Where Passion Meets Purpose
Sipping Sense is a community of wine lovers—but it started with a woman whose passion for wine, food, and hospitality transformed the way people gather, learn, connect, and celebrate.
Stephanie Browne is a nationally recognized wine industry veteran, author, and entertaining expert. With a deep love for all things cooking, cocktails, and connection, she has made it her mission to help others create elegant, fun, and approachable experiences—whether at home, in a restaurant, or across the globe.
Build connection and creativity through styled, guided tastings and entertaining-focused team and client experiences.
Entertaining with Purpose
Sipping Sense was created with a clear goal: to make you a confident host.
Through Stephanie’s signature mix of charm, wisdom, and lived experience, you’ll gain savvy ideas and simple strategies to entertain with food, wine, and cocktails—while also supporting socially conscious women, people of color, and mission-driven businesses. From beautifully set tables to meaningful food and wine pairings, entertaining becomes an act of both joy and intention.
It Started with the Divas
In 1998, Stephanie gathered a group of friends who shared her curiosity about wine—and together, they formed Divas Uncorked, a wine social club committed to making wine education fun, accessible, and inclusive. The Divas hosted rotating dinners and tastings, blending wine education with family recipes and sisterhood.
Their grassroots gatherings captured national attention, leading to features in Newsweek, Ms. Magazine, O: The Oprah Magazine, Working Mother, Heart & Soul, and even an appearance on The Today Show. They held public workshops, collaborated with major players in the food and wine industries, and eventually became winemakers themselves—launching one of the few women-owned wine labels at the time.
In 2006, Stephanie and the Divas made history in South Africa, becoming the first Black oenophiles to open the renowned Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction (formerly Nederburg), an event long known as one of the wine world’s most prestigious stages.
From Enthusiasm to Enterprise
Stephanie’s passion evolved into entrepreneurship when she opened the Bon Vivant Wine Company, a retail and educational space focused on curated wine selections, tastings, and immersive wine experiences. Alongside her husband Basil, she produced grand tastings, intimate dinners, and wine tours, sharing her love of wine in memorable ways.
Today, through Sipping Sense, Stephanie continues that mission—offering approachable, elegant wine education paired with entertaining guidance that helps others host with confidence.
What Stephanie Offers
Through Sipping Sense, Stephanie shares her expertise with individuals, businesses, and brands through a variety of engaging experiences, including:
Beverage Makeovers for Restaurants
Enhance wine sales and elevate the guest experience with curated pairings and tabletop styling.
Intimate Events
Bring Stephanie’s signature wine-and-food experience to private dinners and celebrations.
Corporate & Business Events
Build connection and creativity through styled, guided tastings and entertaining-focused team experiences.
Travel Events
Learn the history, geography, and culture of wines and spirits through curated destination experiences.
She also shares practical, fun, and elegant tips to help anyone become the “hostess with the mostest.” From “Cocktails at Home” to “Colors of Wine”, her focus is always on creating moments that feel both elevated and effortless.
A Personal Invitation
Stephanie believes entertaining is an act of love—and that food and wine are powerful tools for creating community, joy, and cultural celebration. Whether you’re hosting friends in your living room or planning a large event, she invites you to sip with intention, entertain with style, and celebrate the beauty of shared experiences.
A Recognized Voice in Wine & Hospitality
Stephanie's work has captured the attention of food and wine communities alike.
Stephanie Browne’s work has been featured in national publications and on prominent platforms where food, wine, culture, and community intersect. From magazine features to television appearances, she continues to share her voice and vision with audiences who are eager to learn, connect, and celebrate through the lens of wine and hospitality.
In addition to her media presence, Stephanie is a sought-after speaker and guest expert for interviews, panels, and culinary events—offering meaningful insights on wine education, inclusive entertaining, entrepreneurship, and industry innovation.
For press coverage, interviews, or speaking inquiries, visit the link below.