USA Today crowned 1010 Wine and Events as America’s Best Wine Bar for 2025. The Inglewood establishment represents a historic achievement for Black women entrepreneurs nationwide. Sisters Le and Leslie Jones opened their luxury wine bar just four years ago.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for the African American wine industry. Black entrepreneurs own less than 5% of wine companies across the United States. This award highlights the growing influence of minority-owned businesses in premium hospitality.
1010 Wine Bar Becomes First Black Woman-Owned Winner of National Recognition
The Jones sisters created something unprecedented in Inglewood’s business landscape. Their establishment stands as the first and only Black woman-owned wine bar in the city. Located at the intersection of La Brea and Centinela, the venue attracts visitors from across Los Angeles.
USA Today praised the wine bar’s extensive selection and exceptional food menu. The establishment features fusion dishes inspired by the African diaspora throughout its offerings. Menu highlights include black-eyed pea fritters, fried fish, champagne waffles, and Nigerian-style Suya beef skewers.
“We’re very grateful for it. We’re very excited. It’s kind of surreal,” Le Jones told the Los Angeles Sentinel. The recognition validates years of hard work building their vision in Inglewood. Their success demonstrates the potential for luxury businesses in traditionally underserved communities.
Le and Leslie Jones Transform 10,000-Square-Foot Space Into Entertainment Hub
Le Jones works as a trademark attorney while Leslie Jones operates as an event planner. Together, they purchased and transformed a massive 10,000-square-foot mixed-use building in 2021. The sisters opened during challenging times following the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact.
“When we first walked into this space, it was really hard to imagine it,” Le Jones explained. The transformation required significant vision and investment to create their current luxury atmosphere. Thousands of customers have visited the establishment over four successful years of operation.
The venue serves as both wine bar and entertainment space for live events. This dual purpose maximizes the building’s potential while serving diverse community needs. Their approach creates multiple revenue streams while building lasting customer relationships.
Largest Black-Owned Wine Selection Features Celebrity Brands and Premium Options
1010 Wine boasts the largest selection of Black-owned wine brands in the region. The collection includes Taraji P. Henson’s Seven Daughters wine among its premium offerings. Issa Rae’s Viarae Prosecco also features prominently in their curated selection.
This focus on Black-owned brands supports minority entrepreneurs throughout the wine industry. The sisters deliberately chose to highlight underrepresented producers in their business model. Their platform provides visibility for brands that often struggle to reach mainstream markets.
The wine selection spans various price points and taste preferences for diverse customers. Quality remains paramount while supporting minority-owned businesses creates additional value. This combination attracts wine enthusiasts seeking both excellence and social impact.
Sisters Inspire Community Entrepreneurship Through Inglewood Business Success
The Jones sisters specifically chose Inglewood to fill a gap they experienced personally. They were tired of traveling outside their community for upscale wine experiences. Their solution involved creating the luxury venue they wanted to visit locally.
This decision reflects broader trends of entrepreneurs investing in their own communities. The sisters hope to inspire other aspiring business owners to start ventures locally. Their success demonstrates the viability of luxury businesses in diverse neighborhoods.
Community investment creates jobs while keeping consumer dollars within local economies. The wine bar’s success attracts additional businesses and visitors to the area. This positive cycle benefits the entire Inglewood business ecosystem significantly.
1010 Wine Club Extends Premium Experience Beyond Los Angeles Region
The establishment offers a 1010 Wine Club for customers outside the greater Los Angeles area. Memberships start at $130 monthly and provide curated selections of Black-owned wines. Club members receive discounts on both online purchases and in-store visits.
This subscription model extends the business reach beyond physical location constraints. Remote customers can experience the same quality curation that makes the venue special. The club also builds recurring revenue while supporting Black-owned wine producers nationally.
Members gain access to exclusive wines and educational content about minority-owned brands. This approach combines commerce with cultural education about African American contributions to winemaking. The model creates lasting relationships with customers regardless of geographic distance.
