The Iconic Iris Rideau, Rideau Vineyards, Ep. 48

The Marys have a new friend in wine! Join us for an engaging conversation with the woman who just doesn’t know how to stop! Sip Sip Hooray to that!

Are you ready to meet the tour de force that is Iris Rideau? From a young age she always had the determination to make hers and the lives of others better. Iris’ life is one of many first and breaking multiple glass ceilings. Her illustrious career began in the front office of a Los Angeles insurance company, and from there she paved the way to being a leader in not just insurance, but in finance, politics and wine.

Her life in wine began when she was a mere seven years old, even though she didn’t realize it at the time. How fitting that Iris became the first Black woman to own a winery in the United States, Rideau Vineyard in California’s Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara wine country.

However, it was a long journey from growing up Creole in New Orleans, with Jim Crow segregation in full swing, to becoming a legendary business leader. Iris shares her incredible and inspiring story in her memoir From Black to White: One Life Between Two Worlds. Iris can add talented writer and engaging story teller to her list of accomplishments.

Wines tasted in this episode:

• 2019 Rideau Reserve Estate Viognier, Los Olivos District

• 2014 Rideau Estate Syrah, Los Olivos District

Click here to buy From White to Black

Going to Santa Barbara wine country? Be sure to visit Rideau Vineyard!

1562 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang CA . To make a reservation visit the Rideau Vineyard website

In our interview with Iris, she mentions a new PBS series that she is featured in that begins airing in September 2022. The series is Fresh Glass and it premieres on September 15, 2022. Check your local PBS schedule. Iris is the series finale!