Oakland, CA – April 24, 2023 – For the first time ever, the Black Food & Wine Experience—a mission-driven event that bridges food, beverage, education, health, and Black culture—will return for its sixth celebration from June 11-18, 2023, expanding beyond Oakland to locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout the weeklong event, attendees of all backgrounds are invited to sample a range of food and beverages that span the African Diaspora; meet industry veterans as well as up-and-coming Black chefs, winemakers, and spirit makers; learn about the latest trends; and network among their fellow foodies.
Founded by Aminah “Chef Mimi” Robinson-Briscoe, the Black Food & Wine Experience provides a space where Black excellence and hospitality are cultivated, celebrated, and explored by everyone. Highlights include a Food & Beverage Summit, Winemaker Dinner Series, and Afro-Caribbean Experience—not to mention a Grand Tasting at the historic Ferry Building in San Francisco.
“It is a joy and privilege to showcase the rich food and beverage culture and incredible hospitality professionals of the African Diaspora in the Bay Area, arguably one of the best culinary destinations in the world,” said Chef Mimi. “This experiential escape for foodies into a world purveyed by Black culinary creatives, chefs, restaurants and vintners is a wonderful way to highlight often overlooked Black industry talent allowing them, too, to inspire, share and to grow in these challenging times.”
Part of this year’s Black Food & Wine Experience is the second annual Black Food & Beverage Summit, which is aimed at supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) Food & Beverage entrepreneurs. The Summit will be led by Colleen Vincent, vice president of community for the James Beard Foundation on June 15, 2023 at 1955 Broadway in Oakland. In addition to opportunities for community building and recruitment, this industry-focused event will feature educational panel discussions addressing topics ranging from access to entry and funding, business resources, and navigating the food and beverage industry.
2023 speakers include:
● Julia Collins, founder and CEO, Planet FWD
● Sheila Hackbarth, director of sales and business development, Moët Hennessy US
● Fern Stroud, founder, Black Vines
● Kai Nortey, CEO and co-founder, kubé Nice Cream
● Dr. Chris Wachira, owner of Wachira Wines and Karibu Wine Lounge
● Chadwick D. Spell, chief operating officer, Wachira Wines
● Alicia Kidd, Coco Noir Wine Shop & Bar
● Julian Peebles and Tory Brown, Common Ground Spirits
● Lamont Perriman, owner, Montperi Catering and Events
More Program Highlights
● The Afro-Caribbean Experience (Sabor Caribe) – June 13 (5 or 7 p.m.) – Lita’s Restaurant & Bar
Nourish your soul and appetite as we welcome Juneteenth with Sabor Caribe, an extraordinary epicurean adventure honoring the African influence in Caribbean culture. In partnership with Gabriela Fernandez of The Big Sip and Lita Walnut Creek, The Black Food and Wine Experience invites everyone to immerse themselves in a joyous Afro-Caribbean celebration where Chef Sean Street will bridge his Trinidadian and Tobagonian heritage alongside Latin spices and flavors with a four-course dinner and cocktail pairing.
Of course, no feast is complete without entertainment! Sabor Caribe will feature dancers, live music, and iconic Black & Latin community members from the greater Bay Area. Get a full taste of Afro-Caribbean culture fused with upscale Miami vibes as we come together in the heart of Walnut Creek. Two seatings are available at 5 and 7 p.m., respectively.
● Black Wall Street Dinner – June 14 (7-10 p.m.) – Oakland Museum of California
Guests will join Chef Mimi and Chef Michelle of Town Fare at the Oakland Museum of California for an intimate, candlelit Tastemakers dinner to celebrate diversity, Juneteenth, and the legacy of Black Wall Street.
● The Grand Tasting – June 17 (7 -11 p.m.) – San Francisco Ferry Building
Sample the food, wine, and cocktails of the African Diaspora at The Black Food & Wine Experience’s Grand Tasting in the famed San Francisco Ferry Building. Celebrate Black culture and excellence with your fellow foodies, while tasting from celebrated and rising chefs, restaurants, winemakers, and spirit purveyors. The event will feature limited available wines, barrel samples, and culinary concepts with incomparable flavor, not to mention live entertainment and activations followed by an afterparty at the exclusive members-only SF Battery.
Sponsors for the Black Food & Wine Experience include Treasury Wine Estates, Barcardi, J-Harden Wines, San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace, Visit Oakland, ESO Ventures and the Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce. For sponsorship inquiries and full program details, please visit thechefmimi.com/bfwe. To purchase tickets, click here.
