African American owned vineyards
Experience the difference! According to NPR, there are nearly 6,000 wineries in the United States, yet African Americans own less than a dozen of them. However,the wine industry is taking notice of blacks' increase in buying power and interest in wine in recent years. Here are a few "black berry" brands to try, grown exclusively in black-owned vineyards.
- Esterlina Vineyards- Family-owned vineyard, based in California. The Sterling family has over 30 years of experience. The vineyard has four different locations, each growing their own unique blend of wine.
- Daily wine tastings at the Anderson Valley of the Esterlina Estate
- Black Coyote Chateau- founded by four prominent gentlemen in 1997, in Napa Valley. They specialize in award winning Cabernet Sauvignon, and recently introduced Sauvignon Blanc.
- Brown Estate-Located in Napa Valley, Brown estate has thrived on the purity of their wine since 1981. This family-owned estate specializes in Zinfandel, but also produces a few other favorites. Tastings at the private estate Mon-Friday by appointment!
- Sharp Cellars- Sharp Cellars produces world-class Zinfandel, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir from four Sonoma vineyards. It was founded in 1998, by Sharp, a founder and past president of the Association of African American Vintners. Sharp produces organically farmed wine from a hilltop estate in the mountains.
- Vision Cellars- Texas inspired! Boutique winery established in 1995, and specializing in Pinot Noir. Join them! Oct. 20 & 21st 2011 6:30pm-10pm Critics' Choice Grand Tasting @ the New York Marriott Marquis
*Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual Wine Symposium and Tasting June 16th 2012*
For more info on African American vintners visit: http://aaavintners.org/
Great article. I am aware of several black owned wineries but you have 2 on the list I was unaware of. I can't wait to check them out!
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