She Hopes to Create Pipelines for Other Black Brewers

Breaking barriers and pouring purpose into every glass, Hannah Ferguson is redefining what it means to be a trailblazer in the craft beverage world. As the owner of D.O.P.E. Cider House and Winery, she has made history as the first Black woman to own a cidery in Ohio — a milestone that represents both a personal triumph and a broader step toward inclusivity in an overwhelmingly white industry (Black Enterprise).

Ferguson, a Youngstown native, didn’t begin her journey with generational wealth or family connections in winemaking. Instead, she built her dream from the ground up, learning through hard work, creativity, and persistence. Her professional roots trace back to her time as an assistant brewer at Modern Methods Brewing Company in Warren, Ohio, where she gained hands-on experience with craft brewing before turning her attention to cider and wine production (Cleveland.com).

“I’m not a multiple-generation winemaker. I’m a first-generation winemaker — and I want to be able to pass that on,” Ferguson said, emphasizing that her motivation lies in creating generational wealth and opportunities for others.

For nearly five years, Ferguson worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life. Amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced daunting challenges — from supply chain disruptions to financial uncertainty — but her determination and the power of community support kept her business alive. She relied heavily on word-of-mouth marketing and local partnerships, building trust and loyalty one customer at a time (WKBN News).

Today, D.O.P.E. Cider House and Winery—which stands for Dwelling On Positive Energy—offers a warm, community-centered space where people can gather, relax, and enjoy an array of creative beverages. From classic apple cider to unique infusions like pineapple, mango, and ginger, Ferguson’s offerings celebrate both tradition and innovation. The business has expanded from keg distribution to a cozy café-style tasting room, a testament to her entrepreneurial resilience and growing popularity (Forbes).

“I’m just proud and glad that people are liking what I’m producing,” she told Black Enterprise. “To know that something I made with love is resonating with others — that’s what keeps me going.”

Despite her success, Ferguson recognizes the disparities that still exist in her industry. Less than 1% of wineries and cideries in the U.S. are Black-owned or have Black winemakers, according to the Association of African American Vintners (Wine Enthusiast). That statistic fuels her mission to pave the way for others.

In 2024, she launched the Youngstown, Ohio chapter of “Black and Brew,” a nonprofit organization working to diversify the craft beverage field by offering mentorship, networking, and hands-on training opportunities for aspiring brewers. Through this initiative, Ferguson hopes to help future entrepreneurs navigate the barriers she once faced and create educational pipelines for young Black talent interested in beer, cider, or spirits.

“One of my biggest goals is pushing us past that 1%,” Ferguson explained. “Whether it’s in brewing, cider, or the wine industry — we need to grow our numbers. I want to set up scholarships or apprenticeships so that someone else can take this further.”

Ferguson’s message to future business owners is simple yet powerful: do your research, trust your vision, and don’t let fear of the unknown stop you. She credits her success to the supportive ecosystem in Youngstown, where local programs and entrepreneurs helped her build a foundation.

“If you look around your city, there’s someone offering free programs to help,” Ferguson said. “There are people who want to guide you — because they were once where you are now. The key is to ask, to network, and to be open to learning.”

With every bottle and every pour, Hannah Ferguson is rewriting what leadership in the craft beverage industry looks like. Her brand stands as both a business and a movement — a space where culture, community, and creativity collide.

To learn more about her mission and her flavorful creations, follow D.O.P.E. Cider House and Winery on social media, or visit in person to taste what resilience and representation truly taste like.