On a sunset-kissed bluff, Southern University alumni and associates gathered in stunning cocktail attire at the Cultural & Heritage Center for the annual Vino on the Bluff event. Hosted by the Ag Research Center on Friday, October 18, this wine tasting and fundraising event spotlighted Black-owned wineries while calling the community to action.
The event, which has become a yearly tradition, emphasizes Southern University’s commitment to highlighting Black entrepreneurs in the wine industry and encouraging community support. It also serves as a platform to raise awareness and funds for SU’s agricultural research, particularly its enology and viticulture programs.
When asked why viticulture was chosen as the theme for the fundraiser, McMeans explained the significant earning potential within this niche market. “Down south, most of the grapes grown are muscadines, which don’t produce wine of as much quality,” McMeans noted. “Our researchers wanted to take on the challenge of developing grape varieties and cultivars that we can then introduce to our small, Black, and socially disadvantaged farmers.”
McMeans also revealed that SU’s enology and viticulture programs are among the first in the southern region to run trials on grape cultivars that were previously unable to grow in this climate, marking a breakthrough for agricultural research in the area.
As state funding decreases, their developed programs in enology (the study of wine production) and viticulture (the cultivation of grapes) continue to thrive. This annual event not only exposes our students to opportunities in horticulture but also showcases Black-owned businesses involved in wine production.edited
One of the featured businesses at the event was Greenwood Whiskey, represented by co-founder Greg Rush. The company’s name is a tribute to the historic Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, also known as Black Wall Street. “This month marks four years since we started Greenwood Whiskey,” Rush said. “Coming from a corporate background, my partners and I wanted to leave a legacy. We were inspired by the Black Wall Street story and how dollars circulated within the community—something we aim to emulate with our brand.”
The event successfully blended Southern’s agricultural research efforts with a celebration of Black-owned businesses, creating a meaningful and memorable experience for attendees.
For more information on Greenwood Whiskey, visit greenwoodwhiskey.com
