8 Amazing Stories from Black Directors and Wines to Match

We've teamed up with Topic Streaming to bring you 8 stories by Black directors and wine pairings that are perfect for a weekend binge session.

Want to discover your wine taste profile?

Take our quick 7-question quiz to find wines that fit your taste profile and get them delivered to your door.

Free Wine Quiz Arrow

For this article, we teamed up with our friends at Topic streaming to bring you 8 amazing stories from Black directors, and 8 equally amazing wines to match. Topic is a streaming service and a cultural force bringing brilliant treasures unseen and unexpected from around the world into the spotlight. Think of it as a streaming service for curious seekers – they curate unique stories you can’t find anywhere else. And they have an incredible and extensive selection of movies and shows from Black directors and creators. But don’t take our word for it – they’re offering you a 1-month FREE trial of Topic! Simply click here to start your free trial, and keep scrolling for 8 amazing stories from Black directors and wine pairings!

Looking for something new to binge-watch? Whether you’re a fan of side-splitting comedy, intense drama, or something fresh and original, Topic has a ton of binge-worthy options. Why not treat yourself to an engrossing new series and a perfectly paired glass of wine? The only trouble is there are so many options it can be tricky to know where to start. Thankfully, this guide is here to help you choose from a diverse array of unique new series from incredibly talented Black directors. Plus the right bottle of wine to go with each one.

1. AKA Wyatt Cenac

Writer, director, and performer Wyatt Cenac stars in AKA Wyatt Cenac, a new digital series about a Brooklyn resident moonlighting as a crime-fighting vigilante. This sharply funny series pairs well with Malbec, a robust red wine with silky tannins. Just as Cenac shifts effortlessly between his two personas, Malbec also has two distinct looks. French Malbec has more tart fruit flavors, with notes of black currant, pepper, and spice. While Argentinian Malbec is known for its dark fruit flavors and notes of sweet tobacco and milk chocolate.
We like to pair this funny series with a glass of The Happy Medium Malbec. This red wine has flavor notes of raspberry, blueberry, cherry, and vanilla.

2. Soul City

New Orleans lore collides with dark magic in this horror anthology series created by Coodie & Chike. While getting a glimpse of the dark side of New Orleans, sip a glass of a Louisiana wine varietal: Blanc du Bois. The climate of the American south has presented a challenge to winemakers over the years, but Blanc du Bois was made for the heat and humidity and thrives in New Orleans. This fruit-forward white wine can be found in both dry and sweet styles, so pick whichever style matches your taste.

3. The Ascendants

Centered around four rising musicians from Chicago, The Ascendants gives an intimate look at the issues that young Black women artists have to overcome in both a male-dominated music industry and a marginalizing society. This original series pairs well with Shiraz, a dark and powerful red wine with layers of dark fruit notes and spice.
Pair this movie all about empowering women with the Bushtelly Shiraz. This bold Australian Shiraz has flavor notes of raspberry, plum, blackberry, and smoke.

4. Enterprice

Enterprice portrays two young entrepreneurs from South London – Kazim and Jeremiah – as they try to escape the hustle and get their brand new delivery service business "Speedi-Kazz" off the ground. This fast-paced series pairs well with Vinho Verde, a zippy light-bodied white wine from Portugal. Slightly effervescent, this wine matches the fast-paced comedy of this series. It’s best to drink Vinho Verde soon after opening the bottle to preserve its bright citrusy notes.

5. The Loving Generation

The Loving Generation tells the story of how a generation of Americans born to one Black and one white parent experience race and identity in a divided United States. Named for the Loving decision – a supreme court ruling that legalized interracial marriage – this series celebrates the often untold stories of mixed race Americans. Toast this series with a celebratory wine like Blanc de Noirs Champagne. There are several ways Champagne can be made and Blanc de Noirs means that black grapes – often Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier – are used in the winemaking process to make a “blanc” or light style of sparkling wine.

6. One Story Up: Terrence Daye

One Story Up features a series of short films, beginning with Terrence Daye’s Cherish, a visually poetic portrait of a young Black boy in the South who navigates the mundane and discovers the miraculous. Followed by a Q&A with director Terrance Daye, who drew inspiration from growing up Black and queer in a religious home in the South, Cherish pairs well with a substantial and complex wine like Zinfandel. With rich, jammy notes of strawberry and blackberry, plus a hint of smoke, this red wine will take you on a journey while you watch this visually stunning film.

7. The Gift

The gifts of three female artists—an opera singer, a style icon and a painter—are the cast of this inspirational three-part series. Enjoy this visually and aurally stimulating series with a glass of Merlot, a wine that’s known for its intriguing hues and dark fruit notes. While you watch the vibrant colors on screen, take note of Merlot’s deep scarlet body and subtly orange color at the rim. As you listen to the dulcet tones in Cassandra, enjoy the wine’s rich “notes” of black cherry and plum.

8. Birds of North America with Jason Ward

This is not your grandfather’s birdwatching. Jason Ward takes viewers through NYC and other cities around the country meeting birders and bird enthusiasts of all kinds. This captivating series pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon, a red wine with notes of fresh berries and cedar – reminiscent of the forest. A subtle hint of graphite minerality in this full-bodied wine may bring you back to notes you’ve scribbled down in pencil while admiring a particularly lovely songbird in your own backyard.
The perfect Cab for this movie is the Meet Cute Cabernet Sauvignon. This full-bodied red wine has flavor notes of pomegranate, baking spices, cherry, and black currant.

In Vino Finito

Need help finding the right wine to pair with your nightly entertainment? Email us at concierge@brightcellars.com and we can help you find the perfect stories from Black directors and wine pairings.
Arrow Previous Article
October 26, 2020
5 Wine and True Crime Pairi...
Next Article Arrow
October 28, 2020
Tales from the Vineyard: 5 ...
Featured Articles
Follow Bright Cellars

Articles you might like...

Ready to learn more about wine? Dive right in.

This is a carousel. You can use the slide dots to navigate to a specific slide.

Wine 101
April 10, 2023

9 Wine-focused Ways to Make Your Summer More Glamorous

Social distancing summer, here we come! Try out these 9 wine-focused ways to help make your summer more glamorous after...

Wine 101
April 10, 2023

9 Wines to Drink Based on Your Starbucks Order

Coffee is what keeps us going until it's time to drink wine! Here are 9 wines for coffee drinkers based...

Wine Inspiration
April 10, 2023

By the Numbers: Do You Always Drink Wine From a Wine Glass?

This week we asked the Glass Half Full community how often they are using wine glasses to drink their vino....

Wine 101
April 10, 2023

9 Summer Wine Accessories All Beginners Need

Wine can be intimidating when you first start out. Use these 9 wine tools for beginners and you'll easily become...

Pairing Tips
April 10, 2023

9 Wines for Pumpkin Spice Lovers

Some call it fall, others call is pumpkin spice season! Here are 9 wines perfect for pumpkin spice lovers for...

Pairing Tips
April 10, 2023

Wine Pairings for Our Favorite 30-minute Meals

Weeknight dinners shouldn't be stressful! These 30 minute meal and wine pairings make weeknight dinners simple and delicious – without...

Pairing Tips
April 10, 2023

Wine Pairings for Our Favorite Fall 2020 Books

There's nothing better than curling up with a good book and glass of wine. These 2020 book and wine pairings...

Wine Inspiration
April 10, 2023

Bright Cellars’ Exclusive Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for that perfect gift for everyone on your list? Check out Bright Cellars' holiday gift guide and find great...

Wine Inspiration
April 10, 2023

5 DIY Holiday Wine Crafts

The weather is getting colder which means you’ll be stuck indoors. After you have binged watched every holiday movie, you...

Food & Drink Recipes
Pairing Tips
April 10, 2023

9 Wine and Winter Pasta Pairings

9 Winter Pasta and Wine Pairings Looking for something to warm you up this evening? Treat yourself to a bowl...

Food & Drink Recipes
April 10, 2023

9 Wine Cocktails To Transport You Somewhere Warm

Whether your spring break plans were delayed, postponed, or straight-up cancelled, these 9 wine cocktails will transport you somewhere warm.

By The Numbers
April 10, 2023

Your Favorite Wine Cocktails, Ranked

There’s something special about the seasons changing. It’s the perfect time to try a new wine or get out of...

Wine 101
April 10, 2023

Winter Wine: The Best Winter Reds

There’s nothing like cozying up next to a fire with a glass of winter wine in hand. Here are the...

All
April 10, 2023

Wine You’ll Like Based on Your Christmas Style

What does your Christmas style say about which wine you'll like? Traditional, minimalist, whimsical - we're pairing them all with...

Wine Cocktails
October 12, 2022

Your new fall drink: Meet Aperol Spritz. It’s been waiting for you.

Aperol Spritz has been declared the go-to drink of the fall. If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking, “Spritz what?”...

Pairing Tips
October 08, 2022

Wine and Pierogi Pairings For National Pierogi Day!

Happy National Pierogi Day! This Polish dumplings can be savory or sweet. Here are 7 wine and pierogi pairings to...

Tips + Tricks
July 12, 2022

10 Ways to Get Out of a Wine Rut

Looking to rediscover your love for wine? Here are 10 fun, foolproof ways to get out of that wine rut...

Wine Spotlights
July 07, 2022

Wine Spotlight: Paper Tiger Wines

We're introducing our new wine brand, Paper Tiger wines. These varieties are rare, enticing, and, above all, worth trying.

Tips + How To
June 12, 2022

Wine Wisdom: How to Learn About Wine

Introducing Wine Wisdom — a series of bite-size, sommelier-approved lessons that allow you to learn about wine on your own...

Spotlight
June 01, 2022

All for Wine & Wine for All: Raising a Glass to our Differences

Happy June, fellow wine drinkers! This month, we’re celebrating with a reminder: There’s enough room at the table for all...

Spotlight>Brands
May 26, 2022

Wine Spotlight: Dreamlet Wines

These California wines are exploding with flavor, but we’ve also added a new bottling technique with a little bit of...

Spotlight
May 13, 2022

New Wine Alert: Unsinkable Wines

Bright Cellars is excited to announce the launch of a captivating new brand ready to hit boxes – Unsinkable wines.

Wine 101
May 11, 2022

From the Judge's Corner: Wine Competitions Explained

Our own Julie Albin recently judged two wine competitions in London – the International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine...

Wine 101
May 02, 2022

What’s the Deal with Chilling Red Wine?

Should red wines be chilled? The short answer: yes, but don’t go tossing any red wine in your fridge. Here...

Spotlight
April 20, 2022

Best Cellars Spotlight: Folk & Fable Wines

Of all our Bright Cellars wines, there’s one that never fails to impress, time and time again. From its bold,...

Wine 101
April 14, 2022

7 Things to Know About Malbec Wine

You know about the ever-popular Cabernet Sauvignon, and you probably know a thing or two about Merlot. It’s time we...

Wine 101
Wine Facts
April 07, 2022

What Is a Red Blend Wine?

What is a red blend wine and why do winemakers blend wines? We're explaining the magical process that is blending...

Tips + Tricks
March 29, 2022

Spring Cleaning: Wine Bar Cart Essentials

As the weather warms, use this handy checklist of wine bar cart essentials to prepare yourself for spring sipping.

Spotlight
March 25, 2022

NEW! Colorfast Wine Label Spring Cleaning

In the true spirit of spring cleaning, we’re excited to unveil something we’ve been working on behind the scenes. Introducing...

Wine Inspiration
March 22, 2022

Sipping Through Spring: Wine Playlist

Imagine: You're sitting on a blanket at the park with sunshine on your face, a good read in one hand,...

Wine 101
March 16, 2022

A Beginner’s Guide to Different Types of White Wine

Not sure where to start with white wine? Here are the most common types of white wines you'll see at...

Spotlight
February 28, 2022

How to Be the Main Character of Your Wine Experience

Some call it main character energy. We call it good wine vibes. Everyone’s story is different – whether you’re just...

Wine 101
Wine Facts
February 09, 2022

How to Talk About Wine: Wine Terms to Know

From tannin to terroir, here's how to talk about wine and the top wine terms to know for your next...

Wine 101
January 27, 2022

What Are Wine Sulfites & Which Wines Are Low Sulfite Wines?

Sulfites get a bad rap in the wine world, but the truth is, they’re essential to the winemaking process. So,...

Wine Inspiration
January 21, 2022

37 Wine Quotes to Keep You Inspired

Wine quotes are like a good glass of wine - they can truly take your day from good to great....

Wine 101
January 21, 2022

What is Wine Sediment and How Does It Get In My Glass?

In your wine lifetime, you may have experienced wine sediment - traces of the winemaking process left in wine that...

Wine 101
January 14, 2022

Can Wine Freeze? 3 Hacks for Frozen Wine

We know hard alcohol can’t freeze, but can wine freeze? Here's the explanation you've been waiting for and a few...

Wine 101
January 12, 2022

Red Wine vs White Wine: What’s The Difference?

We're sharing the fundamental differences of red wine vs. white wine, plus how you should serve both types of wine.

Tips + How To
January 07, 2022

7 Ways to Embrace Try January, Instead of a Dry January

New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to involve giving something up. Here are 7 ways to make this month a...

Wine 101
December 31, 2021

Sparkling Wine VS Champagne: What’s the Difference?

As we ring in the New Year, it’s important to address this surprisingly common question - what is the difference...

Tips + How To
December 16, 2021

7 Wine Holiday Traditions to Start this Year

Some holiday traditions are just better with wine. Here are 7 creative ways to celebrate the season with vino, year...

Wine Inspiration
December 10, 2021

Last Minute Gifts That Will Arrive In Time

These last minute gifts are great for wine lovers and are guaranteed to arrive before the holidays. Check out these...

Wine Inspiration
December 03, 2021

25 Best Christmas Songs and Wine Pairings

From classic carols to modern hits, we’ve taken the liberty of rounding up the best Christmas songs and pairing them...

Tips + Tricks
Wine Inspiration
December 03, 2021

Holiday Hacks: How to Reuse Your Bright Cellars Box

Instead of tossing your box on the curb, here are a few holiday hacks and DIY wine bottle crafts to...

Pairing Tips
December 02, 2021

Top Wine Pairings for Your Holiday Dinner – No Matter What You Cele...

The holidays are all about enjoying good food! Here are the perfect holiday dinner and wine pairings – no matter...

Wine Inspiration
November 26, 2021

Gift Guide: Gifts for Wine Lovers

Wondering what to get someone who loves wine? From the Wine Newbie to the Cocktail Connoisseur, here are the perfect...

Wine Inspiration
November 24, 2021

7 Reasons to be Thankful for Wine

When you go around the table this Thanksgiving and share what you're thankful for, don't forget to be thankful for...

Pairing Tips
November 19, 2021

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes & Wine Pairings

You can only eat turkey so many days in a row. Here are the best Thanksgiving leftover recipes and the...

Wine Inspiration
November 19, 2021

2021 Black Friday Wine Deals

Whether you're a wine beginner or seasoned sipper, here are the best Black Friday wine deals for wine lovers alike.

Wine Inspiration
November 12, 2021

The Best Holiday Wine Gift Subscription On The Internet

We found the perfect holiday wine gift to give your loved one all the warm and fuzzies this holiday season.