By Stetson Hines September 24th, 2024

Eric Payne, the founder and owner of Black Roots Wine, hails from California’s Central Valley, where agriculture and family played pivotal roles in shaping his journey. Raised amidst the region’s fertile fields, Payne’s earliest lessons in winemaking came from a very personal source—his grandparents. He learned the delicate balance of nature, tradition, and patience through their hands to create great wine. His deep connection to his family’s roots and agricultural legacy would inspire a brand that blends craftsmanship with cultural pride.

Though his passion for winemaking grew in those formative years, Payne initially took a different path. He pursued a career in science, earning his degree from Alabama A&M University. His scientific background gave him a unique perspective on the winemaking process, adding a technical precision that complements the traditional techniques passed down from his grandparents. But it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that Payne would rediscover his love for winemaking, using the unexpected downtime to explore and refine his craft.

What began as a personal project quickly turned into something more. In his home, Payne started making wines, focusing on honoring his heritage and creating a product that could tell a story. The result was Black Roots Wine—a brand that not only reflects his journey but also pays tribute to the legacy of African American winemakers, a group often overlooked in the wine industry.

The name Black Roots comes from a powerful reminder that Payne’s grandfather would often share: “Remember where you come from, Eric.” This phrase underscores the values Payne holds dear—family, heritage, and honoring one’s origins. This idea became central to Black Roots Wine, a message reflected not only in the name but also on the label itself. Each bottle tells the story of African American winemaking, an often untold narrative of resilience, creativity, and contribution to the wine industry.

Payne’s first public wine tasting was held in Oakland, California, a city rich in culture and history. The event validated Payne, confirming that his wines resonated with people not just for their quality but also for the story they told. With its vibrant community and appreciation for diverse narratives, Oakland was the perfect place to introduce Black Roots Wine to the world.

Since that first tasting, Black Roots Wine has grown in popularity, praised for its bold flavors and deeper mission. For Payne, each bottle is more than a product—it’s a tribute to his ancestors, his community, and the countless African Americans whose contributions to winemaking have yet to be fully acknowledged.

As Payne looks to the future, his vision for Black Roots Wine is clear: to continue crafting exceptional wines while educating and inspiring others about African American winemakers' rich, overlooked history. With his background in science, the wisdom passed down from his grandparents, and a firm connection to his roots, Eric Payne is forging a path in the wine industry that honors the past while creating a legacy for the future. 

In a comprehensive interview with Lxmped, Eric Payne shared his experiences growing up in Central Valley, CA.

Where are you from?

I'm originally from the Central Valley, but my business is based in Napa, California.

Where did you get your inspiration from to start making wine?

Initially, my grandparents taught me the craft of winemaking. My grandfather was from the Appalachians of Tennessee. Many people from that region do one or four things: they either make Moon Shine because it's like an Uncle Nearest or Jack Daniel's region of Tennessee, or they work on the railroads or worked in the coal mines, but my grandfather would commute over to Virginia which is one of the oldest wine states in the nation. So that's how I learned the art and craft of winemaking. I'm also a scientist by trade. I attended Alabama A&E University. I received my bachelor's in Biology and Chemistry. I received my Master's Degree in microbiology.

How has winemaking and living in the San Francisco Bay Area shaped you?

It has allowed me to experience the unearthed African traditions of our ancestors and reminds me of the beauty that really has caused me to evolve and transform into space because I know representation matters. African American winemakers account for less than 1% of the U.S. industry. I always show up in the space, being my authentic self.

How did Black Roots get started?

It started in my kitchen during COVID-19. I had purchased some wine kits I found in the store to occupy my time. Initially, I bought them as holiday gifts, but then killed time because of COVID. I made several batches, and my friends were like, "Oh my God" Eric, this is really good. You should start a business. It would help if you were a winemaker—all these things. I was really doing it because of my love of the craft. As time evolved, I thought maybe I should pursue this as a business, and I put all the right tools in place to launch my business and did all my research. I did my first public tasting at Vines in Oakland, California, this year. I think leading up to the inaugural tasting for the public had been a three-planning process for me.

Who are some of your influences?

My grandparents, who taught me the craft, definitely say my grandparents, who taught me the craft. One of the things my grandfather would always say when he would teach me how to make wine "No matter where you go?, and what you do in life, Eric, never forget your Black Roots" And to pay homage to them, I decided to name my collection Black Roots Wine in their memory. I also find inspiration in my mom in the labeling you will see, and we will talk about untold stories about African Americans in the wine industry. In my labeling, I wanted black women to see themselves because they carried with them through the generations the craft, the art of winemaking, and many of the recipes of today that we still enjoy. So, I wanted black women to be able to see themselves as a reminder.

What advice would you give to future black winemakers?

Don't give up. Start putting the puzzle pieces together no matter where you are in the process. Eventually, you will finish it.