The highly anticipated Black Owned Wine and Spirits Festival (BOWSFest) returns to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, October 5, 2024. With the theme of “One World, One Legacy,” this year’s festival celebrates the African diaspora and its impact on the global wine and spirits industry. The annual event is back at the centrally located Capital Turnaround hotel (770 M Street SE) from 2 PM to 8 PM.
This year’s festival is hosted by Radio One’s Michelle Vessels and renowned celebrity baker Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman. Presented by returning sponsor FOU-DRE Vodka, the event will also showcase over 30 Black-owned wine and spirits brands. Guests can expect pours and by-the-bottle purchases from international and domestic labels such as DuNord Spirits, Boyd Cru Wines, Brown Girls Brew, and Den of Thieves Whiskey, an outdoor cigar lounge, chef demonstrations, food and retail vendors and more.
“We’re not just celebrating incredible products—we’re amplifying a movement,” said Chanel Turner, founder of BOWSFest and FOU-DRE Vodka. “BOWSFest is about empowering Black-owned businesses and providing a space where they can thrive, share their stories, and shape their legacies.”
VIP ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive bar experience, a private tasting with Chef Anthony Thomas, and a bivalve bar curated by the “Oyster Ninja” himself, Gardner Douglas. Notable D.C. names representing diverse culinary traditions include Michelin-recognized Chef Peter Prime (Caribbean), and Chef Angela Rose, who will offer a preview of the menu from the forthcoming GoGo Museum Café in Anacostia.
In addition to the festival, BOWSFest will host a thought-provoking panel on Tuesday, October 1, titled “Let’s Not Play About Us: The Current State of DEI in the Wine and Spirits Industry.” This important discussion will take place at La Caj Restaurant from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with the panel itself running from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (4531 Telfair Blvd., Camp Springs, MD).
The panel will address the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the wine and spirits industry, as well as steps needed to take to keep its initiatives at the forefront. Attendees can expect engaging insights from industry leaders and business owners who are driving change and innovation in their fields.
Panelists include:
- Monique Rose – Owner, La Caj Seafood; CEO, Rose Purchasing Group; MRM Consulting
- Kristina Sicard – VP, Senior Business Consultant, Chase
- Jon’ll Boyd – Founder & CEO, Boyd Cru Wines
- Clyde Davis – CEO, 75 Proof Beverage Solutions & Housebar
- Shawn Townsend – President & CEO, RAMW (Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington)
- Dwight Phyall – Head of DEI and Culture, Total Wine
Since its inception, BOWSFest has been a game-changer for Black-owned brands, moving over $350,000 worth of product for emerging makers. The festival offers a platform for these brands to connect with consumers and industry professionals, making a significant impact on small-batch distillers and winemakers who often face barriers in the marketplace.
Tickets for the 8th Annual Black Owned Wine and Spirits Festival are on sale now. Secure a spot at this premier celebration of culture, community, and entrepreneurship at www.bowsfest.com