Founded in 2002, one of the African American Vintners Association’s (AAVA) purposes is to “develop a sense of community among members of the organization through friendly and informal networking and social functions.” This purpose allowed me to have a wonderful time on Sunday at the AAVA tasting held at City Winery.
I had been following most of these wineries on IG & Twitter for a while. So it was great to meet some of the actual Winemakers in person, chat and taste their wines. I’m going to highlight just a few in this post.
Imagine my excitement when I finally got to meet Andre Mack. I have been wine geeking over him and his wine (OPP, Love Drunk, Bourgeois) for a while now. He has a new wine called Vine & Supply, a jammy, bright Pinot Noir. Find it!
I also had the pleasure to meet Theopatra Lee from Theopolis Vineyards. She is a one woman operation and very passionate about winemaking. I enjoyed all of her wines. But I think the Rosé of Petite Sirah was my favorite! Drinks like a Red but you get your Rosé fix.
Mac McDonald, Owner of Vision Cellars & President of AAVA, has been winemaking for over 20 years. Everyone knows Mac and his wife Ms Lil. I had the pleasure of wine tasting with them at their home a few years ago. They were so hospitable. We did not want to leave. Not only is their wine fantastic but they also host a yearly Greens Cookoff for wine club members and their friends. Go at least once!
Lou Garcia from Stover Oaks Vineyard & Winery also has an interesting story. He had a background in the corporate world but due to his love of wine, decided to look into buying a winery! That’s serious love! The winery has a tasting room and a Bed & Breakfast on property.
These winemakers are some of the friendliest, most down to earth people you will ever meet. Not only do I suggest drinking their wines but really taking time to learn their wines’ history and the winemaker’s personal history. Their stories will amaze you!
