Brian C. Kincaid didn’t expect to become Ohio’s first Black enologist.
“It’s still a surreal moment for me,” the Cleveland native says. “It’s been almost a year since graduation, and it’s still fresh on my mind for real.”
Before going to Kent State University to study enology, Kincaid was a full-time jazz musician, playing the clarinet.
Enology is the chemistry-based science behind winemaking, brewing and distillery. Kent State Ashtabula was the first Ohio university to offer enology programs.
Following his graduation in 2023, he became Ohio's first Black enologist.
For two years, Kincaid and his wife, Maya, were owners of a catering business — a mobile salad bar which they called Dressed to Kale. The two had to halt business after the pandemic altered plans. After a few weeks of following COVID-19 protocols, the couple made a pivot in their business, focusing on selling meals to essential workers across Cleveland.
After success with the continuance of their catering business, a partnership with the late Mansfield Frazier — the owner of the Hough vineyard Chateau Hough — inspired Kincaid to pave his own path in the world of wine.
Kincaid spent the summer selling salads and wine in Frazier’s vineyard. Unexpectedly, Frazier offered to send Kincaid to school to learn more about the wine business.
“I started school that fall in 2020 and haven’t turned back since,” Kincaid says. “We’ve been locked in ever since.”
Since then, Frazier has passed away. But Kincaid wants to continue to build on Frazier’s legacy.
“[Mansfield] was very adamant about [me] completing [school] and making this history,” Kincaid says, “and doing something great for generations.”
There are 11,600 wineries operating in the United States. Black-owned wineries represent less than 1% of that, according to the Association of African American Vintners. Wine has been perceived as a symbol for social and economic status, which could be intimidating for most people. But Kincaid wants to teach people that you don’t have to be of a certain status to enjoy wine. Kincaid uses his Instagram to post educational videos and reviews on various types of wine.
“I want to make [wine] more approachable,” “Like [we] said in the beginning, how intimidating it can be, and how pretentious wine people can be, gatekeepers. I want to bring [wine] to the forefront. Like not only is it cool, but you can get into wine easily.”
“It gets to a point where wine doesn’t really have a face anymore,” he adds. “You can just drink it for what it is. It can take the fun away if you think about it too much. It’s all about enjoying it. Enjoying the moment that you have with the wine. That’s the most important part and who you’re drinking the wine with.”
Kincaid recommends his five favorite Black- and woman-owned wineries, all based in Northeast Ohio.
Chateau Hough
Why Kincaid loves it: Chateau Hough, located in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood, is where the wine journey began. Kincaid’s wife, Maya, grew up next door to the vineyard and was mentored by its founder, Mansfield Frazier.
Zesty Compass
Why Kincaid loves it: Kincaid says Zesty Compass is perfect for special occasions.
2 You Wine
Why Kincaid loves it: 2 You incorporates a variety of fruits in its wine.
Vitamin Kandie
Why Kincaid loves it: This brand specializes in vegan wine.
Amani Vine Winery
Why Kincaid loves it: Bold and unique characteristics define this winery.
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