Brian Miller’s sangria shop in Wichita offers more than handcrafted wine—it’s a cultural space where creativity and Black expression are always on the menu.
Tucked inside a modest commercial strip at 243 N. Cleveland, Simply Sangria has evolved into a local gem. Founded by Kansas City native Brian Miller, the idea began in 2017 when he brought a few bottles of homemade blackberry sangria to a family gathering.
Encouraged by his son and niece, Miller officially launched Simply Sangria in 2018 with four signature flavors: Blackberry, Tropical White, Classic White, and Peach.
In 2023, his Blackberry sangria earned Best in Show and Double Gold at the American Sangria Challenge in South Carolina. In 2025, he returned to the competition with his Cherry Limeade, which took top honors, while Tropical and Peach tied for second.
“Winning confirmed that I had something special,” Miller says. “Every blend is crafted and bottled right here in-house on Cleveland. Not a single drop of my sangria is outsourced—I keep it all local and authentic!”
Diagnosed with cancer in 2013, Miller has undergone multiple procedures and calls himself a walking miracle. His faith has only grown stronger.
“People think being rooted in faith makes you soft,” he says. “But even Jesus flipped tables.”
A Home for Creative Events
In 2020, while many businesses were scaling back, Miller expanded. He remodeled the space himself, creating the warm, brick-accented environment guests enjoy today.
Simply Sangria has become a vibrant community hub, especially known for its Simply Poetry nights every third Thursday.
“It’s awesome to host poetry in a city where Black poets don’t usually have outlets,” Miller shares.
“Simply Poetry is a powerful experience— filled with laughter, tears, and deep reflection,” adds Scott Victor, Founder of Spoken Word Productions and Simply Poetry. “For nearly five years, we’ve offered ‘stage therapy’ for performers and listeners alike. Due to growing demand, it’s now RSVP only.”
The vibe is welcoming, but Miller keeps it peaceful.
“No fights. No drama. That’s how we’ve kept it.”
Simply Sangria continues to grow its presence across Wichita. Bottles are available at Aloft Hotel, Da Vinci’s Pizza, and the Hampton Hotel in Goddard. Full bottles can also be purchased during office hours at Simply Sangria’s location on Cleveland. Miller also encourages people to call or text if they need a bottle outside regular hours.
“If I’m available, I’ll meet you,” he says.
Upcoming Events:
In addition to Simply Poetry events, you can connect with Simply Sangria at these upcoming events:
Simply Sangria will serve mimosas at Create Campaign’sPower Brunch on Tues., April 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This summer, the shop will co-host the Spades With Love Card Tournament on Sat., Aug. 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. with Left on Read and BlackPrint.
