A Celebration of Culture and Craft: The Industry Gathers In the Nation's Capital for the 9th Annual Black Owned Wine & Spirits Festival

Washington, D.C. — August 26, 2025– The nation’s premier celebration of Black-owned wine and spirits is back. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Black Owned Wine & Spirits Festival (BOWSFest) returns to Washington, D.C. for its 9th year taking place at downtown DC's Hamilton Hotel. Members of the wine, spirits and hospitality industry are coming together to make this year’s event bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever. Additionally, this year introduces a historic milestone: the first-ever Black Owned Spirits Awards, honoring the innovation, craftsmanship, and culture shaping the growing Black-owned beverage industry.

Since its founding, BOWSFest has provided an unparalleled platform for brands, entrepreneurs, and consumers to connect in a space where culture, community, and commerce meet. The festival has become a cultural anchor, blending education, entertainment, and economic empowerment into one unforgettable experience.

In addition to the over 40 Wine and Spirit brands being sold and featured such as DC based Free State Distillery, New Orleans based New Dawn Distilling, Philly’s Diggs Boys Bourbon and many  more, festival highlights also include Specialty Bar activations such as a title sponsor’s Fou-Dre Vodka Bar, an Espresso Martini Bar sponsored by philanthropic coffee company Blk and Bold, and a popup from new DC neighborhood favorite Whiskey Bar Anacostia. A Premiere Vendor Lounge with elevated tasting experiences from featured brands such as Aphro Spirit, the unique Ghanaian palm spirit making its DMV debut, can also be expected. Educational & interactive experiences from guided tastings to mixology sessions will also be available allowing festival-goers to dive deeper into the artistry behind these brands and as always, a robust food & retail showcase of local chefs, caterers and retail vendors offering diverse bites and cultural goods will be in full swing.

This year’s VIP Experience is a premium pass offering early access, exclusive tastings from the Oyster Ninja and this year’s VIP Chef the Gogo Museum and Cafe’s Chef Angela Rose, “Glass in Session” sessions by the BoozeBruvas, gift bags, bottle and glass engraving by Artistry in Motion, a special VIP Photo booth and even more activations designed to elevate the festival journey.

The 9th Annual Black Owned Wine & Spirits Festival is expected to draw nearly 1,000 attendees, making it one of the most influential gatherings in the industry. This year’s Black Owned Spirits Awards, in partnership with Clyde Davis and 75 proof beverage solutions will celebrate excellence across categories, spotlighting innovation and legacy in the Black-owned beverage community. Unlike traditional awards, entry is open to any Black-owned brand through submission, ensuring a platform for broad representation and recognition.

“BOWSFest has always been about more than spirits—it’s about celebrating culture, creating access, and building economic power. The introduction of the Black Owned Spirits Awards just furthers our mission in recognizing the pioneers, tastemakers, and innovators leading this movement.”

Tickets and award entry details are available now at BOWSFest(dot)com.

About BOWSFest:

The Black Owned Wine and Spirits Festival (BOWSFest) is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and promoting Black-owned businesses in the wine and spirits industry. Founded in 2016, BOWSFest aims to provide a platform for Black-owned brands to showcase their products, connect with consumers, and foster community engagement. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, BOWSFest is committed to supporting the growth and success of Black-owned businesses around the world.

About Chanel Turner and Fou-Dre Vodka 

As a Black female entrepreneur, Chanel Turner has worked incredibly hard to bring diversity and equity into the alcohol industry. Chanel Turner is the founding organizer of The Black Owned Wine & Spirits Festival. Turner is also the owner of FOU-DRÉ Vodka, a premium infused vodka made with lime, pomegranate, ginger, and kiwi. The award-winning, five-times-distilled vodka is made through a unique patented process using TerrePure technology in Charleston, South Carolina. Globally distributed FOU-DRÉ is unique by design. Resembling a lightning bolt, the brand’s bottle shape and concept celebrates the meaning of FOU-DRÉ: the French word for lightning. The bottle is manufactured in France and retails nationwide for approximately $44.

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