Shakia Williams, owner of Cyrenity Sips in Hatboro, knew wine tasting was something she wanted to be involved with the first time she attended such an event, writes Janice Williams for Billy Penn.

Today, she believes to be the first Black woman in the state to run a wine tasting room.

Cyrenity Sips, which opened in early 2022, specializes in small-batch traditional wines. They can be purchased either online or onsite at the storefront. There, customers can sample varieties and sit down for a glass.

Williams gained most of her experience at Virginia Beach Winery, where she learned the finer points of serving vintages as well as all the ins and outs of running a winery.

Now, she is happy she has been able to add her operation to just a handful of wineries across Pa. that are owned by Black people.

“Representation is everything,” she said. “When I was young, I didn’t know that I could make wine. Having young girls of color seeing me as a winemaker makes it something to aspire to.”

Read more about Cyrenity Sips in the Billy Penn.