07/07/2026
This weekend, we launched the Black Heroes Collection to celebrate the 4th of July. I received an email from a subscriber who was “deeply disappointed”. He called our collection “unpatriotic,” accused us of playing the “race card,” and demanded to know why we didn’t just celebrate a generalized “We the People”.
Here is my public answer to him, and to anyone else wondering the same thing.
As a proudly Black-owned w**ery, it is my responsibility to showcase the importance of Black Americans and our foundational place in this country. The truth is, “We the People” has historically excluded a lot of us. I refuse to present a sugar-coated, non color or all-white version of history that pretends we have always all been together.
This country was built on not being together. We are doing the hard, beautiful work of becoming together.
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday without honoring the Black history that built its wealth and infrastructure is not just disrespectful—it’s historically inaccurate. Recognizing distinct contributions doesn’t mean we are ignoring anyone else. The true melting pot of America requires acknowledging all of its parts.
When we raise a glass this weekend, we aren’t playing a card. We are honoring undeniably great Americans who changed the world: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. / Lewis Latimer / Bessie Coleman / James Hemings / Bass Reeves / Jackie Robinson
Sweeping their contributions under the rug is what would truly be unpatriotic. Our country celebrates differences.
My goal is to ensure that Black excellence is seen, recognized, and toasted to. I stand behind the Black Heroes Collection completely. And if celebrating the historical achievements of Black Americans offends you? You are free to click unsubscribe and buy w**e somewhere else.
But to the rest of our McClain Cellars family—thank you for standing with us, learning with us, and raising a glass to the real, complex, and powerful history of this country. Cheers to true freedom.
Tags:
**ery July4th BlackExcellence W**eLovers WeThePeople TruthInHistory
