Fall 2023 starts our HBCU wine tour. In partnership with Wine & Hip Hop, we’re coming to your school. This wine awareness event will build a bridge to connecting the Black Community in wine. We’ll be teaching all the basics of wine, with some of the best sommeliers in the industry. This will offer a safe space to learn about wine with our own custom tasting guide. Additionally, participants can expect the unveiling of The Roots Fund’s new wine tasting grid that is culturally relevant, presented by Jermaine Stone. Expect scholarships, wine prizes, giveaways, and amazing conversation. Looking forward to seeing you there.
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ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
Donae Burston is a luxury wine & spirits leader with over 15 years of industry experience. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Donae achieved a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University in 1998. He concurrently completed a second degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech before beginning his career in the information technology sector, initially consulting on Healthcare Systems. In 2003, Donae entered the alcohol industry, working on the promotional side of several iconic brands in the US, before joining the luxury group LVMH. During his 10+ years with the company, he worked across brands such as Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Moet & Chandon, Belvedere Vodka, and Hennessy Cognac. While with LVMH, in 2011, Donae created the first-ever luxury champagne bar in a sports arena at American Airlines Arena during the Miami Heat's championship run. In 2016, Donae became the Regional Director of the Southeast US, Caribbean, and Latin America regions of Armand de Brignac Champagne.
Throughout his career, Donae found that, in general, the wine industry was not embracing the multicultural consumer. He wanted to create a quality product inspired by his zest for life and travel that homed in on catering to the margin that had been overlooked, particularly when it came to rosé. With a commitment to creating an authentic and exceptional St. Tropez rosé and breaking tradition and convention by reimagining the luxury wine drinker and energizing the category, in the summer of 2019, La Fête du Rosé - a brand that speaks to all demographics - was born. The name "La Fête" translates to "the rosé party," one that everyone is invited. Under Donae's leadership, La Fête du Rosé was the fastest-growing luxury imported rosé label of 2021 and is now the #3 luxury imported rosé brand in the US, according to IRI.
Since its inception, La Fête has donated a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold to various programs that send underrepresented youth on unique travel experiences and organizations focused on creating opportunities for the BIPOC community in the wine and spirits industry.
Donae splits his time between Miami and Atlanta, where he lives with his fiancée and their son, Noah.
Jermaine Stone is a visionary entrepreneur, wine expert, and hip-hop artist who has redefined the intersection of wine and music, creating a cultural movement that brings these worlds together. Known as the “ The Wolf of Wine,” Jermaine has broken barriers in the wine industry, challenging traditional narratives and blending wine and hip-hop in innovative ways. He started Wine and Hip Hop, a creative agency that connects these two art forms through marketing, brand partnerships, and content creation. His career spans over a decade, taking him from humble beginnings to becoming the first Black commercial wine auctioneer, as well as Auction Director.
Growing up in the Bronx, Jermaine’s deep connection to hip-hop culture shaped his worldview and continues to influence his work today. Before entering the wine industry, he was a rapper, and music has always been a vital part of his identity. This fusion of hip-hop and wine is evident in all his projects, including his visual and event series Tasting Notes From The Streets where he pairs his favorite food from the hood with the best wines from around the world or Wine & Hip Hop Show podcast, where he dives into the shared cultural connections between wine and hip-hop using his ability to blend authenticity with knowledge has made him a sought-after figure in both industries.
Jermaine’s introduction to wine began at Zachys Wine Auctions, where he started in the shipping department. Over time, he worked his way up to becoming the auction director at Wally’s in Los Angeles, where he built deep relationships with iconic winemakers and fine wine clients. In 2020, Jermaine pivoted his focus to content creation and events, growing his business significantly by 2023. His entrepreneurial success has been driven by his passion for storytelling and his desire to challenge the status quo in both the wine and music industries.
He is also the star of the Tastemade series Street Somm, a show that blends wine education with entertainment. The series has earned nominations for both a Daytime Emmy and a James Beard Award, reflecting his ability to connect with audiences through engaging content. Jermaine has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, Sway in the Morning, Us Weekly, and Wine Enthusiast, where he was named one of the 40 Under 40 Tastemakers.
One of Jermaine’s most notable projects is the Terroir Tapes Listening Sessions, where he explores the cultural and environmental influences that shape both wine and hip-hop. This project has taken him across the United States, bringing together winemakers and hip-hop producers to explore the parallels between these two art forms. In 2023, Jermaine made history by hosting the first-ever Wine & Hip Hop event at Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy, solidifying his role as a global influencer in both the wine and hip-hop worlds.
Jermaine’s latest work, Wine Barz Vol. 1: For The Love, is a groundbreaking book that blends wine education with hip-hop culture. Using lyrics from his EP For The Love Vol. 1, Jermaine teaches readers about wine through a fresh, culturally relevant lens. The book also provides insight into the wine business and career advice, continuing his mission to make wine more accessible and inclusive.
In 2024, Jermaine continues to push boundaries, whether through hosting dynamic events, creating music, or educating the next generation of wine enthusiasts. He remains a trailblazer, proving that the fusion of wine and hip-hop is not only possible but powerful.