PEG MELNIK | THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

 

"In the Association of African American Vintners, the number of members who are not Black has been growing, revealing an intent by a broader group of people to champion diversity in the industry. . . .

 

Prema Behan, general manager and co-founder of Sonoma’s Three Sticks and Head High wines

“The wine industry is predominantly white and that’s no secret,” Behan said. “It’s important to speak up about our participation so that other white vintners take note and join the conversation.”

Price Family Vineyards & Estates, which owns Three Sticks and Head High, became a professional/industry member of Association of African American Vintners last year

“There are too few people of color working in the wine industry,” Behan said. “There are too few people of color in our tasting rooms and too few occasions where people of color come to our hospitality events. All wineries should ask ourselves what we are doing or not doing that created this situation. We should ask the AAAV and other organizations these questions so we can improve.”

Becoming a member, Behan said, is one small step toward correcting the imbalances in the industry.

“We strongly believe that there can be no real social justice without economic opportunity,” she said. “It’s important for our industry that we support one another and bring awareness regarding issues of disparity and inequality. … The question we should be asking is ‘How do we get more wineries and vineyards to make this a priority?’ "

Continue the conversation on SIT's website.