Progressive Pours at Urban Grape

April 26, 2023—Close to 30 alums spanning five decades returned for the first time in person since the pandemic to mixing and mingling-spot Urban Grape.

“This was such a fun opportunity to meet alums from several generations over a glass of wine,” said Winsor Director of Engagement and Events Becky Withiam. “Urban Grape’s mission to create belonging and elevate BIPOC and women-owned companies deeply resonates with our alums, it is no wonder this event has become an annual tradition. Winsor alums are doing amazing things in our community and being able to highlight them whenever possible is a true honor.”

The “Progressive Pours” wine tasting highlighted South African wines and featured Rüdger van Wyk, head winemaker at Stark-Condé. Most recently, van Wyk launched his signature wine brand, Kara-Tara, as a joint venture with José Conde, which was one of the wines guests had the option of tasting and learning about at the event. A tribute to his roots in the Western Cape, “Kara-Tara”’ refers to the small town near Knysna on the Cape South Coast of South Africa, where Wyk grew up. Translated from the Khoisan, the language from the first people in Southern Africa, it means “deep dark shadows” and refers to the Karatara river that runs through the town.

Owned by Hadley Douglas ’92, and TJ Douglas, Urban Grape is dedicated to building community through beverage. Hadley and husband TJ are also sought after panelists on a variety of subjects, including their passions of equity and inclusion in the wine industry, Black-owned and woman-owned businesses, and social justice.

The four wines featured at the tasting were: