People Behind the Pour: Siptastic! Nicole Kearney’s Vision of Building a Legacy in Wine with Sip & Share Wines

As we usher in Black History Month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Nicole Kearney, founder and owner of Sip & Share Wines, a boutique winery born from a family tradition of winemaking and a passion for inclusivity. Nicole is a trailblazer in her state as Indiana's first Black woman winemaker. Based in Indianapolis, Nicole founded Sip & Share Wines in 2018, but her journey into the wine industry began long before she bottled her first vintage.  

“My family has always made wine as I was growing up, and fruit trees were abundant,” Nicole recalls. “We made a lot of fruit wine and also grape wines. It was just kind of a family tradition that we did, not thinking of it as one day we’ll have this thing.”

Nicole’s love for wine deepened during her formative years in Europe, where she experienced the culture of winemaking firsthand. Her father, a retired military veteran, was stationed in Europe for three tours where Nicole was able to live in Germany and spend significant time in Italy. Surrounded by the region's renowned wine traditions, these experiences enabled her curiosity to grow. 

Nicole's entrepreneurial spirit sparked after she returned to the U.S. and experimented with creating her own sangrias for family events. After some research, she discovered that there were only 30 Black-owned wineries at the time, and Nicole’s mission became clear: to amplify diverse voices in wine and create a space for those often overlooked in the industry.

From its inception, Sip & Share Wines has been rooted in the ethos of connection. “We are community-made,” Nicole shares. Their Gratitude Red Blend and Intention Riesling, two of Nicole’s favorites, reflect their commitment to quality and ability to resonate emotionally with wine lovers.

Nicole’s approach to winemaking is as intentional as the names of her wines. By crafting exclusively vegan wines and letting the wine “tell us when it’s ready,” she emphasizes quality over speed. “The wine leads, and we follow,” she explains.

Nicole’s emphasis on wine education also sets Sip & Share apart. From simple “Sip Tips” on selecting wines to pairing unconventional combinations like their Gratitude Red Blend with a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Nicole makes wine accessible and enjoyable for all.

She acknowledges the challenges that come with breaking down barriers, from confronting stereotypes to navigating an industry historically dominated by white men. Yet, her perseverance has led to significant milestones, including partnerships with Total Wine and distribution in seven stores across five states. In 2025, Sip & Share plans to expand further into the South, Midwest, and Northeast.

Despite the progress, Nicole recognizes the industry’s need for greater representation. “Statistically, 1% of wineries are Black-owned, and less than 0.01% are Black women winemakers,” she notes. Her vision for Sip & Share extends beyond her own success: she’s laying the groundwork for a multi-generational legacy that will inspire future winemakers and entrepreneurs.

For Nicole, Sip & Share Wines is more than a business; it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and family. With her family’s skills and support—ranging from logistics and HR to sales and marketing—Nicole has built a true family enterprise. “We’re laying the foundation for a multi-generational business,” she says, envisioning a future where Sip & Share becomes synonymous with legacy and representation.

As the winery heads into 2025, Nicole is excited to unveil a brand reset that will further embody their mission of “Sip, Share, Connect.” This initiative, along with new collaborations and community projects, ensures that Sip & Share will continue to inspire and elevate voices in the wine industry.

WeRise is thrilled to partner with Sip & Share to amplify their story. For more stories like Sip& Share and to experience the unique flavors of diverse winemakers, visit us at our new wine bar that is now open. To learn more about Nicole and Sip & Share, check out their website and sign up for the WeRise newsletter so you’re the first to learn about news and events at WeRise Wines.