Sipping Sense is a new community created by Stephanie Browne, wine industry veteran and lover of all things cooking, cocktail and dining. Here, she shares her favorite recipes and some of the wine knowledge she’s learned along the way. 

Entertaining with Purpose

It Started with the Divas

Stephanie brought together a group of friends in 1998 to form Divas Uncorked, a wine social club that made learning about wine accessible and delicious. The Divas, as they started calling themselves, took turns hosting wine tastings and dinners, serving education along with their best recipes. Those gatherings led to write-ups in publications like Heart & Soul, Newsweek, Ms. Magazine, Working Mother, O: The Oprah Magazine, an appearance on The Today Show and public events and workshops featuring major figures in the food and wine industries. 

Divas Uncorked became winemakers themselves, creating one of the few women-owned wine labels. Their work in the wine industry took them to South Africa in 2006, where they became the first Black oenophiles to open the historic Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction (formerly the Nederburg Wine Auction).

Enthusiasm Turns to Enterprise

Stephanie turned her attention to retail, opening Bon Vivant Wine Company, a store designed with wine education in mind.  She and her husband Basil curated tours, dinners and grand tastings from their store. 

The joy of helping others discover wines to love continues with Sipping Sense.  Stephanie is thrilled to share what she loves–and hear all about what excites you.  Cheers!