Dallas got a taste of South Africa this week as we sat down with LaFree Ryan, owner of the infamous Soirée Coffee Bar located in Trinity Groves, to try out the new IBest Wines by powerhouse entrepreneur Ingrid Best. As a Black woman breaking ground in the global wine industry, Ingrid’s mission is simple: create world-class wines rooted in heritage, culture, and excellence.

First Pour: The 2022 Red Blend

IBest’s 2022 red blend—a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petite Syrah, and Malbec—was our first sip of South African terroir. The color was rich and inviting, and the taste delivered exactly what the label promised:

IBest Red Blend. Photo credit: ibestwines.com

  • Notes of blackcurrant, cherry, violets, and baking spices
  • Medium-bodied with a lingering finish
  • Smooth enough for lunch, flavorful enough for dinner

LaFree summed it up best: “This is really good. Medium body, flavorful, not too dry. I could see this being on our menu.”

Pairings? Think charcuterie boards, salads with cranberries and bacon, or even Square A’s signature avocado toast. For us, this red blend quickly earned a thumbs up—sophisticated but approachable.

Second Pour: The White Blend

The white blend featured Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc, offering hints of lemon zest, apricot, honeysuckle, and crème fraîche. For LaFree, it was the winner: crisp, refreshing, and tart in just the right way.

For me? A different story. The slight sweetness leaned closer to a dessert wine than my usual preference. Still, it’s a versatile pour that could win over drinkers transitioning from sweeter wines into drier varietals. As a restauranter, LaFree suggested pairing it with smoked salmon, creamy pasta, or even salmon fries, and we could easily imagine this bottle flowing during a patio happy hour.

“This is really good. Medium body, flavorful, not too dry. I could see this being on our menu.” – LaFree Ryan

Branding & Accessibility

Beyond taste, the branding is clean, bold, and easy to spot on the shelf—something I appreciated as a consumer. The question of distribution came up, too. While it’s still making its way into U.S. outlets, the hope is that IBest Wines will soon be available at spots like Total Wine or through local distributors so more Dallas wine lovers can enjoy it.

Why It Matters

Ingrid Best’s entry into South African winemaking isn’t just about taste—it’s about impact. At a time when Black-owned businesses face increasing challenges and shrinking corporate support, her presence in an industry historically dominated by European traditions is a bold act of ownership and representation.

We couldn’t help but think of the entire mission of the Best of Black Dallas Awards and how those are the same pillars the campaign stands on.

As LaFree reminded us: “Although we don’t go into business for accolades, recognition matters. To be celebrated for uplifting the community matters.”

Final Verdict

  • Red Blend: Bold, balanced, and Dallas-approved. Perfect for everyday sipping or pairing with rich foods.
  • White Blend: Crisp, fruit-forward, and patio-ready—ideal for those who like a lighter, zestier glass.

Together, these wines mark a strong start for IBest. More than just bottles on a shelf, they represent culture, resilience, and global connection—proof that Africa has indeed come to Dallas.

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