Join the Celebration: Top Moments from the AAAV Symposium
The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) stands as a beacon of diversity and excellence in the wine industry. Founded in 2002 by pioneering vintners like Mac McDonald of Vision Cellars, the AAAV is dedicated to promoting African American wine professionals. This nonprofit organization amplifies the presence of African Americans in the wine industry by providing educational and financial resources, fostering a supportive community, and facilitating strategic marketing initiatives. Through scholarships, networking events, and collaborative efforts, the AAAV works to elevate African American-owned wineries and break down industry barriers.
The annual AAAV Symposium is a cornerstone event that unites vintners, industry professionals, enthusiasts, and supporters in a celebration of culture, innovation, and community. Renowned for its rich array of educational sessions, the symposium features workshops and panels led by industry experts covering essential topics such as viticulture, enology, marketing, and business development. These sessions ignite meaningful discussions on diversity and inclusion while providing attendees with invaluable knowledge and insights. Networking opportunities abound, with wine tastings, dinners, and social gatherings fostering lasting connections and shared experiences.
After 20 years, the wine industry’s very first trade organization focused on making wine inclusive, the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV), brought its biennial symposium back to CIA at Copia in Napa. Wine lovers, industry members and students tasted and networked with AAAV’s membership of wine producers and professionals that has grown more than 500% since 2020. The two-day event offered a keynote by Donae Burston of La Fête Wine Company and insightful panel discussions featuring some of the wine industry’s brightest minds. An awards reception honored Iris Rideau of Rideau Vineyards as a trailblazer, Christopher Renfro of the 280 Project as an innovator and Leslie and Le Jones of 1010 Wine & Events for community impact. The celebratory weekend concluded with the Grapes of Inclusion wine festival pairing wines from more than 20 Black-owned brands with Afro-inspired cuisine prepared by the world renowned Culinary Institute of America chefs.
Keynote Conversation with Donae Burston
Donae Burston, founder of La Fête Wine Company, shared his views on the efficacy of supplier diversity programs as well as barriers and impactful next steps to help make the wine industry more inclusive.
Sommelier Unveiled–Beyond the Glass
This panel discussed many aspects of the role of a sommelier, including education, career paths and even how a sommelier can help boost business. Wine Unify Executive Director Alicia Towns Franken moderated the lively conversation featuring Ink Grade Hospitality Manager Balkis Johnson, Master Sommelier Vincent Morrow and George Walker III of Wade Cellars.
Alternative Pathways to Market
In this panel discussion, James Harris, CDP, Sr. Director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity at H-E-B, Vinoshipper President Steven Harrison and Murice Anderson, Founder & CEO of AMG Branding, dug into the many ways wine producers can sell their wines to consumers outside the traditional distribution model. The conversation was moderated by entrepreneur Swan Dotson of Togun Wines.
From the Association of African American Vintners
Founded in 2002, the Association of African American Vintners stands as the go-to resource for advancing equity in the wine industry. Our mission is to provide comprehensive education, advocacy, and community support not only for Black vintners but also for wine brands and industry professionals. Serving as a guiding beacon, we advocate for inclusivity and breaking down barriers for all. With the mantra “We Make Wine Inclusive,” we welcome individuals across the wine community to seek the information required for industry advancement. Our commitment is to be a central hub where knowledge, support, and unity converge to propel everyone toward success. Visit aaavintners.org for more information on how to support our efforts, be a sponsor and to purchase AAAV member wines.
