“We Make Wine Inclusive” (AAAV)

Earlier this month we spotlighted the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) in our newsletter! We wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to a few of the African American winemakers and brand owners who are a part of the organizations. Check out their wines and cocktails.

the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) (https://aaavintners.org/) , is an essential non-profit organization established in 2002. With a vital mission to nurture inclusivity and provide a robust support network, the AAAV champions the cause of African American winegrowers, wineries, and professionals in the wine industry.

Embodying the spirit of “We Make Wine Inclusive,” this organization is a cornerstone for education, advocacy, and community support, striving to dismantle barriers and foster unity within the wine world. The AAAV not only serves as an invaluable resource for Black vintners and industry insiders but also extends its reach to empower under-resourced students through its Wine Education Scholarship Program, offering scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities. By rallying support and advancing progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future, the AAAV invites everyone from wine professionals to enthusiasts and consumers to join in their journey towards industry-wide inclusiveness.

Additional Resources: Dr. Monique Bell California State University, Fresno

Thriving on the Vine: The Growth of Black Entrepreneurs in the American Wine Industry,

Sip on Legacy:

Bodkin Wines Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc, NV, Lake County,  CA $25.00

Bodkin Wines Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc (Non-vintage) “ Founded in 2011 by journeyman cellar hand and self-taught Winemaker Chris Christensen, Bodkin Wines disrupted the sparkling wine scene with America’s First Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc in 2012. Christensen’s minimalist philosophy guides his signature style of high acid, low alcohol wines. These wines have garnered over two dozen 90+ point scores in critical review over the past 8 years alone. The Bodkin Wines brand concept distilled down to 5 words: California Craft Sparking Around $20. Our goal has been to deliver premium quality wines steeped in craftsmanship and indicative of their region of origin at a reasonable price.”

Sapere Sparkling Blanc and Rosé, CA $24.99

Pampata Airaudi, Founder, Winemaker: “Pata began making sparkling wines in Napa Valley in 2012. As an enthusiast turned winemaker Pata has always pushed boundaries. As a woman owner and operator, Pata continues to shape new inroads in the wine industry. Sapere’s wines blend classic Champagne traditions with West Coast ideology, letting our terroir guide us to make a distinctly Californian sparkling from Mendocino and North Coast AVA. We pay attention to the delicacy and biodiversity of the environment as much as the subtlety and pop of the bubbles. Sapere Wines is biodynamic, sustainable and always vegan.”

La Fête du Rosé de Provence, France $24.99

La Fête Wine Company: “Founder & CEO Donae Burston was first introduced to the wonders of Côtes de Provence Rosé while celebrating his 30th birthday at the world- famous Nikki Beach Club in Saint Tropez. Burston and his friends were surrounded by people from around the world drinking what he thought was White Zinfandel, but was in fact rose from the surrounding Provence region. From that very first taste, the seeds for La Fête du Rosé were planted.La Fête Wine Company is on a mission to revitalize wine culture by redefining who drinks wine and when. La Fête embodies the St. Tropez lifestyle and ethos, where drinking wine is a part of everyday life.”

Longevity Wines 2022 Pinot Grigio, CA,  $32

Longevity Wines “is a family-owned, urban winery and certified minority-owned business based in the Livermore Valley wine region of Northern California. Founders Debra and Phil Long opened Longevity in 2008 when their winemaking hobby outgrew their garage.
Debra came up with the Longevity name as a play on their last name that also expresses their enduring love for each other, for wine and for doing things together. Phil designed the intricate heart logo that graces Longevity bottles. This special logo was inspired by artisan glass hearts Phil gave to Debra every Valentine’s Day. Sadly, Debra was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016 and passed away in 2019. Phil draws his inspiration from their love story on a daily basis as he continues to build their brand. Phil and his son, Assistant Winemaker Phil Long Jr., produce approximately 2,500 cases of Longevity Vintner Select wines in Livermore Valley. A partnership with Bronco Wine Company that began in 2019 allows Phil to make his Longevity Classic California wines on a much larger scale and bring Longevity to wine lovers across America and beyond.”

 Love Cork Screw 2022 We’re Movin On Up Cabernet Sauvignon, CA, $16.99

“Chrishon Lampley, negociant and founder of LCS Entertainment, Inc.Love Cork Screw wines, the flagship brand of LCS Entertainment, launched six varietals in 2013 and has since sold over 2 million bottles nationwide, . The brand has been recognized in Forbes magazine and received a 89 point rating with distinction from Wine Enthusiast Magazine for her “Be The Light” Sauvignon Blanc. Love Cork Screw wines are widely available and can be found at Mariano’s, Meijer, Total Wines & More, Jewel-Osco, Walmart, Target, and Binny’s, just to name a few”

Bass Note®  Botanical Wine Infusions, $12.99 to $15.99

Bass Note® Botanical Wine Infusions -” A.T. Howe, Founder started his career in Consumer Product Sales with Quaker Oats in 1997 and for 10 years worked with major supermarket chains. He then spent the following decade selling wine, spirits, and beer to national restaurant chains with Diageo, and Terravant wines. In 2016 he started Bass Note® Botanical Wine Infusions which use 100% California wine from the California Central Coast and it is combined with U.S. grown fruits and herbs in support of our local farmers. The Wine Infusions come in four flavors. Please serve our wines OVER ICE for the best flavor.” www.bassnotewine.com

Available in Chicago Illinois at Binnys, The Fresh Market, and other local retailers. Please see our website for locations nationwide – https://bassnotewine.com/store-locator/.

Regine T Rousseau