Issa Rae introduced herself as a winemaker to an exclusive crowd in Inglewood, Calif. last week. Celebrating her prosecco brand Viarae, ticketholders braced a rainy evening for a warm, intimate wine-tasting, with the Insecure creator standing proudly beside her new business venture. Hosted at 1010 Wine and Events, the first and only Black-owned wine bar in the city, the affair continues the company’s “MEET THE WINEMAKER” series.
A special menu was curated to perfectly pair with Viarae, as well as craft cocktails with the sparkling wine as the base. Food offerings included Chicago-style fried chicken wings, salmon bites, oysters Rockefeller, and sliders. For sipping purposes, attendees enjoyed with chilled glasses of the featured prosecco, as well as options including a cocktail that added peach puree and aromatic mint to the mix.
“Cheers to prosperity, health, and Blackness,” toasted Issa Rae, as every champagne flute in the venue clinked in agreement.
As the 39-year-old talent and 1010 Wine and Events co-owner and co-founder, Leslie Jones, took the time to introduce themselves to all guests, DJ R-Tistic kept the evening exciting with throwback and fresh-dropped R&B, Hip-Hop, and more.
Viarae Prosecco is crafted from 100% Glera — the traditional grape of Prosecco — grown and made by the La Marca cooperative in Treviso in Northern Italy. The Barbie actress partnered with E. & J. Gallo Winery to launch her brand.
“Issa also shares our mission to demystify wine and make it more inclusive,” explained Beth Orozco, Vice President of Marketing for E. & J. Gallo Winery. “Viarae will help us reach that goal.”
Take a look inside 1010 Wine and Events’ MEET THE WINEMAKER with Issa Rae below.
