How Winemaker Shae Frichette Knows the Land Is the Legacy

Legacy in the Vines sponsored by Urban Connoisseurs SHAE FRICHETTE: The Land Is the Legacy   RESOURCES & LINKS: https://www.urbanconnoisseurs.com/ https://frichettewinery.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaefrichette https://www.winemag.com/food-drink/wine-food-pairing-guide/ https://vinepair.com/articles/vineyard-investment-essentials/ CONNECT WITH SHAE FRICHETTE: https://www.instagram.com/shaefrichette https://www.facebook.com/frichettewinery SUMMARY: For generations, Black families worked land they would never own—building wealth for others while their own dreams were deferred. But today, a powerful shift is happening. Descendants of sharecroppers are reclaiming land, building assets, and rewriting the financial legacy of their families. Shae Frichette is the co-owner and winemaker at Frichette Winery, the first Black-owned winery in Washington’s Red Mountain AVA. Transitioning from corporate life to viticulture, she crafts bold, elegant wines and hosts community-focused events, blending passion, storytelling, and hospitality to create memorable wine experiences. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome to the episode: Ownership, land, and legacy beyond wine 00:41 - Introducing Shae Frichette: Winemaker, leader, community builder 02:04 - Perception and identity: How the world sees Shae 03:09 - The power of recognition and presence in community interactions 04:38 - Shae’s journey into winemaking: From dry home upbringing to vineyard owner 05:54 - Soil and environment: Lessons from South Carolina to Eastern Washington 06:50 - Farming as a science, craft, and community ecosystem 08:00 - Involving family and community in vineyard life 09:09 - Failing forward: Learning from planting and soil challenges 10:26 - Creating a safe environment to innovate and learn 11:44 - Timeline of vineyard development and the importance of patience 12:29 - Succession planting in agriculture and its parallels in winemaking 14:20 - Opportunity costs and long-term planning in vineyard investment 15:59 - Jumping into wine business: Strategies for quick entry 17:14 - Strategic positioning: Direct-to-consumer focus and community engagement 18:24 - Overcoming underestimation and industry barriers as a Black woman 19:45 - Community support, family involvement, and sharing the craft 22:50 - Stewardship, investing in community, and the value of collective effort 26:01 - Shae’s personal style, confidence, and alignment with her purpose 28:24 - Navigating industry perceptions and self-awareness in success 33:20 - Engaging the community with Shae’s products and brand 35:40 - Rapid fire: Pairing wine with light seafood and exploring flavors 36:23 - Final reflections: Self-identity, resilience, and building legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices