Black Winemakers
In honor of Juneteenth, we're celebrating the talent of Black winemakers shaping the future of American wine, and featuring two remarkable voices, both sommeliers turned winemakers.
After celebrated tenures at The French Laundry and Per Se, André Hueston Mack started Maison Noir Wines on the belief that wine should be expressive and deeply enjoyable. His Burgundy-inspired "Oregogne" Chardonnay and Pinot Noir capture the elegance and energy of the Willamette Valley, with an unmistakable character all his own.
In Virginia, Karl Kuhn — alumnus of minibar and RdV Vineyards — co-founded Novella Wines, bringing a fresh perspective to America's oldest wine region. Their Rosé blends Cabernet Franc with Petit Manseng into a savory, gastronomic rosé: vibrant enough for a summer apéritif, structured enough for the table.
Food, gathering, and community have always been at the heart of Juneteenth. This weekend, raise a glass with these wines and to the winemakers whose creativity continues to shape what American wine can be.
