Table 86

28: Using Digital Media to center Diverse Voices in the Wine Industry with Sarita Cheaves of VineMeUp

Dr. Geo Banks-Weston Season 2 Episode 16

From podcaster to blogger to author, Sarita Cheaves is a wine media producer with a passion for food and wine. A DC native, she is known for discovering great wines and unique wine pairings and has a WSET (Wine Spirits Education Trust) certification.  Sarita's latest launch is a wine activity book titled to be adored by wine enthusiasts and those seeking knowledge about Blacks in wine.

In this episode Sarita shares how a trip to Napa Valley propelled her interest in wine. She also shares how the podcast she produces The Swirl Suite helped her to center Black women in the wine industry, and how through blogging and writing she has been able to think outside of the box to educate consumers and make wine more accessible to everyone. In the Table Topic, I lead a fun "unconventional wine pairing" exercise where Sarita offers her recommendations for pairing wine with some of your favorite corner store snacks!

Learn more about Sarita Cheaves, listen to The Swirl Suite podcast, and read her blog Vine Me Up below:

Below are the wine and snack pairings that were mentioned by Sarita.

  • Snickers and Chardonnay (Oaked)
  • Ice Cream Sandwiches and California Zinfandel 
  • Hot Fries or Flaming Hot Cheetos and Tokaji or Tokay 
  • Funyun Rings and Chardonnay (Oaked or Unoaked)
  • Cherry Popsicle and Rosé (Pinot Noir)
  • Chico Sticks and Red Blend (Portuguese)
  • Popcorn and Cava or Champagne

Also mentioned by Sarita Cheaves in this episode:


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