Aamira Garba, CEO/Winemaker - LoveLee Wine
Orange native Aamira Garba loved her exploration into wine so much, she decided to apply her experience as a corporate marketing executive in a more entrepreneurial direction. Her brand, LoveLee Wine, focuses on celebrating wine culture and making it more approachable and inclusive socially and professionally for Black women. “Wine is so universal, yet it still feels untouchable and inaccessible for many in marginalized communities,” says Garba. “I am proud to be a part of the shift that is making wine accessible and diverse.”
She is a great example of what is possible with such a passion, taking the less-likely full immersion approach: starting her own journey by making wine commercially. Garba got the hang of it quickly—her first Pinot Noir was picked by VinePair as one of the top 25 Pinots and top 50 wines overall in 2021, and the only one by a Black winemaker. To date, she has been making her wine in California, but as a devoted mother to two daughters, and also devoted to her customer base in New Jersey where the majority of her selections are purchased, she has been exploring opportunities to produce wines here.
Her active involvement in the Hue Society, a global community promoting and providing cultural experiences for Black, brown, and Indigenous wine professionals, has given the lifelong Jersey resident a worldwide network. While the topic of wine can be intimidating to some, Garba uses her vibrant approach to create a comfort level with something that brings her great joy.
“I never imagined I’d be where I am in wine today. I’ve had some pretty nice successes, while also learning and growing along the way. I am recently back from South Africa, where I was studying wine! Who would have thought? It all helps me in continuing spreading the word and sharing my knowledge with all who want to be a part of this world I love so much.”
