About us
Welcome to Negus Winery
Where Tradition Meets Innovation in Every Sip
Our Story- Nestled in the heart of Alexandria, Virginia, Negus Winery is more than just a winery—it’s a bridge between past and present, where Ethiopian tradition meets modern craftsmanship. Our mission is to introduce the world to the rich heritage of Tej, Ethiopia’s ancient honey wine, while refining and elevating its flavors for contemporary palates.
Before founding Negus Winery, I led a successful beer business, introducing two distinctive styles—Teff Beer, a bold and earthy brew inspired by Ethiopia’s super grain, and Negus Craft Lager Beer, a smooth, refreshing favorite among beer lovers. However, when the pandemic reshaped industries, I took a bold step to reconnect with my roots. Inspired by my mother, an exceptional Tej artisan, I embraced the art of honey wine making, blending her time-honored methods with my modern brewing expertise.
The Birth of Mama’s Honey Wine
Every great story has a hero, and for Negus Winery, that hero is my mother. A master of Ethiopian brewing traditions, she has spent decades perfecting the craft of Tej, passing down knowledge that has been preserved for generations. Under her guidance, I refined my process, ensuring that every bottle of Mama’s Honey Wine reflects both authenticity and innovation.
Our honey wine is handcrafted using locally sourced, high-quality honey, combined with carefully selected ingredients to create a perfectly balanced, smooth, and aromatic experience. The result? A drink that not only honors Ethiopian heritage but also redefines what honey wine can be in today’s craft beverage industry. From humble beginnings, Mama’s Honey Wine has now expanded to over 50 locations, reaching a growing audience of wine lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and adventurous drinkers eager to experience something unique.
Get to know us
in the Media
Our journey has captured the attention of major media outlets, celebrating our mission to bring Ethiopian Tej to the forefront of the craft beverage scene. From national TV coverage to major publications, Negus Winery continues to receive accolades for innovation, tradition, and cultural preservation.
Negus Winery has garnered significant media attention for its unique contribution to the beverage industry by introducing Ethiopian honey wine, known as Tej, to American audiences. Combining traditional Ethiopian brewing methods with modern winemaking techniques, Negus Winery has not only preserved an ancient craft but also elevated it with refined flavors that appeal to today’s wine enthusiasts. Through a series of features in prominent media outlets, the winery has gained recognition for its cultural significance, innovative approach, and success in breaking into the competitive wine market as a Black-owned business. Here’s a comprehensive list of the media coverage highlighting Negus Winery’s impact.
WUSA9
NBC Washington
Beyond the Bottle: Community & Cultural Impact
At Negus Winery, we believe in more than just creating exceptional wine—we are dedicated to giving back to the community and preserving cultural heritage.
Local Collaborations: We partner with local beekeepers to source high-quality honey, supporting sustainable agriculture. Cultural Events: We host wine-tasting experiences, storytelling nights, and Ethiopian cultural celebrations to share the rich history of Tej. Educational Workshops: We offer brewing and fermentation classes, teaching the art of honey wine making to a new generation of enthusiasts.
Expanding Our Reach
With overwhelming support from our customers and the industry, we are currently working on:
Expanding to nationwide distribution so more people can experience Mama’s Honey Wine. Launching new flavors that stay true to Ethiopian traditions while offering something fresh and exciting. Opening a tasting room where visitors can enjoy exclusive wine pairings, cultural events, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Come along on This Journey!
Gize Negussie
CEO of Negus Winery
Our dedicated team works together to deliver exceptional wines while maintaining a high level of craftmanship and integrity.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
At Negus Winery, every sip is a celebration of history, heritage, and innovation. Whether you’re a longtime lover of Tej or just discovering honey wine for the first time, we invite you to join us in experiencing the rich flavors, deep traditions, and modern craftsmanship that define our wines. Let’s raise a glass to tradition, innovation, and the legacy of Mama’s Honey Wine!
let’s grow together!
Work With Us – Join the Negus Winery Family!
At Negus Winery, we are more than just a winery—we are a growing community of innovators, storytellers, and cultural ambassadors. Whether you’re an influencer, a licensed distributor, or someone looking to join our team, we welcome you to be part of our journey in sharing the rich tradition of honey wine (Tej) with the world.
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