We all need each other. That's the whole story.
Minority-owned brands are still a small fraction of the spirits industry. Nobody in this room inherited a distillery. We are the freshman class, and the class after us is watching.
Founded
March 10, 2022.
Nashville rooftop, five founders, every bottle on one table. That photograph is the whole thesis.
Founded 03 · 10 · 2022A support system.Then a spotlight.
TMOWSA was created to be a support system for minority-owned companies navigating the complexities of the wine and spirits industry. The founders were already helping each other through hard times: sharing distributor contacts, pouring at each other's events, warning each other about the walls you only see once you're inside.
The association made that informal network official. The mission from day one: inspire other minority-owned wine and spirits companies to not just ask for a seat at the table, but to make their own table.
This website is the next step. A place where media, retailers, distributors, event producers, funders and future founders can see who built this, who is building it now, what we're facing, and where the opportunities are.
The people who lit the shelf.
Five founders. Two members. Founder profiles and stories are coming; member brands, send yours.
Tennessee first. Then MOWSA.
Winning looks like a national organization with members, businesses, and enough collective weight to change laws. We believe stadiums and arenas built with taxpayer dollars should carry minority-owned spirits brands.
Nashville is building a new Titans stadium right now. Minority contractors help build it. Minority brands should share in the cash flow that runs through it for the next forty years. Our money helped fund these buildings; we should have representation in the vendorship.
Membership
Brands with skin in the game. Dues, criteria, a real roster.
Collective economic power
Six brands showing up, pouring and opening doors together.
Research & data
Who is here, what sells, where the walls are. Written down.
Corporate & government relationships
Stadiums, arenas, airports, cities. Rooms with budgets.
Policy advocacy
Lobbyists who can help change vendorship law.
National representation
TMOWSA becomes MOWSA. Tennessee first, because that's where we are.
Be part of the
next chapter.
If you close your eyes and still see it, there's a place for you here. And if you have the knowledge, access or opportunity to help someone bring that vision to life, there's a place for you here too.
Create an Opportunity