Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Crafting Culture, One Sip at a Time

hopscotchandgrape
May 8
4 min read

April is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities. In the world of craft beverages, AAPI entrepreneurs are infusing their heritage into every bottle, can, and pour. Supporting these brands not only enriches our palates but also empowers communities and fosters inclusivity in industries where representation has often been limited.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on AAPI-owned brands that are breaking barriers, celebrating diverse cultures, and supporting communities through their craft. These brands are not just producing exceptional beverages; they’re creating opportunities for others and making a lasting impact in industries where representation has often been limited. Let’s raise our glasses to these AAPI entrepreneurs who are leading the charge and shaping a more inclusive future.

Why Supporting AAPI Brands Matters

Supporting AAPI-owned and inspired brands goes beyond just enjoying unique flavors—it’s about recognizing and celebrating the immense contributions AAPI communities have made to our cultural and culinary landscapes. The AAPI community has historically been underrepresented, and by supporting these brands, we’re not only enjoying exceptional products but also empowering the AAPI community, fostering economic growth, and promoting creativity.

In today’s world, voting with our dollars and supporting AAPI businesses sends a powerful message: we stand for inclusivity, equality, and representation in every sip. Let’s continue to uplift these voices and build a more inclusive and diverse future, one drink at a time.

Her Story Wine Glass, 11.75oz

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Featured Brands to Try

Asian Brothers Brewing Company Based in Isleton, California, Asian Brothers Brewing Company is the first Asian craft beer brewing company in the United States. Founded by Michael & Dara Le, the brewery incorporates flavors from Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, Thai, and Vietnamese cultures into their beers, aiming to share the stories and heritage of Southeast Asian communities.
Drunk Fruit Drunk Fruit is a hard seltzer brand that brings Asian-inspired flavors like lychee, yuzu, and melon to the forefront. Founded by longtime friends Kenn Miller and Steven Tang, the brand celebrates their Asian American roots by introducing these unique flavors to the hard seltzer market.
Haku Vodka Haku Vodka, from Suntory, is a Japanese craft vodka made from 100% white rice and filtered through bamboo charcoal. This process imparts a soft, mellow character with a floral nose and a rich, smooth taste.
Highland Brewing Company Founded in 1994 by Oscar Wong, Highland Brewing Company is Asheville, North Carolina's original craft brewery. Now led by his daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, the brewery is known for its Gaelic Ale and Black Mocha Stout, and it continues to be a staple in the local craft beer scene.
Lunar Hard Seltzer Lunar Hard Seltzer is brewed in New York with real Asian fruits such as yuzu, lychee, and plum. Founded by Kevin Wong & Sean Ro, Lunar aims to inspire pride in Asian identity through its craft beverages.
Mustang Sally Brewing Company Mustang Sally Brewing Company is a brewery located in Virginia that offers a variety of craft beers. The brewery is known for its commitment to quality and innovation in the craft beer industry.
Niew Vineyards Located in Oregon's Willamette Valley, Niew Vineyards is a family-owned winery founded by Tai-Ran Niew. The vineyard focuses on producing ethereal wines, particularly Chardonnay, using sustainable farming practices inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka's philosophy.
Nine Suns Winery Established in 2010 by the Chang family, Nine Suns Winery is situated on the renowned Pritchard Hill in Napa Valley. The winery produces handcrafted wines, including a Bordeaux-style blend, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of their estate vineyard.
Shinju Whisky Crafted in Japan using the pristine waters from the slopes of Mt. Fuji, Shinju Whisky blends four distinct whisky expressions to create a smooth, honeyed profile with hints of vanilla and orange.
Sunset Cellars Sunset Cellars is a micro family winery in California that emphasizes red wine varieties such as Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah. The winery is known for its limited-production wines made from high-quality grapes sourced from Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Lake County, and Suisun Valley.

Hop Dunk - Pint Glass, 16oz

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How to Support Beyond the Bottle - During AAPI Heritage Month & Beyond

Supporting these AAPI-owned and inspired brands goes beyond simply enjoying their exceptional beverages. You can make a difference by following them on social media, tagging them in your posts, and sharing their stories with your network. Many of these brands offer direct-to-consumer options, so purchasing from their websites ensures that your support directly benefits the makers.

Look for these brands at local retailers, events, and festivals. Consider attending tastings, virtual events, or community gatherings to engage with the founders and learn more about their craft. By voting with your dollars and your platform, you can help amplify their voices and make a lasting impact on the industry.

Be Fine Drink Wine - Stemless Wine Glass

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This AAPI Heritage Month, let's raise our glasses to the AAPI innovators shaping the beverage industry. Whether you're savoring a glass of Nine Suns' Cabernet Sauvignon or enjoying a can of Lunar Hard Seltzer, you're not just tasting a product—you're experiencing a story, a culture, and a legacy.

Explore these brands, share your experiences, and continue to support diversity in every sip.