2022 Annual Symposium &
20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend
May 20-22, 2022
SUPPORTED BY
AGENDA
FRIDAY, MAY 20th – (Members Only) WELCOME DINNER & BUSINESS MEETING
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Kingston 11 Cuisine, 2270 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
AAAV Members will start the 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend off our organizational business meeting and dinner where you can network, contribute to strategic initiatives, and learn how you can get involved with AAAV activities. Featuring Caribbean cuisine and selected wines from member wineries. *TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY*
AAAV Members will start the 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend off our organizational business meeting and dinner where you can network, contribute to strategic initiatives, and learn how you can get involved with AAAV activities. Featuring Caribbean cuisine and selected wines from member wineries. *TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY*
Separate registration fee required. Seating is limited
SATURDAY, MAY 21st – SYMPOSIUM
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
* BUS TRANSPORTATION 7:15AM PICK-UP AT KISSEL UPTOWN OAKLAND AND 7:30AM PICK-UP AT COURTYARD MARRIOTT
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10:00 am - 10:30 am
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BARREL 10 BOTTLING FACILITY TOUR (33 Harlow Ct., Napa CA)
Get behind the scenes of the bottling process with Joey Franzia at the zero-waste Barrel 10 facility. Bronco Wine Company is one of the largest family-owned U.S. vineyard holders and producers. Founded in 1973 by brothers Fred T. and Joseph S. Franzia alongside their first cousin, John G. Franzia. The Bronco Wine Company maintains a portfolio of 250+ wine brands. |
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10:45 am - 11:45 am
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SESSION I: BUSINESS FUNDING & WINE DISTRIBUTION (645 Devlin Rd.)
Explore ways to meet the financial challenges of owning a wine business and options for distributing wine. |
Isaiah Fitzgerald-Palacio is the managing member of Whole Wine World, a B2B firm specializing in renaissance, emergent, and new latitude wines. He has a degree in accounting from Coles College of Business and an MBA in wine business from Sonoma State. His work in the wine industry includes working as a management consultant, tasting room mixologist, harvest production team member, senior accountant, and researcher. He is currently working at Whole Wine World.
Deanna Martin has been working in agriculture lending for over 12 years with a focus and specialty on the ag industry and wine. She completed her Bachelors in Ag Science at Fresno State and her Masters in Wine Business at Sonoma State. Deanna has been working with American AgCredit and the Farm Credit System for 8 years and prior to that she was with the USDA Farm Service Agency administering the government farm loan programs.
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Jennifer McDonald is the Founder, CEO and Winemaker at Jenny Dawn Cellars, the first urban winery in Wichita. Jennifer spent 12 years leading strategic initiatives for some of Wichita’s largest employers. She has a master’s degree in Agribusiness from Kansas State University and has taken winemaking courses through UC Davis. She launched Jenny Dawn Cellars in 2016. Her winery is located in the newly renovated Union Station building in downtown Wichita.
Orin Darrington has over 15 years of experience in the alcohol distribution industry. He joined Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) immediately after earning his Masters in Hospitality Management from Texas Tech University. In his current role of Director of Wine for the South Texas market, he covers all of San Antonio and Austin. Additionally, Orin co-leads the Soul Associate Resource Group for all RNDC.
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Alicia Maria Kidd is the founder and CEO of The Wine Noire LLC., an import, export and wholesale distribution company based in Berkeley, CA that includes wines from Women, Black, Indigenous, and POC winemakers & negociants. Also, she is the founder of CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar, which is a brick and mortar business that operates as a retail wine shop, tasting room, and bistro. CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar will open in the summer of 2022.
Pata Airaudi and her husband David, began their wine journey in 2010 finding very few brands that reflected their tastes - in wine or in culture. After careers in the music and entertainment industries, they wanted quality wine that representative; equally elegant for a date night toast and backyard bbq. Sparkling is all they do; world class fruit and focusing on craft, the ethos of Sapere is "Come as you are. There's always a seat at our table"
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12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
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PHENOMENAL WOMEN IN WINE LUNCHEON (645 Devlin Rd.)
Meet and celebrate a panel of powerful women who have championed diversity and succeeded in the wine industry. Cuisine curated by Chef Aaron LeRoi and paired with Phil Long Reserve and AAAV member wines. The lively discussion will be moderated by Wine Enthusiast’s assistant digital editor, J’nai Gaither, with welcome introduction by Angela McCrae of Uncorked & Cultured, and opening remarks by Renata Franzia Price of Bronco Wine Company. |
J’nai Gaither is assistant digital editor at Wine Enthusiast magazine, an award-winning print publication and online resource that showcases wine and food trends and enotravel. Gaither has written for publications including Plate, Grub Street, Eater, and VinePair. She was a research journalist for Karen MacNeil’s The Wine Bible and authored countless wine label tasting notes. Gaither is currently a Master of Champagne candidate.
Tahiirah Habibi is the founder and CEO of The Hue Society. She is an esteemed, nationally recognized sommelier by trade and a fearless entrepreneur by heart honing her expertise at prestigious restaurants, including J&G Grill in the St. Regis Bal Harbour and the legendary Michael's Genuine. Tahiirah was selected in Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious 40 under 40 list, also gracing the cover as the first black woman to do so. She is co-founder of The Roots Fund nonprofit.
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Dr. Monique L. Bell is a wine culture researcher and tenured Professor of marketing at California State University, Fresno. Her studies on diversity and inclusion in the wine industry, including Terroir Noir: 2020 Study of Black Wine Entrepreneurs, have led to increased awareness, important conversations, and innovative ventures. She formed Wyne Belle and serves as chief of insights and partnerships for media brand Uncorked & Cultured.
Ms. Theodora Lee is the founder and owner of Theopolis Vineyards, and a San Francisco law firm senior partner and trial lawyer. In 2001, Ms. Lee purchased sheep land in the Yorkville Highlands of Anderson Valley, and began developing her vineyard. Finally, in 2003, Ms. Lee planted her vineyard, and adopted her Greek name, from pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at the prestigious HBCU Spelman College, and established Theopolis Vineyards.
Dr. Chris (Christine) Wachira is the owner of Wachira Wines, a black and woman-owned winery in Alameda County. Dr. Wachira is the first Kenyan-born, Californian winemaker, distributor, importer, and exporter. After earning her Doctorate, she fell in love with the science of winemaking and created an international wine that celebrates Kenyan culture.
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Dorothy J. Gaiter is the senior editor of Grape Collective, an online wine magazine, and an award-winning journalist and author. Prior to joining Grape Collective, she conceived and wrote The Wall Street Journal’s wine column, “Tastings,” from 1998 to 2010 with her husband, John Brecher. She was The Miami Herald's first Black female editorial writer; and was nominated twice for a Pulitzer Prize for her work on race.
Brenae Royal is the Vineyard Manager of the celebrated Monte Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, one of the most acclaimed winegrowing sites in California. Brenae studied Crops and Horticulture Science at California State University, Chico and during her senior year, decided to pursue a career in viticulture. Brenae is responsible for a myriad of vineyard management duties, from running the on-site crew to overseeing viticultural innovations.
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1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
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SESSION II: STORYTELLING THROUGH WINE MARKETING & MEDIA (645 Devlin Rd.)
Learn how to tell the story of a wine business through media and marketing from AAAV members who do it well. Moderated by journalist and wine educator Regine Rousseau of Shall We Wine. |
Regine T. Rousseau is a wine and spirits expert, writer, and media personality. She was nominated for the 2020 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards, Wine Educator of the Year, and an International Sommelier Guild Level II. She's been featured in The New Yorker, Wine Enthusiast, Black Enterprise, Black Food and Beverage, Wine Spectator, the Zoe Report, Forbes and Chicago Tribune. She is the author of Searching for Cloves and Lilies, The Wine Edition.
Chrishon Lampley is a negociant, wine enthusiast and founder of LCS Entertainment, LLC that features Love Cork Screw wines. Lampley’s 20 years’ of experience in the wine industry has given her leverage to develop a keen awareness of what people enjoy and what the market is missing. Love Cork Screw is available in over 1,800 locations including Target, Jewel-Osco, Walmart, World Market, Mariano’s, Binny’s, Whole Foods, Meijer, Total Wines & more.
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Malek Amrani is the founder and winemaker leading The Vice, which crafts small-batch Napa Valley wines since 2016. A self-made leader in the wine and spirits industry, Malek moved from Senegal to New York, where he quickly worked his way up, from beverage director to wine distributor. The Vice Wine is a family-run, luxury boutique enterprise producing small batches of inspired wines for everyday indulgence.
Kiel Suggs is the Senior Manager, Marketing Project Management Office for Total Wine & More. In his current role, Kiel is most proud of the work that his team has done to highlight Total Wine & More’s diverse partnerships through their Lifting Voices campaign across web, email, print, social and other media channels. A graduate of Morehouse College, he also serves on Total Wine & More’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.
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Brandon L. Crump is the Head of Operations for Michael Lavelle Wines, where he has been pivotal in establishing its national distribution network and branding through his 10 year hospitality career. Michael Lavelle Wines is a Black-owned luxury private wine label launched in June 2020 by Howard University alum Aaron "Michael" Coad and Terrence "Lavelle" Low along with their partners, Sommelier Devin Kennedy and Brandon Crump.
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SATURDAY, MAY 21st – 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FUNDRAISER
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
DeLoach Vineyards, 1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Join actor and wine aficionado Jay Jackson for a festive spring evening honoring the founders of the Association of African American Vintners and raising funds to support the future of the organization. Acclaimed wine journalist Dorothy J. Gaiter will introduce and present awards to member trailblazers in education, legacy and unity. Enjoy a casual gourmet meal paired with DeLoach, JCB Unity, and LVE wines. Attire: vineyard chic/wine country casual.
Join actor and wine aficionado Jay Jackson for a festive spring evening honoring the founders of the Association of African American Vintners and raising funds to support the future of the organization. Acclaimed wine journalist Dorothy J. Gaiter will introduce and present awards to member trailblazers in education, legacy and unity. Enjoy a casual gourmet meal paired with DeLoach, JCB Unity, and LVE wines. Attire: vineyard chic/wine country casual.
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5:00 pm
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20th Anniversary Celebration Reception, Arrivals with Wine and Dinner Reception
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6:00 pm
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Welcome - Jay Jackson, Master of Ceremony
Thank You to Sponsors – Lou Garcia, AAAV Vice President/Treasurer
Celebrating 20 Years – Phil Long, President, AAAV (Association of African American Vintners)
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6:15 pm
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Legacy, Education, Unity Awards Ceremony – Dorothy J. Gaiter, Presenter
Honoring the Founders of AAAV – Phil Long and Lou Garcia, Presenters
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6:35 pm
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AAAV Fund-A-Need Fundraiser – Jay Jackson, Master of Ceremony
Need for Support – Nicole Mallari, Scholarship Recipient
Sponsor Message – Orin Darrington, Director of Wine at RNDC; James Harris, Sr. Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity at H-E-B
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6:55 pm
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The Future of AAAV: We Make Wine Inclusive – Phil Long & Angela McCrae, Programs/Special Events
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7:00 pm
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Dessert Reception, Networking + Gift Bags
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7:30 pm
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Goodbye, Departures
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SUNDAY, MAY 22nd – BLACK VINTNERS WINE FESTIVAL
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
High 5ive Lounge at Kissel Uptown Oakland, 437 25th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Taste the wines of 20+ Black-owned brands from across America and meet the founders and winemakers behind them. Network with industry professionals and discover unique wines from participating producers including: P. Harrell Wines, Sapere Aude Sparkling, Ayaba Wines, Free Range Flower Winery, Love Cork Screw, Indigene Cellars, The Vice Wines, Stover Oaks Winery, Jenny Dawn Cellars, Wachira Wines, J. Moss Winery, Longevity Wines, Mermosa Wines, Legend Vineyard Exclusive (LVE), JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset, Davidson Wine Co., Stoney Wines, Michael Lavelle, Fog Crest Vineyards, Tympany Vineyards, Wade Cellars, and McBride Sisters Collection.
Taste the wines of 20+ Black-owned brands from across America and meet the founders and winemakers behind them. Network with industry professionals and discover unique wines from participating producers including: P. Harrell Wines, Sapere Aude Sparkling, Ayaba Wines, Free Range Flower Winery, Love Cork Screw, Indigene Cellars, The Vice Wines, Stover Oaks Winery, Jenny Dawn Cellars, Wachira Wines, J. Moss Winery, Longevity Wines, Mermosa Wines, Legend Vineyard Exclusive (LVE), JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset, Davidson Wine Co., Stoney Wines, Michael Lavelle, Fog Crest Vineyards, Tympany Vineyards, Wade Cellars, and McBride Sisters Collection.
For more information and for sponsorship opportunities contact us at:
(707) 478-7222
aaavintners@gmail.com
(707) 478-7222
aaavintners@gmail.com