Black-Owned Wine Brand Receives $225,000 Investment from Mark Cuban on 'Shark Tank'

Black-Owned Wine Brand Receives $225,000 Investment from Mark Cuban on 'Shark Tank'


3 minute read

By Staff:

Wondry Wine, a North Texas wine business launched in 2021 by husband and wife team Whitney and Chaz Gates, recently landed a deal with entrepreneur Mark Cuban on Season 14 of Shark Tank. The couple appeared on episode 6, which aired on Nov. 11, 2022. Cuban was so impressed by their pitch that he offered them a $225,000 investment for 15% of the company.

Wondry Wine specializes in “cocktail wines” infused with organic fruit extracts. These unique flavors include Blueberry Lemonade, Peach Bellini and Strawberry Margarita. Wondry is available in both 750ml bottles and 375ml cans for convenience and portability.

In an Instagram post on Nov. 11, Wondry thanked their customers and supporters for helping them reach this milestone: “We are grateful to our family, friends, fans and followers who have cheered us on since Day 1!” The post also included a photo of Whitney Gates signing the deal with Cuban while her husband looked on proudly.

Whitney Gates is a graduate of the viticulture program at Grayson College in Denison. She has been passionate about wine-making since she was young when she worked alongside her father in his vineyard in Oklahoma City. After college, she started making Wine a hobby before turning it into a business venture with her husband, Chaz, last year.

The couple has been working hard to grow their brand ever since then. Their efforts have paid off as Wondry Wine can now be found in Total Wine and Target stores across Texas and Oklahoma and online retailers like Amazon Prime Now and Drizly delivery services nationwide. 

The appearance of Shark Tank and the subsequent deal with Cuban is a major milestone for the business. The investment will allow Wondry Wine to expand its reach even further, allowing them to offer its products to a larger audience.

The deal is also a major success story for the local business community. It is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication and a great product. Cuban has acknowledged this, saying, "It's amazing what can be achieved when you put your mind to it." 

The Gates' are an inspiring example of entrepreneurs who have turned their passion into a successful business. Their success story inspires other small businesses looking to make their mark on the world. As Wondry Wine continues to grow, it will serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

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Now you can officially accept the matriarch's mantle and throw down in the kitchen with a pinch of added style and flavah! Or,  be the hostess with the mostest; and order carry out from your favorite Black-Owned restaurant and set… read more

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