The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Wine

Black Winemaker Series: Andre Hueston Mack of Maison Noir Wines.

by Nadeen
July 15, 2020
A A
Mouton Noir Wines, Andre Hueston Mack, Oregon wines, pinot noir

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through on a link, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll receive a slight commission which helps us keep this information available to you. Thanks!


Welcome to the first post of a new series on the blog! The Black Winemaker Series will introduce you to black winemakers all over the world. Expand your palate as you imagine sipping on their unique wines. I have written several previous posts on black winemakers including the Mandela Family and the McBride Sisters. However, these posts will highlight a few more and update you on black winemakers previously featured. I had the pleasure of meeting Andre Hueston Mack of Maison Noir Wines here in Atlanta. Therefore, he will be the first black winemaker featured in this series.

andre hueston mack, mouton noir wines, black winemaker, maison noir

Maison Noir Wines – Andre Hueston Mack

Andre Hueston Mack worked for Citicorp Investment Services and had what would be considered a successful career. However, he always had a passion for wine. He decided to pursue this passion leaving his desk job behind. His first notable position was at The Palm in San Antonio, Texas. He became a sommelier and later went on to be the head sommelier at Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood in San Antonio. At 30 years of age Andre Hueston Mack competed for and won the title of Best Young Sommelier in America. Andre Hueston Mack was the first African-American to win this distinguished award. The award led to several opportunities. After coming to the attention of Chef Thomas Keller, he accepted a sommelier position at The French Laundry in Napa Valley. He then worked as head sommelier at Thomas Keller’s Per Se restaurant in NYC. Can you imagine managing 1500 different wines and pairing them with Chef Keller’s menus? Well he did just that.

As you can tell, Andre Hueston Mack believes in pursuing your dreams and passions. Since he had always imagined being a winemaker, in 2007 he founded Mouton Noir Wines (later changed the name to Maison Noire Wines). Maison Noir Wines are sourced from Oregon based growers and wine makers. Maison Noir Wines are part of the lifestyle brand Maison Noir. Maison Noir refers to both the T-shirt line and the Oregon Wines. These wines are considered “garage wines”/micro-negociant. A micro-negociant specializes in limited production wines. Based on their production size, these wines could be made in a garage. Hence the term which is originally from the Bordeaux region in France.

andre hueston mack, mouton noir wines, black winemaker, maison noir

If you are familiar with wines from Oregon then you would expect to see Pinot Noir included in Maison Noir Wines. In fact, you can expect unique red and white wines as part of Maison Noir Wines. I love the names and branding of Maison Noir Wines. Most importantly, they are delicious! Look out for “O.P.P” which stands for “other people’s pinot” or “Love Drunk” or “Knock on Wood” from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. At the wine tasting my favorite was the 2012 Vintage “Oregogne” Pinot Noir. Maison Noir Wines are served in fine restaurants all over the country. In addition, you can find them in retail shops in 45 states and 11 countries. I spotted them at Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s NYC supper club-Red Rooster. Andre Hueston Mack also curates wine for a wine club called “Club W”. He is dedicated to making wine more accessible. Andre Hueston Mack’s creativity doesn’t end with wine making.  He created a boutique graphic design firm called “Get Fraiche Cru”. Get it?

andre hueston mack, mouton noir wines, black winemaker, maison noir

Andre Hueston Mack is also a wine educator. He has led panels and hosted wine events. One of these is on my bucket list-The Aspen Food & Wine Classic. In 2007 he received the Network Journal’s 40-Under-Forty Achievement Award. He has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Food & Wine magazine and many others.

To learn more about Andre Hueston Mack and Maison Noir Wines please visit his website. Have you heard of Andre Hueston Mack or experienced Maison Noir Wines? If so share your thoughts with us below.

Thinking about an all-inclusive getaway complete with wine tours and tastings? Book with Sandos for the best experience.

Join over 2k travel enthusiasts on The Sophisticated Life email list & get access to travel updates, exclusive content & offers!

+ Get the Pandemic Travel Checklist FREE

Thank you! Check your email for your checklists!

Tags: andre hueston mackmouton noirwinewinemakers
Previous Post

Arizona Road Trip in the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Next Post

Foodie Alert: A List of Great Places to Eat in Charleston.

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival
Wine

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting
Wine

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
black-owned businesses, gift guide, holiday gift guide, wine gifts, wine apparel, wine books, wine and spirits, 2021 wine and spirits holiday gift guide featuring back-owned businesses
Wine

2021 Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide Featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 27, 2021
black-owned rosé wine brands to sip on this summer, rosé wines, black-owned wines, rosé wines, summer wines, black-owned wines, black-owned wineries, mcbride wines, black girl magic wines, brown estate wines,
Wine

Black-Owned Rosé Wine Brands to Sip on this Summer.

April 27, 2022
holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food
Wine

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
rosé wine, food and wine, rosé wine 101, rosé wine guide, wine information, red wine, red wine, wine tasting, wine pairings, wine festivals, rosé wine food pairings
Wine

Rosé Wine 101: An Introductory Guide to Rosé Wines.

September 22, 2021
Next Post
A list of great places to eat in Charleston South Carolina. Charleston Restaurants. Food in Charleston. Charleston Foodies. Eating and Drinking in Charleston

Foodie Alert: A List of Great Places to Eat in Charleston.

chase sapphire reserve credit card

Travelers-is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card right for you?

Comments 4

  1. Ushmana Palmo Rai says:
    4 years ago

    This is such an amazing way to introduce new winemakers to the people! I really love blogs that talk more about innovations!
    All the love from Nepal, Nadeen xoxo

  2. nadeen says:
    4 years ago

    Thank you so much! I agree with you and I hope others feel the same. I am really excited that you read my blog post in Nepal!!

  3. Kenya Safaris says:
    4 years ago

    Wine making is a skill that takes time and sometimes generations to pass the knowledge. Its always inspiring to see others who are really good at something because of their persistence and dedication.

    • Nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      Yes! Very well said!

No Result
View All Result
Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Wine

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

by Nadeen
December 13, 2021
Wine

2021 Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide Featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

by Nadeen
November 27, 2021
  • I jumped coasts to attend the @africanamericanvintners 20th anniversary symposium in Oakland, Napa & Sonoma County! 

It’s a 2 day event celebrating members of the association, the leaders, pioneers, new voices and raising money for scholarships. Their 3 pillars are, EDUCATION, LEGACY AND UNITY 👏🏽👏🏽🍷🍷

Day #1 was phenomenal. There are few words to describe meeting Black winemakers and leaders in the industry that I have admired and blogged about for years!! 

There was a bottling tour followed by a luncheon and seminars @broncowineco in Napa and then we headed to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County to the beautiful @deloachvineyards for the fundraiser & first ever award 🥇 ceremony! 

***head to my stories for the BTS!

There were so many memorable moments one being from @sippingsocialite She said something to effect of -if she were to go now she knew she left it all here. She gave it all and did all she could for herself and her community. 🙌🏽🙌🏽

As a physician I know tomorrow isn’t promised. Live your life to the fullest. Give what you can. I will keep  traveling, sharing and encouraging others to live a life of fulfillment. 

If you are considering a career in the wine industry take a look @africanamericanvintners !! 
Stay tuned for Day #2 🍷🍷

#blackwinelovers #winewithfriends #winebloggers #wineconnoisseur #wineconnection #blackwinemakers #blacktravelfeed #blackwineprofessionals
  • @lumahoteltimessquare was so Lux & Lovely!! 

Just one week ago I was waking up to beautiful skyline 🏙 NYC views and enjoying espresso ☕️ at Luma Hotel in Times Square! 

What things do you look for when booking a hotel 🏨? 

Here are a few things I research 🧐  Location-I like to be able to walk to sites, especially in major cities. If I can’t walk then public transportation should be easily accessible or major sites should be a short drive. Luma Hotel Times Square was 1 block from Bryant Park and a 5 minute walk from Times Square! 

🧐 Cleanliness-this is VERY important to me!! I will read review after review looking for this. Especially in these COVID-19 times. My room at Luma was spotless!! They even came to check on me after I got to my room to see if I needed anything. 

🧐 Service-this can make or break my review of a hotel. It doesn’t take much to be pleasant and courteous and helpful to guests at your hotel. Everyone at Luma Hotel did just that from check in to check out. 

🧐 Food & Beverage service-the bar service & cocktails at the hotel were amazing! Check out my previous reel. There is a restaurant opening later this summer. 

🧐 Beds, linens, comfort, room size, showers- the more I travel the more I need these things! I need to be comfortable and rested! An uncomfortable bed, cheap linens and low water 🚿 pressure will ruin my stay! 

Swipe to listen to some of the features I loved about @lumahoteltimessquare Head to my NYC highlight reel for a tour of the hotel suite! 

What features do you look for in a hotel?! 

#hosted #lumahoteltimessquare #nycgo #nychotels #luxurytravel #blacktravelfeed #travelnoire #blacktravelbloggers #timessquarenyc
  • Do you want to know how to save $$$ money on tickets to Broadway 🎭 shows but still get great seats?!! 
Then SAVE & SHARE This!! 

🎭 Enter the lottery at the box office for the show you want to see! A lot of the shows/theaters have lotteries with tickets as low as $45. But you have to check the websites in advance since you will probably have to sign up the day before you want to see the show. If you can do weekdays and the Wednesday matinee you probably have a better chance of getting picked and good seats. A friend of mine got tickets for Moulin Rouge last week! You will have a short window of time to claim the tickets so be sure to keep checking your email for notification! 

🎭🎭 @tkts counters. There are several booths with the most popular one in Times Square. They have tickets to the biggest shows on Broadway. Beware of scammers circling the line and trying to sell you tickets. The tickets sold here are legit and the prices including taxes etc. There is a billboard that lists what shows, dates and times they have so you can check that before you get in line. I purchased Tina Turner musical tickets last week and was in row J orchestra on the aisle and it was  AMAZING and the price was less than on the box office website. 

🎭🎭🎭 Go to the box office on the day of the show and check online. You may still get obstructed or slightly obstructed views or single tickets the day of. Never hurts to try!! 

Do you enjoy Broadway shows?! I have been going since I was a child and it’s so thrilling to me! But some shows are sooooo expensive!! 

#broadwaynyc #gonyc #broadwaytips #blacktravelfeed #travelnoire #nyctraveltips #traveltipsandtricks #timessquarenyc #tinaturnermusical
  • #winewednesday🍷 
Have you been to Napa Valley? It’s easily one of my favorite places in the US! 

If you ❤️ exceptional wine, great dining experiences, lovely hotels & spas..then Napa Valley is it! 

You can also have great adventures there like a hot air balloon ride which I did a few years ago followed by a Champagne 🥂 breakfast. And/or go bike riding thru the valley! And how about a mud bath 🛀? YES! I have done and enjoyed it all! 

Of course there are many more wineries and restaurants in Napa Valley beyond this list because as I remind people-it’s large with several areas/cities besides Downtown Napa. But this is a great place to start! 

Don’t miss one of my favorite wineries @brownestate that is Black-Owned and makes THE most amazing Zinfandel wines among other varietals! 

Head to my blog www.thesophisticatedlife.com for more info on Napa Valley! 

#napavalley #napavalleywine #napavalleywinery @downtownnapa @visitnapavalley #winebloggers #napafoodie #visitnapavalley #blackwinelovers #winewithfriends
  • BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS IN ATLANTA!! 
***Save & Share this post!! Keep this checklist whether you live in Atlanta or you are coming to visit. How many have you been to? 

PLUS Swipe to see my NEW blog post on Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Atlanta! 
Easter may be gone but it’s time to make Mother’s Day plans! 

Atlanta has so many amazing restaurants with so much variety! You will gain a few pounds. Trust me I know lol 😂 

#atlantarestaurants #atlantafoodblogger #atlantabloggers #discoveratlanta #visitatlanta #supportblackbusinesses #blacktravelbloggers #atlantafoodies
  • It’s time for another travel guide! 

Last fall I had the pleasure of spending a week in @sonomacounty where #lifeopensup 
It was amazing!! 

I definitely drank my share of wine 🍷 🍷🍷🍷 and ate a lot of delicious food 🥘 since they are known for farm to table cuisine. But there are so many other things to do here PLUS luxury hotels, chateaus & vineyards! I even visited 2 Black-owned wineries @fogcrestvineyard and @corner103 

I have condensed my travel guide into this quick and easy to reference carousel but if you want all the details head to my blog www.thesophisticatedlife.com !! 

Sign up for my newsletter to get destination guides delivered straight to your inbox! The link is in my profile! Don’t forget to add me as a “Favorites” on Instagram and Like, Comment & Share this post 👍🏽👍🏽😄

Have you been to Sonoma County? #sonomacounty #sonomacountywine #sonomacountyrestaurants #winebloggers #luxurytraveler #luxurytravelblog #sonomavalley #visitcalifornia @visitcalifornia #traveltipsandtricks #blacktravelbloggers

Black-Owned Businesses

black-owned businesses in asheville north carolina, hood huggers tours, black-owned business in asheville, asheville north carolina, black-owned restaurants in Asheville, downtown Asheville,

Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

September 22, 2021
black-owned rosé wine brands to sip on this summer, rosé wines, black-owned wines, rosé wines, summer wines, black-owned wines, black-owned wineries, mcbride wines, black girl magic wines, brown estate wines,

Black-Owned Rosé Wine Brands to Sip on this Summer.

April 27, 2022
atlanta black-owned restaurants, black-owned restaurants in atlanta, atlanta restaurants, brunch in atlanta, atlanta restaurants

45+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

May 15, 2022
black-owned wineries, black-owned businesses, black-owned wines, black winemakers, black wines, black owned wines, black owned wineries, black podcasts, wine, wineries, winemakers. wine regions, napa valley, wine tasting

50+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

March 15, 2022

Explore the U.S.A

photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu

Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

March 21, 2022
asheville travel guide, things to do in asheville north carolina, places to stay in asheville, where to eat in asheville north carolina

The Ultimate Guide of Things To Do in Asheville, North Carolina!

September 22, 2021
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers! Everything you need to know to attend this magical event! Includes information on purchasing tickets, preparing for the event, costs and what to expect at Diner en Blanc!

Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers!

September 19, 2019
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

April 2, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

black owned brunch spots in atlanta, black owned restaurants in atlanta, brunch in atlanta

Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Atlanta

April 27, 2022
photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
black-owned businesses, gift guide, holiday gift guide, wine gifts, wine apparel, wine books, wine and spirits, 2021 wine and spirits holiday gift guide featuring back-owned businesses

2021 Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide Featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 27, 2021
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2021 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life