WSD Semester Abroad: Race & the South African Wine Industry

As a black woman, whenever I step into a winery or a wine tasting or a tasting event, I scan the room to see who’s there. What’s the scene, what’s the demographic. I don’t know why, it’s just something I do when I’m in a space that I think or is known to be a predominately white space. Back when I first started attending wine tastings is like 2006 or so in Washington DC, the makeup of the room was vastly different than it is now. And I have to say I smile a bit to myself because of this!! The American wine industry is a lot more colorful now if I may say so. Buuuuuut there is still more work to be done. So, when I went to South Africa and toured around Stellenbosch, I was very intrigued to see what it would be like. I’m thinking it’s Africa so black, right? When I stepped off the plane and into the airport, yep I was right, there were black people as far as the eye could see. It was great! I was whisked away to the wine region of Stellenbosh and was greeted at the front gates, then saw people working in the vineyards, a black gentleman poured me a glass of wine in the tasting room. Okay Stellenbosch, this is great!! As I started to meet the managers and the owners, the colors faded away.CREDITS:Thank you for listening to Wine School Dropout. This podcast was produced by Studio Ochenta.Hosted by Tanisha Townsend.Our executive producer is Lory Martinez.Edited by our sound designer is Luis Lopez.Our Producrion Manager is Catalina Hoyos.Our theme was done by Gabriel Dalmasso.Music is by Makaih beats.Our logo is by Tiffanie Delune.Follow us @wineschooldropout on IG. If you like the show, tell a friend about it and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Until next time, sit back, relax and have a glass.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/wine-school-dropout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.