Beyond the Bottle: La Cha-Bliss Wines Pours Soul into Seattle's Capitol Hill
By Omari Salisbury
#SupportBlackBusiness - Seattle, WA – In the heart of Capitol Hill, a new kind of wine shop is uncorking conversations as much as it is diverse vintages. La Cha-Bliss Wines, which officially opened its doors on May 17, 2025, is more than just a retail space; it's a passion project brought to life by owner Howard Russell, a seasoned entertainer with a vision for inclusion.
Russell, known in the Pacific Northwest for his long-running drag show "Lashes," has channeled his vibrant energy into creating a wine experience that champions underrepresented voices. "I wanted to focus more on diversity," Russell explains, "especially women wines, and especially PC wines, especially women of color." This ethos is evident in his carefully curated selection, which aims to provide customers with both a bottle of wine and the compelling history behind it.
The inspiration for La Cha-Bliss Wines struck Russell during a trip to Portola, where a small wine shop sparked the idea of owning his own. Back in Seattle, he secured the location over seven other contenders by clearly articulating his unique vision. The shop's name itself is a nod to his entertainment background and a playful twist on the wine region Chablis, encouraging a unique pronunciation: "La Cha-Bliss."
What truly sets La Cha-Bliss Wines apart is its commitment to showcasing wines from diverse producers. Russell highlights "Descended Wines," owned by two gay men, as a top seller. The store also features "Her," a wine made by an African American woman who is a breast cancer survivor, and "House of Brown," from an African American family, which consistently sells out. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, a robust selection is also available.
Beyond the bottles, Russell offers tasting experiences where he not only samples his top wines but also delves into their stories and aromas. His personal favorite, a cold Chardonnay, reflects his approachable and authentic demeanor.
Opening a Black and queer-owned business has been a journey of both excitement and challenge for Russell. He acknowledges the fear factor of starting a new venture but emphasizes the overwhelming community support he has received. "To be black and to have the support that I've gotten from the community is very overwhelming," he shares.
Russell's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: "Whatever your mind is set at, just do it." He meditates daily to clear his mind and firmly believes in manifestation, stating, "If I believe it, I receive it." This unwavering faith has been crucial, especially as he has personally invested his entire 401(k) into the business.
For Russell, La Cha-Bliss Wines is "pure love." He sees it as his "child," a creation he nurtured from the ground up, placing every detail from the floor to the ceiling himself. His dedication extends to the community, having raised significant funds for HIV awareness and children with cancer.
Looking ahead, Howard Russell envisions expanding La Cha-Bliss Wines to include its own wine bar and eventually, a full-fledged winery producing "Labavis wines" with unique grape blends. His drive and belief in his own ability are palpable. "I believe I can do it, and so why not give it a try?" he asserts. "I know that I can make it to the top."
In a city known for its vibrant and inclusive spirit, La Cha-Bliss Wines is not just selling wine; it's cultivating a space where every bottle tells a story and every purchase supports a vision of diversity, passion, and Black joy. As Russell aptly puts it, "Black joy is living."
La Cha-Bliss Wines
1412 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
