There was a time when winemaking was deeply personal. Friends and family would gather to share their recipes, their knowledge, and their laughter as they worked together to craft a wine that embodied the spirit of their community. Imagine a time when there was no need to call ahead because the door was always open, and you were always welcome. You’d be greeted with screams of delight at your arrival, ushered to the kitchen table as wine and food would magically appear to begin your leisurely visit. This is precisely what you will find on any given weekend at the Stoney Family residence, which helped make the dream of Stoney Wines a reality.

Stoney Wines has been the dream of Donna Stoney for many years. After a distinguished career in social services, where she became one of the first Black female case managers in Oregon’s Department of Human Services, Donna recognized the power of community in transforming lives. Her passion for fostering connections and improving the quality of life led her to take on another first: launching her wine label in September 2019, becoming one of the first Black female winemaker-enologists in Oregon.

Donna's journey into winemaking was guided by mentors with over 60 years of experience, and her vision for Stoney Wines quickly transcended beyond just producing excellent wines. It became a movement, a way to build and strengthen community. At the heart of this movement is the Stoney Family, where Donna shares not only her wines but also family recipes and life lessons through her eMagazine, "Donnavations." The Stoney Wines experience is about more than just wine; it's about creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.

A crucial tool in realizing this vision has been IHUBApp.

Donna reflects, "We are building a movement with Stoney Wines and needed a tool that could help us build community. The knowledge and passion of the InspireHUB team and partners paired with the IHUBApp made our vision a reality. Everyone is so impressed with how fast we were able to launch!"

IHUBApphas been instrumental in not only fostering community engagement but also in serving as an employee intranet for Donna’s other ventures, including StoneyBrooke Residential Services LLC and her team uses IHUBApp for the International Association of BIPOC Winemakers.

Donna's work with Stoney Wines and her other endeavors has garnered significant attention, being featured in publications like Food & Wine, The Oregonian, and The San Francisco Chronicle. These accolades highlight her pioneering role in the wine industry and her efforts to diversify Oregon's winemaking landscape. As one of the few African-American female winemakers in the United States, Donna credits trailblazers like Iris Rideau for paving the way and inspiring her journey.

For Donna, the connection between her work in social services and winemaking is clear. "Serving people is at the heart of everything I do. My work in serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities is about bringing together people, educating communities, and improving the quality of life for all those in our circles. What I love about wine is that it's a great unifier. It brings together people and allows us to create enjoyable experiences and memories together."

Donna's passion is not only for crafting delicious wines but also for creating experiences that unify. "You can have the most amazing glass of wine in your hand, but if the company you're sharing it with is not enjoyable, it will lessen the entire experience. My dream is that the legacy of Stoney Wines will bring people together and truly let them feel comforted. There’s nothing quite like having a beautiful glass of wine and pairing it with our family’s recipes that are all about comfort food. If I had one wish, it would be that people experience the feeling our family has on the weekends—no invitation needed, just the joy of being together."

With each bottle, Donna Stoney offers more than just a taste of her craft; she invites everyone to join a story of passion, community, and the simple joys of life. Stoney Wines is a testament to the belief that when we come together with open hearts and good wine, we create something truly special.

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