#USA #Washington, D.C. #UrFriendCharles #Black-owned brands #Wine + Culture Fest

UrFriendCharles.com Expands Platform

UrFriendCharles.com, known as the leading online marketplace for Black-owned spirits, has recently made significant strides to connect communities with culture. With the recent expansion featuring more than 350 new brands, the platform is determined to highlight the abundance of talent and creativity within the Black-owned beverage sector. Founder Charles Everett III is leading this mission and he made a notable appearance at the Wine + Culture Fest held in Washington, D.C., as a featured moderator during an engaging panel discussion.

New Launches and Partnerships

The platform now showcases an impressive range of over 60 Black-owned wine labels, as part of its ongoing endeavor to merge commerce, culture, and community. Together with noteworthy partnerships like The Wine Concierge, they curate wines crafted by women and minority winemakers, adding to the diversity represented in the platform's offerings. Their collaboration with Taste Select Repeat (TSR), a spirits-tech company, further amplifies the selection available for shoppers, providing rare and small-batch bottles.

Featured Products

The new product lineup is designed to cater to a wide audience, introducing items that combine style and social impact. For instance, the Giselle Collection features beautifully hand-blown glassware that celebrates the beauty of diversity, while Aplomo Spirits offer a unique tequila, rooted in Jalisco and nurtured in Atlanta. Moreover, Lovejoy's Brand, known for its beloved Bloody Mary mix featured in Oprah's Favorite Things, contributes to community support through a portion of its sales. The Smith Wines bring forth innovative, small-batch vintages free from additives. Meanwhile, Sable Bourbon steps into the market, united through the vision of celebrities like Taye Diggs and Morris Chestnut.

A New Wave of Games

In addition to beverages, UrFriendCharles.com is also promoting a new set of Black-owned card games ideal for social gatherings, enhancing the entertainment aspect of connecting through culture. Titles such as PO' UP! and That's Dope are perfect for kickbacks and family game nights, adding new dimensions to social interactions.

Engaging with the Community

The Wine + Culture Fest took place from July 17 to 19, where Charles Everett moderated a prominent panel titled, "Paired with Style: Pour Decisions That Built a Movement." This session intended to explore the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and cultural change via beverage entrepreneurship. Hosting such impactful dialogues, the festival, which is recognized as the premier Black-led experience in the wine industry, serves as an avenue for tastemakers to share their narratives.

In alignment with their commitment to social responsibility, UrFriendCharles.com has allocated a portion of its profits to GOODProjects, a nonprofit organization based in Ward 6 of Southwest D.C. This organization offers essential support to families, focusing on after-school programs, job assistance, and community-building efforts to empower people living in so-called 'GOODZones'. Their comprehensive approach includes pathways to sustainable living and goals for increased family income, which resonates with UrFriendCharles's larger mission.

Discovering Black-Owned Brands

UrFriendCharles.com serves as a vital platform not only for purchasing Black-owned beverages but also for understanding and participating in the cultural storytelling that these brands encapsulate. With a seamless shopping experience that promotes informed choices, users are encouraged to explore the cultural heritage behind every sip. The expansion of the platform is dedicated to ensuring that each purchase contributes to uplifting the Black community.

To explore further, visit UrFriendCharles.com.