When 17 year old Trayvon Martin was murdered by George Zimmerman in 2012, I walked out the doors of my NYC office and right into a peaceful protest, where I shouted the words that seem to be on repeat lately: NO JUSTICE. NO PEACE.

It was transformative, and electrifying. I was convinced we’d change the world tomorrow since we made such a racket! ...And nothing happened. George Zimmerman still walks free today.

When George Floyd was murdered at the hands of police this year, it wrecked me. I said no when my husband asked if I wanted to march. I wish I had the bravery that so many of you do but with the value of Black lives somehow constantly in question, I just don’t feel very brave. I told him I was sure we’d find something that made sense for us, having no clue what that something might be.

Shortly after, I shut down @ChasingGrapeness, my FLX-wine focused instagram account for reasons you can read about here. The outreach was thrilling, and within days of sharing my words, I met Chris Grocki (of Rochester’s The Historic German House), who helped me evolve the brand. Chasing Grapeness became a wine pairing dinner shining a light on the lack of diversity within the wine industry (in New York State and beyond) in the hopes of creating a more inclusive atmosphere for everyone, regardless of skin color.

Shortly after the dinner, my husband called me a warrior and I just wept and wept in response. A much needed release. He held me as I cried those real ugly tears and told me I’d found my something 🖤

Portions of the text above are from my original instagram post from 6/10/20.

Chasing Grapeness at Avvino | July 27, 2020

$3061 raised
For local non-profits Yoga 4 A Good Hood and the Black Physicians Network of Greater Rochester

5 courses
Designed by Avvino Executive Chef Tim Caschette

Featured wines
Living Roots – 2018 Orchards of Seneca Chardonnay (FLX)
Lamoreaux Landing – 2018 Gewürztraminer (FLX)
Osmote – 2019 DeChaunac (FLX)
Hermann J. Wiemer – 2012 Reserve Dry Riesling (FLX)
Abbey Creek – 2017 Diva#2 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Black-owned)
Brown Estate – 2018 Eastside Zinfandel (Napa, Blacked-owned)

Chasing Grapeness at The Historic German House | October 5, 2020

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$3826 raised
For local non-profits Yoga 4 A Good Hood and the Black Physicians Network of Greater Rochester

5 courses
Designed by Executive Chef Sean Wolf

Featured wines
Red Tail Ridge – 2018 The Noble Pursuit Late Harvest Riesling (FLX)
Weis Vineyards – 2019 Grüner Veltliner (FLX)
Hermann J. Wiemer – 2018 Cabernet Franc Magdalena Vineyard (FLX)
Brown Estate – 2018 Chaos Theory Napa, Blacked-owned)
McBride Sisters – NV Brut Rosé (California/New Zealand, Black-owned)

I am beyond thankful to the allies, partners, and volunteers that donated their time, their venues, their pay & tips, their wine, their floral, and their (masked) smiles to bring these dinners to life. And a special thank you to my friends Linh for pushing me to write, and Chris for setting the dinners into motion. I am forever thankful to all of you for this platform, and for helping drive and inspire change 💕

I look forward to (safely) dining with you in 2021 🥂

Photos by Avvino, The Historic German House, Breanna Banford, and myself.