Ifeoma C. Onyia didn’t just start a winery — she made history. Born in Enugu, Nigeria, raised in London, and rooted now in Maryland, Ifeoma built Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard into something the American wine industry had never seen before: the first African immigrant-owned winery in the United States. Every bottle produced here carries the weight of that milestone and the warmth of the community it was built for.
Located in Laurel, Maryland, Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard crafts small-batch wines from grapes grown in the rich soils of Maryland, blending old-world tradition with bold innovation. From the radiant sparkle of Moren’s Bubbly to the deep, complex elegance of The Grande Dame and the soulful depth of For Nneem, The Tribe, each varietal is more than a drink — it’s a tribute to heritage, artistry, and legacy. These wines don’t just tell a story. They tell Ifeoma’s story.
But the vision behind Clyopatra extends far beyond the vineyard. Ifeoma is also the founder of MISO Medical Center, a behavioral health clinic serving Maryland residents, and the House of Clyopatra Foundation — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that champions education, wellness, and social equity, including Santa’s Closet, a holiday gift initiative for underserved children running strong since 2019. She founded Capitol Fashion Week, sits on the Prince George’s County Advisory Board, and was awarded the United States President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by President Biden. She has also been recognized with the Keeper of Heritage Award by Susan Taylor of Essence Magazine.
One woman. One winery. A legacy that stretches from Nigeria to London to Maryland — and into every glass she pours.
For anyone who believes in supporting African-owned businesses that are making history right now, Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard is your next pour.
Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard · Laurel, Maryland · clyopatrawineryvineyard.com
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