Chicago, IL, now has its first Black-owned and operated winery.
Vintrendi Wine Company
Vintrendi Wine Company opened in 2017 and is led by Rick and Carin Nesbitt, according to the winery’s website. Carin serves as chief financial officer and operations manager, while Rick serves as CEO and winemaker.
Per the company website, Carin brings over 30 years of experience in the financial sector to the role. She worked at a boutique financial and investment firm as an operations manager before dedicating herself to Vintrendi Wine Company.
In conversation with NBC Chicago, Rick made it clear he was no stranger to the wine and liquor industry, and his involvement dates back to 1998. He has worked as a salesperson, learning the fundamentals of merchandising and running wine floor programs at major chain stores, and as a marketer at various alcoholic beverage distributors in the state, according to the winery’s website.
He reached a point where he recognized he wanted more ownership in the space, he told NBC Chicago.
“I latched onto it and ran with it and grew with it and made the job my career, and finally I’m at ownership,” he told the outlet.
He also noted in his conversation with NBC Chicago that his observations while working as a salesperson further prepared him to pursue ownership.
“Dealing directly with the consumers from time to time, it was more or less a business-to-business job. But dealing with the customers, showing them our wines that I would represent, I found that there were niches in the market that weren’t being covered or things that could have been done better. And that might’ve been as far as the actual wine or even the packaging,” he explained to the outlet.
Wines Available
Rick dedicated time to learning about winemaking practices and wanted to create wines that were approachable and easy to drink. This prompted him to develop Vintrendi Wine Company’s distinct offerings, including Vintrendi Winter Wine, V.C Caramel Apple, Vintrendi Almond, Vintrendi Blaqberry, and more, notes the company website. All wines are made in-house at the winery and are also available at select retail stores in the metropolitan Chicago area.
Vintrendi Wine Company also has a tasting room and lounge for additional entertainment, according to the company’s website.
Looking ahead, Rick told NBC Chicago that the goal is to see more representation in the wine industry.
“Get the word out. Demystify the process. Let others see that it’s not just a cultural thing related to one group. It can be spread out, and the sky’s the limit.”
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