopping at just one blend. With biracial vintner and master blender Chris Christensen on board, the brand is poised to push even more boundaries in the future.
So, what's next for Marble Wines? The sky's the limit! With plans for future collaborations with like-minded entrepreneurs and brands, this is just the beginning of a wine revolution. Whether you're lounging by the pool, hosting a girls' night, or simply unwinding after a long day, reach for a bottle of Marble Red. It's more than just a wine – it's a celebration of beauty, individuality, and connection. Every sip of Marble Wines is a toast to diversity, empowerment, and the joy of trying something new.
The owners of Marble Wines envision wine drinkers pouring themselves a glass, admiring their reflections in that unique bottle, and raising a toast to the future of wine.
And speaking of Black-owned wineries, have you heard of Cyrenity Sips? Owner Shakia Williams runs the first Black-owned winery in Southeast Pennsylvania. Cheers to Black entrepreneurs breaking barriers and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive wine industry.
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