As a business and leadership development consultant, Kindra Dionne frequented events where the wines served to the networking crowds weren’t up to snuff. So, inspired by her good friend Doug Fabbioli, lauded vintner and owner of Leesburg’s Fabbioli Cellars, the Richmond native and NoVA transplant set out to create smooth, enjoyable wines that flow as freely as good conversation. The result was Fifty Leven (slang for “a lot of something”), a venture she launched this fall that happens to be the first Black-owned winery in Loudoun County. We spoke with Dionne to find out how she’s blazing a new trail in Virginia wine country.
What kind of wines are you making?
I am currently producing about 300 cases of five styles. Both Asian and American varieties of pears from Patent House Orchard in Lovettsville go into Stride Pear, which is light and refreshing and also tinged with honey and vanilla. Petit Manseng has tropical vibes of pineapple, melon, and apricot. Dulce Zaiya is a sultry red blend of chambourcin, petit verdot, and petite sirah that’s bold and sweet, with bright fruit and balanced structure. Heritage is a Bordeaux-style blend that touts jammy black fruit, vanilla, clove, cassis, and oak. And Vibranium is my homage to port, with layered notes of smoke, hickory, blackberry, baking spices, and vanilla.
What’s your favorite cork-and-fork pairing?
Homemade sweet potato pie with a glass of Stride Pear wine, and jerk chicken with petit manseng. And I love chocolate brownies and a great cigar with a glass of Vibranium!
What are a few of your favorite local wineries?
Loudoun has more than 45 amazing wineries, so it’s hard to name a favorite. I really love the ambience and wine at Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg. The property is stunning, the wine is wonderful, and I always have a great time. And of course, Quattro Goombas in Aldie serves up wine slushies and pizza—need I say more?
Why does it matter that Fifty Leven is Black-owned?
Traditionally, when you look at the wine market—and this is globally—it is a very monochromatic consumer base. Culturally, there is not a lot of diversity. How often do you see wineries really targeting Mexican Americans to come in and partake, or Chinese Americans, or African Americans? It is intimidating to go to wineries when you are of a diverse background—not just Black. I really wanted to put a luxury product out there that people can enjoy, while giving it a name that’s funny and recognizable for those who have Southern roots. When we do private tasting events and I’m talking viticulture, or ‘wine culture,’ as they say, I’m talking about it in layman’s terms. Like, ‘If you’re serving your mother’s empanadas, serve them with this wine.’ This brand is about relatability and relationships, so it’s important that Fifty Leven serves underrepresented and overlooked wine lovers.
Feature image courtesy Fifty Leven
This story originally appeared in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
