As we move into this historic time in American politics with Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama it is obvious that one of them will set on a journey that may change the belief landscape within the fabric of American culture forever, and this will hold true for African-American Vintners too. 

In the heart of the wine country The Association of African-American Vintners (AAAV) is helping to enhance the cultural landscape which has been surrounded by great wineries and winemakers for decades, but that is surely changing. “The association’s goal is to bring great wine to the masses and not focus solely on the African-American community, we have to continue to produce wine with all cultural backgrounds in mind” states Stephen Sterling, current President of the AAAV and co-owner of Esterlina Vineyards and Winery in Mendocino County.

The organization was founded in 1998 by Mac McDonald of Vision Cellars and soon after other African-American wineries joined the association. Since inception the association members have traveled throughout the United States and the world with a goal to bring awareness, education and fun to wine lovers.  “Basically within every ethnic group the trend has been to enjoy great food and wine” exclaimed Sterling.

Many African-Americans are taking an interest in learning about wine from the grape growing process to bottling; this is what makes the process of pouring it into the glass so indulging.   The Association of African-American Vintners is moving toward a scholarship fund for people of color, helping the next generation follow in their footsteps.

The California wine regions are not known for diversity with over 900 wineries and less than a dozen African-American wineries. The members of the AAAV want the consumer and the wine community to judge their wines on the basis of quality winemaking. These trailblazers’ are setting the stage for future winemakers and wine drinkers and personally I am extremely excited and look forward to sharing new vintages of their wines with my family and friends well into the future.

www.aaavintners.org