About

I’m Kayla—a queer Black sommelier based in the Triangle, and the founder of WineGriot and Fruit Forward.

For me, wine isn’t just about what’s on the palate. It’s about storytelling, connection, and creating spaces where we can show up fully and joyfully. With Fruit Forward, I’m pouring culture, history, identity, and celebration into every glass.

My goal? To make wine feel as accessible as it is delicious. Let’s learn, unlearn, and sip together.

Founder of Fruit Forward, Kayla Mensah with glasses and long locs opening a bottle of wine at a table with several bottles of wine and a silver ice bucket in front of an abstract colorful painting on the wall.