The Best Wines to Drink for Juneteenth

When Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021, it codified what Black Americans knew all along. Commemorating the historic moment on June 19, 1865, when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were notified of their emancipation more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the day is one of the most important in American history.

Since then, Black communities have held annual Juneteenth celebrations as a way to honor the struggles of the past, while celebrating a long overdue freedom. As Black Americans migrated to every corner of the country, these gatherings evolved into a breadth of events. In the South and other more rural areas, celebrations were centered around the church and community festivals with fried fish and folding chairs, whereas Juneteenth festivities in Harlem and Brooklyn were reimagined as block parties up and down brownstone-lined streets.

But no matter the setting, Juneteenth celebrations were incomplete without a sizzling grill and some red juice. Harkening back to the traditional West African drink of garnet-colored hibiscus and kola teas, red juice symbolizes the bloodshed endured by enslaved Black Americans. The selection of red drinks proliferated, with Kool-Aid, fruit punch, and strawberry sodas all viable options.

“When I think of a Juneteenth jubilee, I’m taken back to early memories of my mom and aunts gathered together, glasses of Lambrusco or White Zinfandel in hand,” says sommelier and Texas native Monica Jones. “Wine, for me, has always been about community.” 

While today’s Juneteenth celebrations still center around red juice, the drinks lining the table are becoming more varied, from chilled reds to food-friendly rosés. These wine professionals share what they’re pouring—and why—this Juneteenth.

Chilled Reds

Chilled red wine is the antidote for sunny summer days that transition into balmy evenings. Sommelier Mahlik Richardson will reach for a chilled red on Juneteenth as a thoughtful way to honor the tradition of red drinks. “Juneteenth is a relatively new national celebration, which means we’re actively shaping what those traditions look like,” he says. 

He plans on opening a bottle of Where’s Linus? Red, a collaboration between winemaker Chris Christenson and importer Jenny & François that hovers somewhere between juicy and jammy. 

“Not only is it produced by a Black winemaker, but it’s a great pairing option for everything from grilled meats to lighter sides,” says Richardson.

Chilled reds are also Jones’ go-to for Juneteenth. She recommends lightly chilling a bottle for 15 minutes before enjoying it. (She’ll be reaching for House of Brown’s red blend.)

For more bottle inspiration, check out our favorite chilled reds for barbecues.

Rosé

Lighter in body, but still structured enough to withstand hearty soul food dishes typically eaten on Juneteenth, sommelier Loris Jones-Randolph recommends rosé. It’s a thoughtful nod to red-tinged tradition while offering something more refreshing.

Jones-Randolph has been enjoying Generational Wealth Wines’ The Rosecrans Rosé. Named after a street in South Central Los Angeles, the rosé is owner Keyonna Kidd-Goins’ love letter to the energy and spirit of her city. “There’s something special about how the wine itself is a bridge of cultures, made by a Black woman who wanted to see herself and her neighborhood represented in the industry,” says Jones-Randolph. 

Peruse our top-rated rosés from around the world.

White Bordeaux

Structured whites, although a deviation from red drinks typical of Juneteenth, have elbowed their way onto the table as a perfect pairing for grilled food. For Tuanni Price, wine educator and founder of Zuri Wine Tasting and Afro Wine Week, a classic white Bordeaux blend conjures up feelings of both history and optimism for Juneteenth. 

“Château Fillon White Bordeaux is a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, but what makes it truly special is the heritage behind it,” says Price. “The Château is owned by a Black Haitian-American family, so opening a bottle feels like sipping history. I’m personally reaching for it because it embodies the spirit of Juneteenth—celebrating excellence, legacy, and the deep roots of the diaspora.” 

Here’s a beginner’s guide to the stunning diversity of White Bordeaux.

Sparkling

The pop of a cork is an especially festive way to kick off Juneteenth shenanigans, making sparkling wine an increasingly popular choice for the occasion. Jones-Randolph opts for sparklers as a natural crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for mid-June weather. Plus, bubbles abound with food pairing possibilities for a large group. 

“Brenae Royale, vintner of Veraison Project, makes a NV sparkling wine from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes in charmat method, with the proceeds going towards making sure there are more Black women and men in wine,” says Jones-Randolph. 

Take a look at the best sparkling wines from around the world.

With its proclivity for bridging the acidity of white wine with the food-friendly tannins of a red, skin-contact is an easy choice for Juneteenth celebrations. “If I’m given the opportunity to pick a fun wine, no matter the occasion, skin-contact is always a great choice,” says Richardson.

This Juneteenth, he recommends Aslina’s 2023 Skin Contact Chenin, for not only its food friendliness, but also the narrative thread it draws from hardship to success. Ntsiki Biyela trudged through discrimination in post-apartheid South Africa to emerge as the country’s first Black female winemaker. After obtaining a degree in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology), Biyela started her label, Aslina, in 2016.

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Published: June 8, 2026