Meet the Winemakers

Iris Rideau is a French Creole winemaker, businesswoman and activist.  She is the first Creole-American winemaker to own and operate a winery in the United States.

Iris was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She grew up in the Creole 7th Ward of the city where her family members operated a bar and grille. Her father left the family and departed to California after her parents divorced when she was two years of age. During the summer months she visited her father and worked at his ranch in Corona, California eventually relocating to Los Angeles.  An advanced education beyond high school would lead to professional opportunities.  After completing junior college she began working as a receptionist for an insurance agency, passing as a white woman to keep her job.

Rideau furthered her education enrolling at UCLA.  Rideau was able to open her own insurance agency serving the black homeowner  community.  She expanded into retirement planning and became involved as a securities broker and became involved in seeking better rights for ethnic minorities.  She was appointed as Chairman to Mayor Tom Bradley’s Affirmative Action Committee that spurred employment for hundreds of ethnic minority women in Los Angeles.

Rideau entered her next career as a vintner in 1989.  She bought a 6-acre plot of land in Solvang, California in the Santa Ynez Valley and added 24 more acres six years later.  The land became  Rideau Vineyard two years later.  Rideau employed an architect and winemaker to transform an adobe house into a wine tasting center.

Rideau sold her insurance agency and brokerage in 1997 and fully committed to her vineyard.  Rideau Vineyards produce Rhine wines, Syrah, Mourvedre, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier wines.

Christopher Christensen is an Iowa native, winemaker and owner of Bodkins wines. After graduating from Stanford University, where he gained an appreciation for wines, he worked in several wineries. He would eventually get a “real job” in corporate America, but the love of wine pulled him back, and he established his own winery in 2011. Chris is the producer of the first Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc in America. Chris has consistently produced award-winning wines despite having ADD and being dyslexic!

Theodora Lee, a practicing Bay Area Employment and Labor Law attorney, established a small vineyard in 2003 and hand-crafted her winery located in California’s prestigious Yorkville Highlands of the Anderson Valley. The AVA is a highly elevated, rugged interior wine-growing area. After several drives to the wine region to deliver briefs to her law partners, Theodora made the decision to purchase her own land and plant a vineyard. After clearing the sheep land, drilling a well, planting the seeds, Theodora yielded her award winning signature varietal, Petite Sirah. In 2006, wines produced from her first harvest of grapes received 94-96 points rating by wine critic, Robert Parker, continues to receive high ratings and awards.

Longevity Wines is the largest Black owned winery, and first urban style winery to open in the Livermore Valley. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, winemaker and owner, Phil Long handles everything from grape to bottle. Leaving a long time career as Executive Creative Director, Phil has produced over 20 different varietals. He keeps a hands-on approach to quality control. The Longevity philosophy declares it is not just about the wines, but the experience. His creative talents have produced wines that consistently win awards. And, his welcoming and hospital demeanor is what helped him win “Winery of the Year” in Livermore Valley.

Just a humble Charm City Girl, born and raised on the Westside of Baltimore’s concrete jungle. Combine her crush for the love of wine, bottled with a thirst for learning, aged through passion for the fermented grape, creating the perfect vintage. Kimberly has been in the wine industry for over a decade and a half in multiple capacities. From volunteer, wine blogger, assisting the winemaker, tasting room associate and (now) winery co-owner. In February 2022, Kimberly took over the role as President of the Maryland Wineries Association. In this new role, Kimberly speaks on behalf of the association as to new and evolving alcohol laws in Maryland.

Kimberly works with local farmers to obtain wine grapes for each of Philosophy’s wines. It’s important to her to showcase Maryland’s vast agricultural roots. She often expresses that great wine can not be made without great grapes. Kimberly’s philosophy, “Wine is my passion and I have finally found my purpose, exploring distinct agriculture (land & soil) and producing high quality wine that highlights diverse grape varietals as unique as Maryland itself”. Wine is a forever evolving theme. With each taste of an unfamiliar varietal, there sparks opportunity.

In a previous life, Dan was immersed in the art and culture of the music industry, writing and producing in Los Angeles when a different muse caught his eye in the form of the seductive Pinot Noir, drawing him into the artistry of winemaking.  After several years at various wineries such as Clos du Bois, Armida and Dutcher Crossing; he decided to honor his muse with a creation all his own: L’Objet Noir.  His philosophy on winemaking is really very simple. He pursues the finest vineyards and fruit, turning away grapes he believes would require too much manipulation. He is sure you will find the quality of the grapes, the vineyards and his wine will speak for itself.

Amy “Holly” Hampton was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She was born to a Ugandan father and a Texan mother. She attended Hampton University and Meharry Medical College. Her introduction to winemaking came by way of her grandfather Leonard Cole. He was a visionary and skilled winemaker. She spent summers in the country with my grandparents on their farm in Marlin, Texas. This became the gateway to her passion for winemaking. She witnessed first-hand his dedication to cultivating grapes and crafting wine which was an inspiring experience. She is proud to see how family legacies can carry on through shared passions. She was drawn to winemaking for numerous reasons. She is fascinated by the artistry and science behind the process. From selecting the perfect grapes to carefully monitoring fermentation and aging, every step requires precision and expertise. It’s a delicate balance of nature and human intervention that results in a complex and nuanced beverage.

Winemaking allows her to connect with nature in a unique way. The vineyards, with their sprawling rows of vines, offer a sense of tranquility and harmony. She finds joy in working with the land, tending to the grapes, and witnessing the transformation from vine to bottle.

The sensory aspect of wine is also incredibly appealing to her. Each bottle tells a story through its aromas, flavors, and textures. Exploring different varietals and regions opens up a world of discovery and appreciation for the diversity of the wine world. It’s a never-ending journey of exploration and learning.

The social aspect of wine has always captivated her. Sharing a bottle of wine with loved ones or engaging in conversations with fellow wine enthusiasts creates a sense of community and connection. It has the power to bring people together and create memorable experiences.

Winemaking combines her love for art, science, nature, and social connection. It’s a passion that allows her to continuously learn, create, and share something beautiful with others.

Amy takes pride in producing a range of exquisite wines that cater to various palates and preferences. Her portfolio includes a diverse selection of wine types, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the standout offerings is their collection of premium red wines. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, their red wines are known for their robust flavors, rich aromas, and smooth finishes. Whether you prefer a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, a velvety Merlot, or a complex blend, their red wines are sure to captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression.

Ermoni Best originally hails from Chicago, Illinois.  She is a distinguished sommelier with a rich hospitality background, she brings a unique perspective to the 6th edition of Sommeliers Choice Awards.  She is currently honing her craft in Paris, France.

An industry changemaker and compassionate role model, Tonya Pitts is known globally as a multi-talented wine professional who catapults wineries, winemakers and brands into the mainstream. In 2022, she was named the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards Sommelier of the Year. Equally important, she is a leader who champions diversity and inclusion in the hospitality, food and beverage industries. Tonya has been a judge for the San Francisco International Wine Competition for five years in a row, a speaker at Culinary Institute of America Summit for Beverage Professionals, a tasting panelist for Wine & Spirits Magazine and an advisor for the Fine Minds4Fine Wines think tank in Europe. In 2017, she was named to the Top 40 African American Tastemakers (Under/Over) 40 list. Of special note, Tonya has been instrumental in the annual Wine Spectator list for more than a decade, including receiving awards for her expansive and inclusive wine program.

Tonya has been featured in numerous news and industry publications, including CBS This Morning , ABC 7 News “Sips with Spencer,” Cherry Bombe, Daily Beast, Grape Collective, Janis Robinson, Wine & Spirits Magazine, Somm Journal, Tasting Panel, Where Traveler, Wine Searcher, Wine Stream and Wonder Women of Wine.

Shae Frichette, on a simple coin toss (which she lost), she and her husband relocated from Southern California to Washington to start a new life as winemakers. This South Carolina native would leave her Operational Development position at Stanley Black and Decker and start a new journey, Frichette Winery located in the prestigious Red Mountain AVA. Starting out as assistant winemaker to her husband, Shae would be inspired after attending a Black Women in Wine Celebration, to make her own wines. She now has her first wine under her belt, and it is every bit Shae (Sashay Wines)!

Bertony grew up in NY. Son of a Haitian immigrant, and former Anesthesia Technician, Bertony would enter into the wine making business purely by chance. Bertony plants the vines, tends to them, harvests the fruit, and makes the wine. Bertony’s the heart and soul, the drive that pushes Abbey Creek forward. Bertony, the first Black winemaker in Oregon, is an earth to glass winemaker. He has taken the pretension out of winery visiting. Stop by for a wine tasting experience, and you’ll likely hear hip hop setting the mood.

Over its history, the winery has produced award-winning exquisite wines celebrated for their robust and pleasant flavors that represent the upper Carmel Valley, California. Raymond formerly worked as a Ship Joiner and grocery clerk before he relocated to the central coast of California. He developed a relationship with growers and producers and learned the intricacies of the business. Taking his attention to detail, as well as his expertise in his prior jobs, Raymond has exacted the aromas and flavors of the grapes to produce premium varietals and elegant blends including his signature Tuscan blend, Ambiente.