Wine Down with Chasity
Five questions (and one bonus) with my friend Chasity. Read about why representation matters in the wine industry, her newsletter Wine with Chas, and more.
I have some really cool, smart, and creative friends who have cool ventures like newsletters, creative projects, and small businesses. My first friend who I featured was Alisa and her brand VLY GRL, now I’m excited to introduce you to my friend Chasity.
I’ve shared Chasity’s newsletter Wine With Chas in the newsletter a few times, and it’s one of my faves - not to mention Chasity is one of my favorite people. I learn a lot from Chasity on a daily basis, and I am thankful for our friendship. Read more about her below, and make sure to subscribe to her newsletter and connect with her on social media.
For me, growing up I have always found wine to be a little intimidating because of the culture around it. That’s why I love that one of the things you say on your site is it’s a place to learn about wine in a fun and non-intimidating way. For you, how did you get into wine and what are some of your favorites?
My introduction to wine came during a study abroad trip to Spain ten years ago. One of our excursions was to a winery, and I feel like my life changed for the better that day. It wasn't until about Spring 2016 that I really wanted to take it seriously, so I started spotlighting wine shops in D.C. and putting them on my blog, along with the bottles of wine that I would buy from each establishment.
The more wines I taste, the more my favorites change, but right now I'm 2017 Vin de Days Blanc, 2016 Satis Dei (this you can pick up at Trader Joe's) and Cremant de Loire.
Another thing that I really love about you is that you don't just talk about wine or write about it, you've really immersed yourself in that industry learning about different wineries, pairings, stats around the industry, and such. You also educated yourself about it more with Women of the Vine & Spirits where you earned a scholarship. For you, why was it important to make sure you are taking your love and passion further?
Aww, thanks! I never imagined that I would become so enthralled with wine that I would be writing about it, but since I am here, I want to make sure I'm doing my best to deliver accurate information. I think with any passion or hobby, it's vital that you know the basics. But when you start engaging with others and share what you know, that's when it becomes even more important to know what exactly it is you're talking about.
You do a lot of writing about wine for different publications like Thrillist, and Wine Enthusiast. One of the things with the pieces that you have written is that you really shine a lot of ethnic winemakers and also women winemakers. We've also recently seen the movie Uncorked on Netflix which follows a black man with aspirations to be a sommelier. For you, why do you feel it's so important to tell these stories? Also, can you talk about why representation matters in the wine industry?
It's important to tell the stories of Black and Brown winemakers, sommeliers, salespeople marketers, vineyard managers, wine shop owners, journalists, and enthusiasts because we deserve to take up space in such a HUGE industry. We have the ability to make delicious wines, manage big accounts, and own stores in our neighborhoods, and our stories need to be told. Representation matters because it takes away the intimidation or fear people may have to try wine or explore the industry from a professional stance. The more of us that claim space in the wine industry, the more encouraged others will be to take their place, too.
Being that we are going through the WFH COVID-19 life right now, you've started an Instagram series of you drinking and talking about wine - and it's a good time. How are you staying focused and creative with everything going on? Additionally, when we are out of this life - do you have any plans to continue this series or the in-person tasting you were doing prior?
Next to wine, therapy and journaling have been my saving grace. I've had to remind myself that we're all going through it, and I don't have to put an insane amount of pressure on myself to perform or be productive. Once it is safe for us to gather in person, I do hope to host in-person tastings, but I will keep hosting online sessions because they're accessible for everyone!
How can people connect with you, and how can they subscribe to Wine With Chas?
Sure! My website: www.winewithchas.com has all my information to subscribe to the newsletter, link up with me on social, and send me an email!
Bonus question - being that summer is coming soon (hopefully we will be out of the house) do you have any recommendations for people on a perfect summer wine or wine/food pairing?
Oh, there are so many! I will continue to stand by Lambrusco as a great red wine for summertime, Rosé, and Albarino - all of which pair very well with seafood dishes.