McBride Sisters Family Recipe: Chocolate & Jalapeño Short Ribs with McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend

Servings: 6

Total Time: 3 hr. 30 min

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Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 pounds boneless short ribs
• 2 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tsp. canola oil
• 1/2 yellow onion diced
• 1 carrot diced
• 1 celery stalk diced
• 1 tsp. chopped garlic
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, minced
• 3 tsp. tomato paste
• 3 tsp. ketchup
• 1 1/2 tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 cup McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend
• 2 cups beef stock
• 6 dried mixed chilies (Chipotle, arbol, ancho)
• 1 disc Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate chopped
• 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

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Directions:

1. Preheat a Le Creuset Grill Pan over medium heat; brush lightly with canola oil. Pat the short ribs dry and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Grill short ribs in batches on all sides until grill marks appear, remove from grill and repeat with remaining short ribs.
2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 
3. Heat olive oil in the Le Creuset Braiser over medium heat; add the onion, carrot, and celery to skillet. Sauté until they achieve color. Stir in garlic and jalapeño, cooking for one minute, and then add tomato paste and ketchup. Cook and stir until the paste starts to darken, scraping the bottom of the braiser to prevent burning. Stir in Paprika and Cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook and stir to toast spices. Deglaze with McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend wine and scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pan; allow wine to reduce by half. Add dried chilies and beef stock and heat mixture to a rolling simmer; add chocolate and stir to melt.
4. Place short ribs into braiser, cover with lid, and place in oven for 30 hours. The ribs should be very tender and almost fall off the bone. Carefully remove ribs to a serving platter and keep warm.
5. Remove whole Chile pieces from sauce and skim fat from the surface. Stir in 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1/2 tbsp. flour 1tbsp. water together to form a slurry and whisk into sauce. Bring sauce to a boil and serve over ribs.  

While enjoying our family recipe, don’t forget to share with your beloved ones. Try out our seasonal Wine Club and enjoy with your families and friends! 

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SHE CAN Wines: Let’s Celebrate Us!

/SHE-CAN

Ladies, it’s our time to shine: It’s Women’s History Month! Embrace your inner Sasha Fierce and raise a glass to all of the impactful women who have paved the way for us to live our best lives. After all, we know #SHECAN do anything. 

A Boundless Sisterhood

When we entered the winemaking business, we knew we would face adversity––breaking into a male-dominated industry as two Black women is NOT easy. Taking inspiration from our two strong mothers and combining our determined, fearless personalities, our mission became clear: we would transform the industry through leading by example and cultivating community, one great wine at a time. We envisioned a true Sisterhood where women could bond over their achievements and a good bottle of Rosé.

The McBride Sisters Collection was born in 2010, and we can proudly say we are the first Black Sisters to create and grow a wine company. We didn’t do it on our own, though––from Coco Chanel to Oprah, Andréa and I looked up to many resilient women throughout history to turn our shared dream of making wine into a reality. (On a side note, Coco is definitely a Brut Rosé kind of girl.) 

Chasing a dream is a never-ending marathon that takes dedication and support. Each day we think about how we can create uplifting, positive experiences for women. We want to encourage women to color outside the lines, to never settle, and to empower each other, because, as we always say, empowered women empower women. Hopefully, Andréa and I will help open doors for other women, just as women before us have done. 

Check out this inspirational gallery of women who are changing the game.

#SHECAN, So She Does

This March, we are showcasing our SHE CAN canned wines. Designed to motivate and encourage all women to go after what we want––no matter what obstacles we encounter––our SHE CAN packaging is a roar, not a whisper. We hope it reminds you to be unafraid of your powerful voice and unique story. You are automatically a part of our Fearless Pride when you crack open a can of Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc!

To ride the wave of International Women’s Day (did you know there’s a theme each year? This year is #EachforEqual, encouraging us to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, and celebrate women's achievements), we have finally announced details for the 2020 SHE CAN Professional Development Fund! Founded in 2019, our scholarship program initially promoted the professional advancement of women in the winemaking industry. But, to celebrate a new decade, we are now supporting women who are overcoming gender biases in all industries. Applications will go live on June 1st, but you can click here for more info––get pumped, ladies!

Last year, we awarded scholarships of nearly $40,000. We can’t wait to help a new round of fierce go-getters knock down barriers. June 1st, hurry up!

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Spring is in the Air

Flowers are beginning to bloom, spring fashions are emerging, and it’s getting warm enough to start thinking about chilled wines and picnics. Our SHE CAN Canned Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing––the perfect complement to a gorgeous spring day! Pair it with this colorful, vegetarian-friendly Spring Panzanella with Asparagus, a recipe we LOVE from Food&Wine.

Spring Panzanella with Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• Four thin slices of peasant bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
•  2 pounds fat asparagus, peeled
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 cups packed young mustard greens or chicory
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 pound ricotta salata, thinly sliced and crumbled
• 1 watermelon radish or 2 large red radishes, very thinly sliced

Preparation:

• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°. Put the eggs in a saucepan of water and bring to a simmer over moderately high heat. Simmer for 6 minutes. Drain the saucepan and fill it with cold water. Crack the eggs all over and let stand in the water for 1 minute. Peel and thickly slice the eggs; the yolks will be barely cooked but not runny.
• Step 2: Spread the bread pieces on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 12 minutes, until crisp.
• Step 3: Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the asparagus until just tender, about 3 minutes. Drain, cool and cut the asparagus in half lengthwise.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of oil with the vinegar; season with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, toss the asparagus, toasted bread, greens, onion and cheese. Drizzle with the dressing and toss. Garnish with the eggs and radish and serve. 

Let's have a toast and follow Sauvignon Blanc’s Essential Guide to celebrate we, Women's History Month!

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Visit our Wine Shop to stock up for the remainder of Women's History Month. Enjoy!

 

3 Perfect Wines for Date Night and Girls' Night In

Choosing Wine for Date Night Just Got Easy!

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a fun girls’ night in, there’s one must-have: the perfect bottle of wine. No excuses!

You may be wondering if it really matters which variety you choose. In fact, it does! You could have any random bottle of wine, but why think so small? Your choice says a lot about what you expect of the evening. It’s these subtle details that contribute to a romantic evening with your partner or a fun night with the girls. Besides, there’s nothing more special than opening a bottle of wine with your date! We’ve come up with a list of 3 sophisticated wines that tend to appeal to the masses (and exceed expectations).

1. BRUT ROSÉ

It’s hard to go wrong with Sparkling. Add the Rosé factor into the mix and we have the duchess of wines (*cough cough* subtle shoutout to our girl Meghan Markle). Needless to say, popping a cork signifies that you’ve gathered to celebrate. If you’ve opened Brut Rosé with your date or girl gang, the message is clear.

McBride Sisters Collection Brut Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that possesses gentle floral notes of rose petals––the universal flower of love. This is complemented by strawberries and cream, a romantic fruit if there ever was one. Strawberries dipped in chocolate, anyone? This refreshing Brut Rosé is delicately structured and generous with a dry finish.

Fun fact: Carbonation stimulates the salivary glands so you don’t need to worry about your mouth going dry from date nerves!

Pairing suggestion: Roasted Oysters

2. ROSÉ

Similar to Brut Rosé, a Rosé’s color is key. That gorgeous pink has our mouths watering and reminds us of love. If you’re ever unsure of what your girls or date drinks, Rosé is generally a crowd-pleaser. 

Black Girl Magic Rosé is a sophisticated dry Rosé. This Rosé has aromas of raspberry and orange blossom with delightful acidity and delectable fresh stone fruit and citrus palate.

Pairing suggestion: Chicken with Creamy Mushrooms

3. RED BLEND

Deep, rich reds are usually a date night go-to. The beautiful red color screams romance. It is also a great wine to have in-hand while you chat with the girls. Picking a red wine can be daunting if you don’t know which grape your date prefers. That’s where a Red Blend comes into play. A Red Blend is a wine that encourages meaningful conversations. Just remember not to wear a white shirt ;)!

McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) has a lovely rich garnet color. This complex wine has tobacco and vanilla bean notes alongside generous plum, cherry, and blackberry. Ripe and juicy in the mouth, the soft tannins offer just enough velvety texture to round out the full body. Peppery spice and a hint of herb show up on the finish, encouraging another sip and cheers.

Pairing suggestion: Roasted Red Pepper Lasagna (and Chocolate Fondue for dessert)

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Visit our Wine Club to prepare stress-free for your next date or girls’ night. Enjoy & Cheers ladies!

Must-Try Wines for this Fall

Fall *wink* in Love with These Favs

We’re putting away our flip-flops and bringing out the tall boots. Red, yellow, and orange leaves have begun to fall, leaving branches bare. It’s pumpkin season, y’all!

As much as our Pride loves the light and fruity wines that did us wonders in the summer heat, fall’s wines warm the palette so well. Maybe we’re biased, but we would argue it does it better than a pumpkin spice latte ever could; are we right, ladies?! ;)

You might not be quite ready for full-bodied, rich reds that tend to be associated with winter. Not a problem! There are plenty of lighter reds, aromatic whites, and even Rosés to choose from. Typically, when we hear “Rosé” we associate this pink wine with the sweltering summer. Let’s not limit this wine’s potential. Think of Rosé as the perfect transition wine. In fact, Rosé season never has to end!

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Rosé For The Wine

McBride Sisters Collection Brut Rosé is a blend of Pinot and Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir was mainly sourced from Kelly’s Creek Vineyard in Spring Creek, Marlborough. (Fun fact: Andréa helped plant these vines as a child!) This beautifully salmon-colored wine is delicately structured with gentle notes of rose petals and strawberries and cream. The red fruits carry through the palate with cranberry, peach, strawberry, and raspberry notes taking center stage. There is a hint of toasty complexity and creamy richness that makes this versatile wine work so well in the cooler months. There is a dry finish with lingering hints of spice, giving the mouth a kick. 

Pair with Bouillabaisse.

 

Are You Red-y?

McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend is perfect for those late, rainy evenings. This blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is a garnet gem. Let’s get complex. This wine has flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry, alongside tobacco and vanilla. That’s not all! Peppery spice and a hint of blackberry show up on the finish—so rich; so luxurious. 

Pair with Butternut Squash and Kale Salad.

Dessert and White Wine

Black Girl Magic Riesling is an intensely aromatic white. Its characteristics are typical of a Riesling: honey, apricot, and white flowers. Tangerine, jasmine, and coriander seed appear in the nose. The palette then turns to tropical flavors of guava and pineapple. It doesn’t stop there! Mild sweetness is balanced by tangy citrus for a sweet and sour finish. No one ever said that fall flavors need to be savory!

Pair with the ultimate fall dessert, Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler! Check out the recipe below. 

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler (via Lauren's Latest)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Serves 8

Ingredients:

Cobbler –

• 1 cup and 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon cloves
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Topping –

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• 1 ½ cups very hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    
2. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and spices. Set aside.
    
3. In a smaller bowl, combine pumpkin, milk, melted butter, and vanilla together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix. Pour into a small 8-inch casserole dish with high sides.
    
4. In a separate bowl, stir sugar, brown sugar, and pecans together. Spread over the top of the batter evenly. Pour hot water over the entire thing without stirring, and bake for 40 minutes or once the middle is set. Be sure to place it on a baking sheet in case it bubbles over. Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with more pecans, vanilla ice cream, and a tall glass of Black Girl Magic Riesling!

Here comes Fall, what could be better than some Sauvignon Blanc. Follow our Sauvignon Blanc’s Essential Guide and taste the best out of it. 

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Visit our Wine Shop to try all our fall favorites. Happy sipping!

Wine Glass Shapes: Does Wine Glass Shape Affect Taste?

Are you a glass-half-full or half-empty kind of person?

If you’ve ever wondered why wine glass shape is such a big deal, we’re here to help clarify. So, why are wine glasses different shapes? Through a number of testings and experiments, experts have found that the shape of the glass has the ability to concentrate the wine’s aroma, further intensifying the varietal characteristics. How can we say no to that?!

For starters, have you ever wondered why are wine glasses shaped like that or does wine glass shape affect the taste? Typically, glasses are composed of three parts: the bowl, stem, and foot. Key factors that drive the shape of the bowl are the release of aromas, the collection of aromas, and the lip. As the alcohol volatilizes at the wine’s surface, aromas are released. The space between the wine and the glass’s lip is where aromas are collected, this process can also simultaneously impact the tasting profile of the wine as it opens up. Wondering why wine glasses are so big? Generally, red wines have larger bowls to highlight their aromas. To maintain their temperature, white wines have smaller bowls. The lip of the glass is usually made quite thin so it’s out of the way and doesn’t affect the drinker’s experience. 

Now that we’ve discussed the general guidelines, let’s get down to the specific, nitty-gritty differences in wine glass shapes!

Via Wine Folly.

Let’s break it down!

Red Wine Glasses

By now you know that red wine glasses have wider, rounder bowls. You may not know that these bowls are intended to increase the rate of oxidation. Oxidation allows the complex flavors found in red wines to be smoothed. (Psst! Visit our blog post for information about decanting wine!) Some examples of red wine glasses include:

• Bordeaux glass: This tall, broad bowled glass is designed for bold, full-bodied red wines like our Black Girl Magic Red Blend, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The wide opening helps smooth the flavor and allows the ethanol to evaporate. 
• “Standard” red wine glass: This glass is ideal for medium to full-bodied reds, especially those with spicy notes. Use this glass to sip on Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah (Shiraz), and Petite Sirah.
• Burgundy glass: The Burgundy glass is broader than the Bordeaux glass. It’s bigger bowl accumulates delicate aromas, like from Pinot Noir. 

White Wine Glasses

Compared to red wine glasses, white wine glasses vary quite a bit in shape and size, from the tapered Champagne flute to the wide and shallow glasses used to enjoy Chardonnay. 

Similar to red wine glasses, wide-mouthed glasses promote rapid oxidation. Chardonnays, like McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay, are best served slightly oxidized.

Lighter, crisp wines shouldn’t be oxidized as much, in order to preserve the clean flavor. Look for wine glasses with a smaller mouth intended to reduce the surface area of the wine. Use these glasses for our delicate McBride Sisters Collection Sauvignon Blanc, a summer favorite. 

Sparkling Wine Glasses

When you think of sparkling wine glass, you think “Champagne flute.” This tall, narrow-bowled, long-stemmed design is meant to be held by the stem to prevent your hand from heating the wine. The narrow bowl helps to retain that scrumptious carbonation. Also, we can’t deny the Instagrammable quality of the flute! Add a strawberry slice to a glass of McBride Sisters Collection Brut Rosé and get snapping! It also helps to preserve the wine’s floral aromas, express more acidity, and deliver the aromas to the nose. 

However, a “universal” or white wine glass is also a great option to enjoy a celebratory glass of sparkling wine or Prosecco. These wider-mouthed glasses allow the aromas to pop out of the glass, which can be muted with the traditional Champagne flute. 

“Universal” Wine Glass

This is probably the handiest invention to benefit the wine world. “Universal” glasses are suited for drinking any kind of wine. If you’re a drink-outta-any-glass kind of gal, then the universal wine glass is the shape for you. There’s no need to collect specific glasses for varietals if you classify yourself as a “casual wine fan.” Of course, if you want to step it up a notch, use a standard red wine glass for all reds and a Chardonnay glass for whites. 

Go Stemless

Stemless glasses are great for everyday enjoyment. They’re an easy choice if you’re collapsing wine-in-hand after a long workday. However, we don’t recommend using them for higher-quality wines. Without the stem, you're forced to hold the bowl, which warms the wine⁠—a white wine lover's nightmare. 

Are your glasses clean and need to be filled? Visit our Wine Club to make your flavor palette and glasses happy with a number of our sophisticated wines. We’ll drink to that! Cheers!

Sources:

https://winefolly.com/tutorial/the-importance-of-a-proper-wine-glass/
https://winefolly.com/tutorial/importance-wine-glass/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_glass
https://daily.sevenfifty.com/examining-the-science-of-wineglass-shapes/
https://www.winemag.com/2018/10/30/how-to-select-the-right-wine-glass/

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Does Wine Get Better With Age? - McBride Sisters Guide

To Age or Not to Age, That Is the Question.

Does wine get better with age? Many people lead you to believe that’s true. Let’s get to the bottom of that age-old question!

We’re coming to you straight from the McBride Sisters HQ with hard facts! No doubt you’ve heard that wine always improves with age and that you can age any bottle. Au contraire! Age doesn’t improve or worsen wine but changes the flavor, mouthfeel, and color. It’s important to note that wine has more aging potential if the grapes contain less water before harvest.

However, not all wines are made to age. Luckily for us and you, there’s no need to wait to open McBride Sisters Collection wines! Why wait 20 years to open a bottle you love! We appreciate the wine that was intended to be aged, like White Burgundy (Chardonnay) or Bordeaux (which is similar to our Red Blend), but unlike those wines, we've made it so that the wines you love can be consumed now, like our wines in can and under screw cap. Now, for all you age-curious wine connoisseurs, let’s debunk the varieties that have the ability to be aged...and well!

Red Wines

Wines with a low pH have a greater ability to age. Red wines have a higher level of flavor compounds, like tannins. This increases the likelihood that a wine will be able to age. 

White Wines

White wines with a high amount of extract and acidity have the longest aging potential because acidity acts as a preservative and because white wines have a lower amount of phenolic compounds. These wines have good aging potential: most Chardonnays can be aged for 2–6 years and Rieslings can be aged for 2–30 years, which is great news for all you white wine-lovers out there!

Rosé and Sparkling Wines

Generally, Rosé’s aging potential is limited through skin contact. After chilling Black Girl Magic Rosé, get pouring! There’s no need to wait. Similar can be said of our McBride Sisters Collection Brut Rosé. Sparkling wines are typically bottled ready-to-enjoy, so pop those bottles! 

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Put Your Palette to the Test

When wines are young, we taste their primary and secondary notes associated with winemaking techniques, like the creamy nuances in our McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay from Malolactic fermentation. As wines age, we notice tertiary flavors developing. We also notice that fruit flavors deteriorate rapidly. For example, bold notions of fresh fruit gradually become more subdued and reminiscent of dried fruit. 

Acids and alcohols are constantly reacting to form new compounds. The proportion of alcohol, acids, and sugars stay the same, while the flavors continue to change. 

Texture, Darling

Texturally, the lines also change. It is said that dry, aged white wines can become almost viscous and oily, while reds tend to feel smoother. Over time, phenolic compounds like tannins become sediment, which changes the texture. We love a full-bodied, smooth Black Girl Magic Red Blend paired alongside Blue Cheese Steak Crostini, a McBride Sisters favorite. Scroll down to grab the recipe! 

Color You Impressed?

Color change is the result of slow oxidation. You can tell how young wine is by its color. For example, ruby-red wine is quite young, and as it ages, it will adapt a tawny hue. The amount of air left in the neck of the sealed bottle and how permeable the closure affects the oxidation rate.

 

Via Wine Enthusiast

Stop by our online Wine Shop to fulfil all your wine wishes. Store a McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay for later in the year or pop a bottle of our Sparkling Brut Rosé as a fun way to beat the heat! Cheers to that!

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And now, without further ado, let’s take a peek at Chef Mark’s latest recipe…

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Yield: 15 | Prep: 15 mins| Cook: 15 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French baguette
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound New York strip
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic powder
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper
• fresh basil for garnish
• fresh grape tomatoes cut in half

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch slices on the diagonal, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic.
3. Place bread on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Pour balsamic vinegar into a small sauce pot, bring to a boil then reduce to a low simmer until the vinegar has halved and thickened. It will coat the back of a spoon when done. Turn off heat and set aside.
5. Heat a greased grill pan over medium-high heat.
6. Season the steak with salt and pepper and grill or pan sear 3-5 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare.
7. To assemble the crostini, top with a piece of steak, blue cheese crumble, and grape tomato. Drizzle the balsamic reduction and top with fresh basil.

Pair with McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend or Black Girl Magic Red Blend! Want more? Welcome to our Wine Club specials!

 

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Calling All Females in the Wine Industry...

ACT NOW! The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Professional Development Fund closes TOMORROW at 11:59 pm, PST.

Ladies––we’re talking to YOU! This spring, we announced The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Professional Development Fund to promote the professional advancement of women in the wine industry. As a women-run business, it is inspiring to see other women making waves in this industry. 

“Balance is not a women's issue, it's a business issue.” -International Women’s Day

The SHE CAN Professional Development Fund is our way of showing our support for the empowerment of women who strive to make change and create opportunities for themselves in the wine industry. Why? Well, while wine is no longer a boy’s club, the playing field is certainly not a level one. Women make up less than 10% of head winemakers and winery owners. It’s time to close the gap because we know SHE CAN!

We are grateful for the incredible amount of support we have received over the years so we want to show our appreciation through scholarships, ensuring that we continue to overcome gender biases within the industry. We are accepting applications for scholarships until tomorrow (Wednesday), July 31st 2019! 

Empower yourself and your business. 

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#SHECAN’s Road to Empowerment

Let’s take a look at the inspiration behind The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Professional Development Fund. This spring, we toasted women’s empowerment with the introduction of the new wine in a can, made for women, by women. Our Pride welcomed SHE CAN Wines into the McBride Sisters Collection. SHE CAN Wines includes a tropical Sauvignon Blanc and a sophisticated dry Rosé!

You can enjoy these wines where bottles can’t go—at the pool, at a sports game, on a hike, or at a summer backyard BBQ—pass the ribs! SHE CAN Wines reminds women that SHE CAN do anything (PS, check out our #SHECANChaseHerDreams hashtag on Instagram here). 

As an environmentally conscious business, we look for ways to cut down on carbon emissions. Because aluminum cans are a lightweight material compared to glass, the carbon footprint to transport SHE CAN is substantially smaller. Since SHE CAN Wines’ launch, we’re excited to see it sold in CA, AZ, LA, OR, and WA.

SHE CAN Make a Difference

Scholarships from The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Professional Development Fund will be awarded in Fall 2019. The application deadline is SUPER soon (aka TOMORROW)! Get your application in by July 31st for your chance to win! For more information about the application process, please visit the official application page.   

Guildlines

Each application requires a 1,000-word essay that describes your professional goals and how this scholarship will help you change the wine and spirits industry. Applications also must submit two letters of recommendation, as well as a completed and signed scholarship application that meets the criteria and includes all required attachments. This must be postmarked or electronically submitted by no later than 11:59 PM PST on July 31st, 2019 to be considered for the scholarship.

Good luck to all applicants!* We’re excited to review your applications and we thank you for submitting. 

Remember, ladies, SHE CAN do anything!

*Applicants must be 21 years of age or older and a US Resident. Applicants must also have a minimum of three years of active employment within the wine and spirits industry or a related industry.

APPLY NOW!

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Our Road to Essence

The 4th of July weekend is always full of fireworks, picnics, and bonfires. This year, it was also the weekend of the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana! We had ourselves a BALL, let me tell you. ESSENCE Magazine’s “Party with a Purpose” has grown over 25 years to one of the premiere gatherings for Black music, entertainment and culture, drawing averages of 500,000 attendees annually. Pretty insane, right?!

This year and in the past, ESSENCE Fest has featured some true icons. We’re talkin’ Beyoncé, Barack Obama, Diana Ross, and many more. This year, we joined women and men from all over the U.S. to watch Missy Elliott shake it on stage and hear Michelle Obama speak her truth. Pharrell Williams, Mary J. Blige, Timbaland, Normani, City Girls—the list goes on!

ESSENCE Fest wasn’t just limited to the daytime hours. ESSENCE After Dark had fantastic comedy shows, late night jam sessions, live podcast recordings, and underground performances. As Billboard put it, the After Dark series gives “an opportunity for those not willing (or able) to commit to the nightly concert ticket price to enjoy smaller, niche-genre shows.” We couldn’t have been more psyched to attend again!

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While we’re relishing in the 2019 ESSENCE experience, let’s rewind a bit to give you the full #EssenceFest picture…

“ESSENCE is where Black Women Come First for news, entertainment, and motivation.”
–ESSENCE

Founded in 1968, Essence Communications Inc. introduced ESSENCE, forever changing the magazine industry. With a monthly circulation of 1,050,000 and a readership of 8.5 million, they seek to inspire and empower their readers––male and female. Essence Communications Inc. has extended its influence to now include music, through the ESSENCE Festival. The 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival celebrated the empowerment of African Americans from all walks of life. As our friends at ESSENCE say, “it’s a party with a purpose.” 

ESSENCE Fest is particularly special to us because we launched Black Girl Magic Riesling at ESSENCE Fest 2018 (view more 2018 ESSENCE Festival throwbacks here, here, and here). Since then, we’ve welcomed Black Girl Magic Red Blend and Rosé, making the Black Girl Magic family a badass trio of flavorful wines (visit our Wine Shop for more details)! This year, you better believe we brought the whole Black Girl Magic #GirlGang to NOLA.

Last year, we hosted an impromptu Midnight Brunch. Take a peek at last year’s brunch here! This year, we hosted our very first SHE CAN Chase Her Dreams Midnight Brunch, co-hosted with Chase Consumer Bank (and their fabulous CEO, Thasunda Duckett). Of course, we were also excited to include our favorite "Queen of the Kitchen,” Chef Mimi.

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This year, we were also pleased to announce our sponsorship of The Jane Club Signature Work Space. The Jane Club is a co-working space for women in Los Angeles. They empower working mothers by providing 24/7 childcare, on-site spa treatments, and other much needed benefits. The Jane Club had an amazing pop-up at Melrose Mansion in Northern LA for the duration of the festival.

And last but not least, we were thrilled to see those of you who made it out to The Black Wine Experience from July 5th-6th, presented by Hue Society. The Black Wine Experience featured a number of celebrated multicultural brands, events, and our fellow vintners over the span of three days. Guests were offered to experience exclusive tastings, pairings, live demos, and awards.

We felt so grateful to have the opportunity to support other amazing Black-owned businesses at the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival. We’re already counting down the days till next year’s festival, and we hope you are too! :) Before seeing you next year, dear friends, don’t forget to enjoy tiny little happiness in your daily life. Try out our seasonal Wine Club with your beloved families and friends.  

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Until Next Time...

Chardonnay-A-Day

Chardonnay’s adaptability to a range of climates allows it to flourish in almost every wine region in the world. This makes it an international grape variety! Originating from Burgundy in eastern France, the Chardonnay grape is neutral in flavor, so it gets its kick from the fermentation process.

Celebrate International Chardonnay Day in McBride Sisters fashion! Follow these easy steps to guarantee a fun-filled evening.

Put your fave artist on blast. We love us some Ciara, new and old! Girl Gang (feat. Kelly Rowland) is golden.

1. Crack a bottle of McBride Sisters Collection 2020 Chardonnay. Chilled, crisp wine is a great post-work way to wind down. Ask anyone.
2. Throw together Chef Mark’s Butter Lemon Pepper Cornish Hens (see recipe below) for a gorgeously simple dinner that pairs well with our 2020 Chardonnay.
3. Jam out while the hens roast!

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Just What the Doctor Ordered

The McBride Sisters Collection 2020 Chardonnay reigns from the Central Coast of California. We classify all of our wines, including our Chardonnay, of being an old world style with new world finesse. Our 2020 Chardonnay is full of fresh, fruit-driven aromas. Lemon zest and green apple mix with pineapple and a toasty, custardy grace note When people hear “Chardonnay,” they tend to associate it with a buttery, heavy flavor. Ours, however, has a balanced creamy mid-palate. This has nothing to do with the grape itself and everything to do with the winemaker’s style choices—sense the McBride flare?

Get to Know the Process

Like for each of our wines, time and care went into every step of the bottling process. Chardonnay clusters were tightly pressed then moved to a settling tank, where they remained for 24 hours. Afterwards, the juice was racked to tank or barrel where fermentation commences. For added depth and complexity, 15% of the wine was barrel fermented to create the classic Chardonnay texture and very subtle oak notes. To conserve fresh and crisp fruit notes, the balance of the wine (85%) was fermented in stainless steel. Uniquely, only 75% of the wine was put through Malolactic fermentation (where the creamy texture comes from). Following 8 months of aging, the wine was blended before being filtered and bottled.

As we like to say, a glass of Chardonnay a day keeps the doctor away!

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Chef Mark’s Butter Lemon Pepper Cornish Hens

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 Cornish game hens patted dry with paper towels
• 4 tablespoons salted butter (room temperature)
• 3 large cloves garlic, peeled & chopped
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (keep 3 halves of lemons to stuff in hens)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup McBride Sisters Chardonnay
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the hens dry with a paper towel.
3. Mix the butter, garlic, lemon juice, pepper, and salt (set aside).
4. Use your index finger to loosen the skin on the top of the hen and slip the lemon pepper butter under the skin on top of each breast. Repeat for each hen. Put a quarter of a lemon in the cavity of each hen. Truss the hens by tying the wings and legs.
5. Rub each hen with the remaining lemon pepper butter. Sprinkle extra salt and pepper on the skin then drizzle with olive oil. Place the hens on the rack of a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil, spacing them out so they are far apart from each other. This will enable their skins to get browned and crispy.
6. Place the hens in the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes.
7. While the hens are roasting, combine the chicken broth and wine in a bowl.
8. After the hens have been roasting for 25 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.  Pour the broth/wine mixture over the hens and continue to roast for 30 minutes, basting the hens with the juices at the bottom of the pan every 10 minutes or less. The hens are done when internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. If you prefer darker skins, turn up the temperature once cooked to broil for a couple of minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
9. Carefully remove the hens and pour the juices from their cavities into the roasting pan. Transfer the hens to a warmed platter, remove the trussing and tent with aluminum foil to week warm. Pour the juices from the roasting pan into a saucepan and boil for about 5 minutes until the liquid is a thin sauce-like consistency.
10. Serve the hens whole per guest or cut in half lengthwise. Drizzle the sauce over the hens and serve immediately alongside McBride Sisters Collection 2020 Chardonnay.

Love this recipe as much as we do? Learn more about the creative genius behind this dish. Visit www.southerntemptation.com to get to know Chef Mark Phillips and his culinary expertise. Also, don’t forget to treat yourself well, check out our seasonal Wine Club plans to enjoy a moment in your daily life. Cheers!

Facebook: Southern Temptation

Instagram: @ChefSouthernTemp

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** The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Professional Development Fund is accepting scholarship applications until July 31st. **

SHE CAN’s Family Roots

The McBride Sisters logo is so much more than just a logo. The crest reflects our Sisterly bond and is designed with our shared father, represented as a proud peacock (he was known to be quite cocky) over the initials “MS” for McBride Sisters. The “S” is styled to look like a loc of our curly hair.

The two lionesses represent each of our mothers, supporting us from each side, the strongest women we know. They were the first to tell us that SHE CAN do anything. After all, lionesses are the true leaders of a pride. Matriarchies all the way!

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Attention, Class:

Raise your hand if you would like some backstory behind the SHE CAN can designs!

We've decided to honor our mothers in the packaging for the SHE CAN line. The strong and empowered lionesses on the sides of the Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé cans pays tribute to the women who encouraged and inspired us throughout our lives. Our mothers led us to where we are today, and for that, we are so grateful! They told us we CAN do anything we set our minds to because they knew that no goal or dream is too big.

We (Robin and Andréa) consider ourselves to be a pride. That’s why we have “join the fearless pride” printed on the cans. We took the lionesses from our McBride Sisters Collection logo and placed an enlarged version on each SHE CAN. Sauvignon Blanc is dedicated to Andréa's mums (birth mother and foster mother) so their initials are by the lioness (P.J. & D.H.H.). Meanwhile, Rosé is dedicated to Robin's mom, and her nickname is by the lioness (KOKO). Design is a wonderful way to express a message through illustration, and we’re glad we had the creative opportunity to pay tribute to three extra special women. Love you, Mom and Mums!

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DRINKING: A single can of SHE CAN is equivalent to two and a half glasses of wine (or half of a bottle). Therefore, it’s much more than a single serving. Quality and quantity! Please enjoy responsibly!

 

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** The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Professional Development Fund is now accepting scholarship applications until July 31st. **