Meet Tammy Hunt | Wine Enthusiast/ Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammy Hunt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
“My thought process behind starting The Bougie Wine Experience was rooted in my desire to create a more approachable and inclusive atmosphere for wine enthusiasts, particularly women of color. I wanted to break the barriers and perceptions surrounding wine, making it something that everyone can feel comfortable exploring, no matter their background. By offering a mobile wine-tasting experience, I aimed to bring the world of wine right to people’s fingertips, allowing them to discover new varieties and develop their own tastes in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Most importantly, The Bougie Wine Experience is a platform where I can share my deep passion for wine with others, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to learn, savor, and appreciate the intricacies of wine in a fun and welcoming environment.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“Our Difference”

What sets The Bougie Wine Experience, apart is that we bring an elite wine-tasting experience directly to you. Our story is rooted in challenging the traditional wine space and creating something inclusive, welcoming, and authentic to who we are. Here at the Bougie Wine Experience We make the luxury of wine tasting more accessible, particularly to people of color by transforming and creating an atmosphere thats relatable, fun and engaging for those to enjoy wine. My goal was not only to provide wine education and empowerment but to build a community where everyone feels accepted and knows they belong.

When you book The Bougie Wine Experience, it’s about more than just tasting wine—it’s about feeling connected, embraced, and enjoying an experience that reflects you. Whether it’s as sweet as a Moscato or as bold as a Malbec, you belong- “UNAPOLOGETICALLY”!

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned while creating The Bougie Wine Experience is the importance of staying true to your vision, even when others don’t see it yet. There were moments of doubt, but I had to realize that when you’re creating something so different and authentic, it requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to grow through challenges. “Trust the process.” I’ve also learned that connection is key—it’s not just about the wine, but the experience and the people. But mostly, I’ve come to understand that success isn’t linear; it’s about celebrating the small wins and constantly evolving.

The most rewarding part of this journey has been the fact that I’ve been able to build a community where people feel seen, valued, and uplifted. Lastly, I’ve come to understand that success isn’t linear; it’s about celebrating the small wins and constantly evolving.

What I want people to know about The Bougie Wine Experience is that it’s more than just a mobile wine-tasting business—it’s a memorable experience like no other. I leave you with this quote that embodies the mission of my business:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou.

That’s what The Bougie Wine Experience offers—an unforgettable feeling. Cheers! 🥂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I’m detail and I know she’ll enjoy the wine a scenery as much as I would so here’s a little something that I put in store for us..

Day 1: Welcome to Greenville!
• Breakfast at Flying Biscuit
• Falls Park on the Reedy – Walk off breakfast with a stroll through the iconic park and Liberty Bridge.
• Afternoon:
• Lunch at The Anchorage or Crisp
• Dinner at Urban Wren – A restaurant known for its excellent wine pairings and seasonal menu.
• Drinks at Foxcroft Wine Co. – A relaxed wine bar with an extensive selection of wines by the glass.
Day 2: Vineyards & Views
Breakfast on the go!!
• Drive to Victoria Valley Vineyards (45 min from Greenville) – A winery with European vibes. Take a tour and sample local wines.
• Lunch at Victoria Valley Vineyards – Enjoy a light meal at the winery’s café.
• Wine Tasting at Eagle Mountain Vineyards – Another nearby stop, known for its views and lovely vineyard setting.
• Dinner at Larkin’s on the River – End the day with a riverside meal featuring a great wine list.
• Nightcap at Coupes Corner – A speakeasy with a cozy vibe and well-curated cocktails!
Day 3: Downtown Wine & Dine
• Explore Downtown – Scroll through the shops on Main Street
• Brunch at Tupelo Honey
• Dinner and wine pairing at 509 Bistro
Day 4: Wine & Art
• Greenville County Museum of Art – Explore Southern art and American classics.
• Lunch at The Trappe Door –
• Art Crossing at RiverPlace – Explore local art studios and galleries along the Reedy River.
• Dinner and a personal wine tasting with The Bougie Wine Experience
Day 5: Wine, & Spa Day
• Brunch at The Nose Dive – A laid-back gastropub with good brunch options.
•Afternoon: SPA DAY- facials, mimosas and massage
Late Lunch at Soby’s – Enjoy Southern-inspired dishes with a curated wine menu.
• Nightcap at Group Therapy Pub & Playground – Have some playful fun with mini-golf or giant Jenga while enjoying wine or cocktails.

Day 6: Day Trip to Wine Country
Start with breakfast at home
•Drive to North Carolina Wine Country (1 hr away)
•Stop 1: Burntshirt Vineyards – for a tour at this scenic vineyard with a tasting.
•Stop 2: Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards – Continue our wine touring and tasting at this beautiful family-owned winery.
•Lunch at Mountain Brook Vineyards Another tour with gorgeous views.
•Return to Greenville and Relax after a day of wine-tasting
Day 7: Wine Down & Farewell
• Brunch at Halls Chophouse – A relaxing and hearty final brunch in the city.
• Swamp Rabbit Trail/ Unity Park Walk or bike a portion of the trail, enjoying nature before heading to lunch
• Lunch and Wine Tasting at Wine House on Haywood – Sip on wines at this wine bar offering tastings and food pairings.
• Explore The Greenville Zoo – A relaxing afternoon walk with some local wildlife.
• Farewell Dinner at Rick Erwin’s West End Grille – Celebrate the last night with a fine dining experience featuring excellent wine.
• Drinks and cigars at Cigar X to close out our week as we reminisce!!
Hopefully we can get some sleep in somewhere!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe this space to the PERSON that’s been there the entire JOURNEY!

My REASON!!

My CORE!!

My TRUTH!!

SHOUTOUT to the scared little girl who was once full of doubt, who was made to believe she wasn’t good enough. They said wine was “bougie” and she didn’t belong, but look at her now! She created a space all her own, a place where she uplifts and enlightens, where the atmosphere is as warm, welcoming, and unapologetically beautiful as she is. To the one who broke the mold, who gave herself and others permission to SIP, LEARN, and celebrate without judgment, you belong here, and you’ve always been more than enough. Cheers to your courage and your vision.

A special SHOUTOUT to the MY LORD and SAVIOR, MY SOULMATE, MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER, My FAMILY, FRIENDS, MENTORS and the BEAUTIFUL women of COLOR who are taking up space in this WINE industry!
I APPRECIATE YOU! Cheers 🥂 “

Website: https://www.thebougiewineexperience.com

Instagram: Thebougie_wineexp

Linkedin: Tammy Hunt

Facebook: The Bougie Wine Experience Llc

Youtube: The Bougie Wine Exp

Other: @thebougiewineexp

Image Credits
Maurice Keys 88 keys Photography