Galentine's Day Sip & Shop at Zora's Place showcases Black women-owned wines

Oenophiles and bibliophiles celebrated Galentine’s Day on Friday with a Sip & Shop evening at Zora’s Place bookstore, 2223 Washington St. The free event featured Black woman-owned wines, light bites and lovely gal pal vibes. “February is the month of love, and Black History Month, so we wanted to celebrate both and have a good time with friends,” said owner L’Oreal Thompson Payton.

Chasity Cooper (left) and L’Oreal Thompson Payton share a toast. Credit: Carrie Jackson

As the only current Black woman-owned bookstore in Evanston, Zora’s Place regularly hosts events that center the Black community. Located in the Aux Wellness Collective, a Black-owned business hub for mental and physical health services, Friday’s gathering offered a spirited tasting of wines from sommelier and wine writer Chasity Cooper. “We’re going along with the theme of having Black women-owned wines for a Black feminist bookstore,” Cooper said.

Four Black woman-owned wines for the Sip & Shop. Credit: Carrie Jackson

The wines included a sauvignon blanc and cabernet from House of Brown and two bottles from the McBride Sisters: a Black Girl Magic red blend and a pinot grigio from music icon Mary J. Blige. Cooper, author of Wine Convo Generator, said her go-to wine depends on the season. “Right now I’m into stone dry whites,” she said. “I’m really enjoying this sauvignon blanc.”

Chasity Cooper shows off four Black woman-owned wines. Credit: Carrie Jackson

Friends Brandis Friedman and Deb Padgett came out to support the store and the mission of the Aux. Friedman said she was also drawn to the Black-owned wine tie-in. “I was familiar with all but one of them, so I learned a little something tonight,” she said.

Brandis Friedman (left) and Deb Padgett came out to support the store. Credit: Carrie Jackson

Cooper has made regular pouring appearances for events at Zora’s Place, including at its grand opening in September. “L’Oreal and I have been friends for quite some time, and it’s always fun to do a Sip & Shop and highlight some wines for people to try and enjoy,” she said.

See below for more photos of the evening.