April 16, 2015
Leading Through the Vines: Meet Wine Power Brokers Robin and Andréa McBride
You’ve been making wine for nearly 10 years with two wine brands under the McBride Sisters banner, what are the differences in the brands?
Generally speaking, everything we do is rooted in sustainability, so anything under the McBride Sisters banner will reflect that. Our wines are easy to drink and approachable. We stay away from heavy-handed oak fermentation. We focus on spending quality time in the vineyards because everything is terroir-driven. Our wines express the regions where they are from, including the soil and microclimates.
The first wine brand under our banner is eco.love Wines from New Zealand, which include the varietal Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. New Zealand is a very unique and equally amazing place. The wines really express the region. The second is Truvée Wines (Truvée means “to findâ€) from the Central Coast of California, which include a Chardonnay and a Red Blend. The Central Coast of California is magical and gorgeous. Its wines also express the land and viticulture.
You both seem pretty keen on sustainability and the way forward, with family and the environment taking center stage. How are you doing your part to ensure sustainability?
We believe that you have to take care of people and the planet. Frankly, it boils down to three main ingredients: healthy vineyards, healthy community and higher quality grapes, which of course yield higher quality wines. But, it’s not just about doing the right thing; it integrates the environmental, social and economic structure, and just as importantly, contributes to better quality. We are also doing our part to minimize climate change by incorporating water management, soil health, and further integration of sustainable practices are all components of learning how to farm using new ideologies and processes in a changing environment.
As the first African American sisters to own a wine company–an extraordinary accomplishment–what’s been your experience? Any challenges or unexpected successes?
There have been plenty of challenges for sure. Initially, there was a lack of acceptance, especially with us working on all aspects. You could say that it was hard for some people to swallow. However, a great deal has changed over the past several years. And, through it all, we’ve remained incredibly focused on delivering exceptional wine. What we’ve come to know is that everyone can make and enjoy great wine. That’s really the bottom line.
You talk a great deal about women supporting women, which I think is critical. How do you think supporting each other makes a difference in business?
In general, when women get together and have same interests it can be incredibly powerful. It can be a force that’s difficult to stop in the marketplace. And, even though the ‘glass ceiling’ exists, by encouraging and supporting each other we can break through it–together. Camaraderie among women is very important. Additionally, being role models and helping to mentor the younger generation plays a significant role in this equation.
Ladies, thank you for sharing your incredible story of sisterhood and entrepreneurship. Your story is one that can only be complemented by your wine. And, I cannot wait to taste it (I’m sure our readers are thinking the same thing!). So, let’s beat them to the punch: Where can we find your wines?
At grocery stores near you, nationwide: Safeway, Kroger, Albertsons, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Jewel Osco, Roundy’s and more!
To keep up with the McBride Sisters and learn more about their wines, visit: http://www.mcbridesisters.com/le-negociant or follow them on twitter: @MySisterAndrea and @MySisterRobin.
Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq. is the founder and CEO of WordSmithRapport, an international consulting firm specializing in professional development. Follow her on Twitter: @WSRapport or visit her website, WordSmithRapport.com.