Vision Cellars
Specializing in Pinot Noir, Vision Cellars was established in 1995 by owner and winemaker Mac MacDonald. As the co-founder of the Association of African American Vintners, MacDonald has become a very well respected and influential figure within the Black wine industry. The Pinot Noir wines are produced from a variety of vineyards throughout California, including Ms. Lil’s Vineyard, which is one of Vision Cellars’ newest venture.
Rideau Vineyard
Known for wines specifically highlighting Rhône varietals, Rideau Vineyard was founded in 1997 by New Orleans native of Creole descent, Iris Rideau, the first Black female winery owner in the United States. Throughout the years, she has attracted wine enthusiasts from around the world to attend winery events that offer Creole cuisine paired with a specific Rhône varietal. The vineyard, located in Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, offers a tasting room, open to the public.
Sharp Cellars
Husband-and-wife duo, Vance and Monika Sharp, founded the Sonoma Valley winery, Sharp Cellars, after retiring in 1997. Although, Sharp Cellars’ production is extremely limited, it has been awarded prestigious honors including the Double Gold Medal and Best of Class awarded by the Taster’s Guild Consumer Wine Judging. Sharp Cellars is the first Black-owned winery to receive such a prestigious honor.
Wisdom Oak Winery
Formerly known as Sugarleaf Vineyards, it was the only Black-owned and operated winery on the East Coast, located along the Virginia countryside in Monticello for many years. After a rebranding in 2013, the estate was renamed Wisdom Oak Winery with Jerry Bias as the driving force behind the operation. He is considered a pioneer of the East Coast concept, creating a boutique winery specializing in hand- crafted artisan wines.
Dr. Ernest Bates
Black Coyote Chateau Winery
Specializing in rare, one-of-a-kind wines, the Black Coyote Chateau Winery is considered a premier winery in Napa Valley. It has been in existence since 2000 and not only produces wines but also offers a wide range of events including grape stomping throughout the year. These events allow wine-lovers the opportunity to experience culture, gain extensive knowledge and taste-test some of the signature wines of Black Coyote. Serving as a top-rated neurosurgeon and as one of the founding members of the Association of African American Vintners, Dr. Ernest Bates and three additional partners were the creators of the winery estate.
