Justin Trabue, winemaker and activist, Lumen Wines, Santa Maria

Justin Trabue is the assistant winemaker at Lumen Wines in Santa Maria, California. She is a fourth-generation Washingtonian, and she is Black, which definitely puts her in the minority on California’s Central Coast, and even more so in the local wine industry. Justin and fellow Black winemaker Simonne Mitchelson wrote a letter to the wine industry, using it to raise funds for the local grassroots organization, RACE Matters, SLO. Justin was recognized for that achievement by Wine & Spirits Magazine and named one of its “Rising Black Voices in Wine.” Listen in on my conversation with Justin about wine, race, and Lord of the Rings, and don’t miss the other episodes of CONSUMED for which she is a special guest host.

Instagram: @jmedici320

Lumen Wines: lumenwines.com