by Sarad Davenport | Photos by Eze Amos

Charlottesville, VA – In the heart of Virginia’s picturesque wine country, Oenoverse has emerged as an organization dedicated to expanding opportunities in the Virginia wine industry. It is making significant strides in promoting access in the wine space. Founded by visionary leaders Reggie Leonard and Tracy Love, Oenoverse has quickly become a driving force in shaping the future of Virginia wine. “We wanted to create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued,” says Tracy Love, co-founder of Oenoverse. “Wine should be accessible to all, regardless of their background or experience.”

A Mission to Inspire

Oenoverse’s mission is to create a more inclusive and accessible wine industry by breaking down barriers and fostering community. Through a variety of initiatives, the organization aims to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore and appreciate the world of wine. Oenoverse is committed to ensuring that the wine industry reflects the diversity of the community it serves. By providing opportunities for education and engagement, Oenoverse is opening doors for individuals who may have previously felt excluded from the wine world. 

Reggie, who hails from Prince George’s County in Maryland, reflects a little about his entry into the world of wine in the Charlottesville area when he states, “I wasn’t really into wine.” When speaking of going to one of his first wine events. “I like people,” he stated further, “I went because it was free. I started picking it up.” Reggie leaned into the fact that he started picking up the lingo and culture of the wine industry by being at certain events. “People welcomed me, but I didn’t think it was for us because I didn’t see us.”

Oenoverse has launched several key initiatives to achieve its mission. The Oenoverse Club is an exclusive club offering curated wine experiences, fostering a sense of community among wine enthusiasts. Members of the club have access to unique wine tastings, vineyard tours, and educational seminars, all designed to deepen their appreciation and understanding of wine. Oeno Camp is another program, offering an immersive wine education experience. This program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry, whether as winemakers, sommeliers, or informed consumers.

The 2upWine Down Festival is a celebration of inclusivity in wine. This annual event features tastings, live music, and educational seminars, all aimed at showcasing the rich tapestry of the wine world. The festival is a testament to Oenoverse‘s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all wine lovers.

The Power of Collaboration

Oenoverse has forged strong partnerships with organizations like The Veraison Project to amplify its impact. By collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations, Oenoverse is able to reach a wider audience and create a more significant impact on the industry. “Collaboration is key to achieving our goals,” says Reggie. “By working together, we can create a more accessible wine industry.”

The Oenoverse is has a unique partnership with Blenheim Vineyards, just south of Charlottesville. This partnership was secured organically at a chance encounter between co-founders  Tracey Love and Reggie at Petite MarieBette in Downtown Charlottesville. Tracey has worked in wine and hospitality for years and has a key post as Marketing & Sales Manager at Blenheim. While at Petite MarieBette, Tracey remembers seeing Reggie and thinking, “Clearly that guy is cool —randomly cool.” Tracy then seized the moment to see what this cool was all about and found alignment in all things wine. That’s how Oenoverse all started, requiring only a randomly cool person at a French coffee house and someone curious enough to ask what this cool was all about. 

Tracey in addition to her work and Blenheim, as her affect softened, she spoke of the joys of being a mom. Not only that, Tracey is a member of the Prolyfyck Run Crew, a group that runs through the historically Black neighborhood of Charlottesville and comes together for running but is always at the forefront of community dialogues and issues with hopes to make Charlottesville a better place for all people. 

Breaking Down Barriers

Tiffany Nguyen’s is a testament to the power of community and the transformative nature of wine. Through her involvement with Oenoverse, she has not only grown as a wine enthusiast but also as a leader in the industry. Her story is just one example of how Oenoverse is making a difference in the lives of individuals and the broader wine community.

Tiffany is one of the curators for the 2Up Wine Down Festival and serves as one of the people that does the pours. Tiffany gets to share her experience and knowledge with others at these events and guide them through the process of experiencing new wines. Reggie says of Tiffany and the 15 other curators when they are pouring, “There are no misses with the wine selected by the people pouring.”

Not only is Tiffany a curator at the Festival, she is a business owner and entrepreneur in her own right. Tiffany and a business partner recently opened Ethos, a wine and tea bar on Main Street, just off the Drewary Brown bridge and across from the train station. Tiffany says of herself, “I am a gatherer.” She came down from Long Island to Charlottesville in  2008 and early on was looking for belonging and saw that there was room to grow more diverse spaces in the community. She asked the question of some spaces, “Why does it look that way, and what is possible for people like me?”

When Tiffany is not pouring and gathering and running her business, with passion she stated, “I am a mom, a wife, and a church leader.”  She comes across as one who is grounded in community and brings that authenticity from her personal life into the wine community in Charlottesville. 

Oenoverse is not just about wine; it’s about people. The organization is committed to fostering a sense of community and belonging, where everyone feels welcome and valued. By creating a space where people can connect, learn, and grow, Oenoverse is making a significant impact on the Virginia wine industry. As Oenoverse continues to expand its reach, it is poised to become a leading force in shaping the future of wine. By embracing diversity, celebrating individuality, and promoting inclusivity, Oenoverse is inspiring a new generation of wine lovers.

A Call to Action

Oenoverse invites everyone to join the movement and help shape the future of Virginia wine. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, there’s a place for you in the Oenoverse community. By supporting Oenoverse‘s initiatives, you can help create a more inclusive and equitable wine industry for generations to come. The organization encourages individuals to get involved by attending events, joining the Oenoverse Club, or participating in educational programs.