Black Winemaker Receives a Sizable Boost From Alcohol Giant

Black Winemaker Receives a Sizable Boost From Alcohol Giant


Constellation Brands Inc.—a leading alcohol and beverage distributor—announced that it has acquired a minority stake in the fast-rising rosé label, La Fête du Rosé. According to the press release, the Black-owned brand, which was created by winemaker Donae Burston, caters to diverse drinkers who share common interests across travel, food, experiences, and wine. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

On May 13, Miami-based La Fête du Rosé posted a Facebook message stating that in 2020, Constellation Brands Inc. announced that they would invest $100 million in African American/Black and minority-owned businesses in the beverage alcohol space and adjacent categories by 2030.

“We are happy to share that La Fête du Rosé is the first company to secure an investment from Constellation Brands Ventures. We are 100% committed to our mission of dispelling rosé stereotypes and building a brand that authentically speaks to diverse and multicultural consumers,” the post said.

@thurstonburstoniii- Instagram

CBS Miami also reported that Jennifer Evans, Constellation Brand Inc.’s vice president of Ventures, wrote in an email that Burston created a truly unique and distinctive lifestyle brand. It is believed the rosé category continues to have a lot of growth potential. Additionally, Evans credited La Fête du Rosé’s consumer-first approach to building a brand that reflects today’s multicultural consumer values, according to CBS Miami.

Burston’s win with securing the partnership will allow the brand to soar to new heights.

“For so many minority-owned businesses, the hardest part is access to capital and infrastructure,” Burston also said in the CBS Miami interview. “We want to continue to grow and grow the right way while maintaining our brand’s story.”

The entrepreneur also told Wine Spectator that he wants his wine to be the No. 1 luxury rosé in the world.

 


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