We can cheers to this!
Ingrid Best is more than a CEO; she’s a visionary, a trailblazer, and a game-changer. As the founder of IBest Wines, she’s on a mission to revolutionize the wine industry, one bottle at a time. But her journey didn’t start in the vineyards of South Africa; it began in the vibrant streets of Oakland, California.
Growing up steeped in culture, Best was surrounded by diverse perspectives at an early age. It was the exposure to so many different experiences that ignited her passion for innovation. Little did she know that this upbringing would shape the foundation of her future empire, crediting her formative years and her work in the music business with setting the tone for her own journey.
“Growing up in Oakland, I was exposed to diverse cultures and artistic expressions, which fueled my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. My journey into the wine business began over two decades ago when I launched my own music promotions company. The experience taught me the power of creativity, innovation, and storytelling in building successful brands,” Best told Because Of Them We Can.
Still, Best’s foray into wine wasn’t a linear path. After transitioning from the music industry, she spent two decades honing her craft in wine and spirits. With a knack for marketing and brand management, she carved out a niche in an industry dominated by giants. After a trip to South Africa, Best found her true calling. From the moment she set foot in the country, she was captivated by its people, culture, and, of course, its wine. It was here that the seeds of IBest Wines were planted.
“I’ve always had a love of wine and fell in love with South Africa – from its people, culture, food, art, and wine – on my first trip to the country with one of my best friends years ago. I returned from that trip with a renewed energy and a clear vision [of] my purpose: To launch my own wine brand,” she recalled.
For Best, the journey was about more than just making a name for herself; it was about rewriting the narrative. Throughout her career, she pushed the limits and advocated for diversity at every turn. As the only marketing executive managing joint venture spirits for two of the biggest music moguls in the industry, she had gained a passion for championing Black women to hold positions of power in business.
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Sourcing wine from South Africa wasn’t just a business decision; it was a statement. By spotlighting the region’s rich heritage and diverse winemaking abilities, she aimed to disrupt industry norms and promote diversity and inclusion on a global scale. Through partnerships with local producers like Stellenbosch Vineyards, she’s not only crafting exceptional blends but also helming an economic renaissance within South Africa’s wine community.
“South Africa’s wine industry has historically been underrepresented on the global stage despite its exceptional quality and potential for growth. By sourcing our wines from South Africa, we aim to shine a spotlight on this dynamic wine region…Our partnership with Stellenbosch Vineyards underscores our commitment to supporting local producers and fostering economic empowerment within the South African wine community,” explained Best.
But IBest Wines is more than just a brand; it’s a movement to redefine wine culture and empower underrepresented voices in the industry. All five of the brand’s founding members are Black women and equity holders in the company. Best hopes that what she’s creating can spark a larger conversation about other industries Black people can reclaim that they have historically not had access to. Through IBest Wines, she hopes to leave a dynamic cultural legacy that provides mentorship and a pathway to ownership for Black and Brown women, ultimately transcending the wine industry.
“My vision is to build a brand that not only produces exceptional wines but also serves as a platform for artists, innovators, and changemakers to express themselves and share their stories with the world…I am committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the wine industry…Ultimately, I envision IBest Wines as a catalyst for positive change,” Best declared.
Recently, IBest Wines followed up its launch in South Africa with a new market launch In Georgia, partnering with Empire Distributors, the largest in the state. She remains steadfast in her commitment to collaboration and community engagement as she brings her product to new markets. With each new bottle shared, she’s amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and celebrating “the power of wine to unite, inspire, and transform lives.”
“This journey has been a testament to the resilience, creativity, and passion of our team, whose dedication and hard work have made this vision a reality. Together, we have the power to shape a future where wine is more than a beverage – it is a catalyst for change, a cultural connector, and a legacy builder,” stated Best.
IBest Wines is currently available in the US at IBestWines.com, in select retailers, and in South Africa exclusively at Stellenbosch Vineyards.
Cover photo: Meet Ingrid Best, the CEO Redefining Wine Culture With IBest Wines/IBest Wines CEO Ingrid Best/Photo Credit: Jorge Meza Photos/IBestWines