Since 2005, wine lovers have gathered in Napa Valley to celebrate the contributions of African-American vintners across the country.

Hundreds of African-Americans gathered in Napa Valley for the annual African-American Vintners Wine Tasting at COPIA on Saturday, June 14.  Now in its 5th year, the event continues to celebrate the successes of black winemakers who account for less than 25% of the industry.

Growing in attendance and awareness since its inception, members of the Association of African-American Vintners have created an event to also help pave the way for other African-American winemakers who are up and coming.  

Pam Moore from KRON TV in San Francisco moderated a powerful discussion panel with Daniel Bryant from Running Tigers, Mac McDonald from Vision Cellars, Steve Sterling from Esterlina Vineyards & Winery and Vance Sharp of Sharp Cellars to name a few.  Many noted that this event and the Association exist to be the face of African-Americans in an industry where they are greatly underrepresented.  A prior discussion showcased the talents of Executive Chef David Lawrence of 1300 on Fillmore in San Francisco and Chef Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland.  

Wine tasting took place outside on the River Concert Terrace as wine lovers walked around tasting a variety of white and red wines brought in personally from the celebrated vintners themselves.  Tastings included a unique Syrah from Running Tigers, award winning Riesling, Merlot and Pinot Noir from Esterlina Vineyards and a Pinot Blanc and Zinfandel by Sharp Cellars.

Hors d'oeuvres were served to the smooth sounds of the Janice Maxie Reid Trio and included Sharp's signature sausage which contains a line of his wines.  

As Cuisine Noir walked around it was clear that this event is a major stepping stone for building the awareness within African-American communities alone to garner support.   The vintners present during this event all have award winning wines that have been served from the dinner table at home, in restaurants and at the White House.  Many may be purchased at venues such as COPIA and also at local grocery stores.  

They may seem like a diamond in the ruff, but African-American winemakers have been around for many, many years and have been making some of the wines we have come to know and love.

The Association of African-American Vintners was created to increase the exchange of knowledge about wine with an emphasis among African-Americans and currently has nine highly competitive winemakers who have all become a close extended family to one another.

The event ended with a special reception at the GAIA Hotel in American Canyon with more wine, great food and entertainment by Pure Ecstasy Production.

Executive Director Brenda Knight noted that fans of the featured vintners can expect a lot of movement in the future as the Association plans to launch a variety of events geared toward reaching more African-Americans and increasing the awareness of the members' brands.

Knight went on to give Cuisine Noir a quick preview and wine lovers won't be disappointed.

Next year's event at COPIA is tentatively set for Saturday, June 13.  So mark you calendars now and make plans to join us.

For more information or to join the Association of African-American Vintners, go to www.aaavintners.com or call Brenda Knight at 707.319.4773.