The Bottle That Begins the Conversation
By Jarvus Ricardo Hester
I’ve never believed the best part of a bottle of wine is what’s inside it.
It’s who you’re sitting with when the cork comes out.
Some bottles celebrate promotions.
Others survive heartbreak.
Some are opened because old friends haven’t seen each other in years.
Others because strangers are about to become friends.
Wine has a remarkable way of slowing us down.
In a city that moves at the speed of a subway train, perhaps that’s its greatest gift.
It asks us to stay.
To linger just a little longer after dinner.
To tell one more story.
To ask one more question.
To raise one more toast.
Maybe that’s why every culture seems to have its own relationship with wine.
In South Africa, vineyards stretch across mountains shaped by centuries of history.
In France, families have passed vineyards from one generation to the next for hundreds of years.
In Italy, a bottle rarely arrives without food.
In California, innovation sits comfortably beside tradition.
And across the African diaspora, a new generation of Black winemakers is quietly reshaping an industry that has too often overlooked their stories.
Wine, like music, has never really been about perfection.
It’s about expression.
Every bottle carries a place.
A climate.
A family.
A harvest.
A decision.
A dream.
That’s what fascinated us.
Not simply what we’re drinking…
…but who made it.
That’s the inspiration behind Wine All About It.
Each month, we’ll introduce you to remarkable wineries, extraordinary winemakers, hidden vineyards, and unforgettable bottles from Harlem to the world.
Some will come from internationally celebrated estates.
Others will come from small, family-owned vineyards you’ve never heard of—yet.
We’ll celebrate Black-owned wineries.
International discoveries.
Women changing the wine industry.
Historic vineyards.
Unexpected regions.
And, of course…
We’ll taste.
But more importantly…
We’ll talk.
Because wine has always been an excuse for conversation.
And conversations have always changed the world.
So whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone still wondering what the difference is between a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon…
Pull up a chair.
Pour a glass.
There’s always room for one more at the table.
Welcome to Wine All About It.
The conversation has just begun.
Coming Soon
Each edition will feature:
The Featured Bottle
Our wine of the month.
Meet the Winemaker
The people behind every vintage.
Perfect Pairing
Chef-recommended food pairings from Harlem restaurants.
Passport in a Glass
The history and culture of each wine region.
The Tasting Table
Join us for exclusive Wine All About It tasting experiences, where readers, winemakers, chefs, and storytellers gather to share exceptional wines, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable evenings.
Stay in the Mood
Wine is meant to be shared. So are great stories.
Follow Mood Magazine NYC for future editions of Wine All About It, discover exceptional Black-owned and international wineries, and join us at upcoming tasting events throughout Harlem and New York City.
🎙 Listen to WHRL Mood Radio Harlem — The Heart of Harlem for conversations celebrating culture, community, and the finer things in life.
💬 Join the conversation on Threads and tell us: What’s the most memorable bottle of wine you’ve ever shared—and who were you with?
Mood Magazine NYC
Mind. Body. Spirit. Culture.
The Heart of Harlem.
