The harnessing of that process and the development of what we now regard as a cross between art and science has only come about in the past two hundred years. Yet in 2021, little is still known about the rapidly increasing growth of diversity in the modern industry. And often absent from the narrative are the independently run, black-owned wineries. In fact, according to Statista.com, in 2020 there were over 10,000 wineries in the US alone, with winemakers of African descent making up less than 1% of winemakers and wineries worldwide.
To help build the awareness of the growing diversity in the global wine industry, in this, USA’s Black History Month, the inaugural International Winemakers Summit (IWS) takes place from 19 to 21 February. A virtual three-day event, IWS will highlight some of the world’s most highly regarded winemakers of African descent.
Hosted by Urban Connoisseurs, the organisation at the heart of promoting the development of American winemakers from African descent, in partnership with Uncorked and Cultured, IWS is the first event of its kind and gives the chance of attendees to meet virtually and to learn and share knowledge about diversity in global winemaking, to gain a deeper understanding of the viniculture and processes of these producers.