M’hudi Tasting Notes

July 7th, 2009 Stephen Satterfield

M’hudi

Malmsey and Diale Ranganka are pioneers. And even that seems to understate their role in the 350 year winemaking history of South Africa. No, they are one of the most important families in the 350 year history of South African wine production.

In last months inserts for Cape Collections member we waxed on about this important contribution of this family, the sole black family in South Africa, able to claim ownership of their own vineyard. If you’re reading this post, you have some sense about why this is relevant, particularly in our efforts to expand the role of blacks in the South African wine industry. While they remain in desperate need of paved roads, replanted vines, and a production cellar, the Ranganka’s have hung tough for 6 years fighting for their vision. We all have the delicious opportunity to help Malmsey and Diale by suporting M’hudi wines. It’s easy to do once you taste the wines!

2007 M’hudi Sauvignon Blanc

This Sauvignon Blanc has been awarded 89 points from the Wine Spectator and may be the most widely adored wine among the ISAW wine enthusiasts. There is merit to the accolades. This Sauvignon Blanc showcases why wine professionals all over the world are truly excited about the quality of Sauvignon Blanc coming from South Africa. Unlike New Zealand’s heralded Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa shows a propensity to a more understated tone somewhere between Pouily Fuisse (France) and New Zealand.

• Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Grape Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Aroma: Lime, green apple, and rosemary
• Palate: Full and bright. Citrus flavors dominate the front palate, and then it evolves into a mineral mid palate, showing exception balance of acidity and citrus. The flavor is clean, lengthy and absolutely refreshing. Serve chilled.
• Pairing Suggestions: A variety of fish, from scallops to ceviche, Caesar Salads, goat cheese.

2006 M’hudi Pinotage

This is a wine that has benefited greatly from bottle age. Pinotage, an indigenous South Africa hybrid, is a cross between pinot noir and cinsault grapes. It is the only grape variety that is truly South African.

• Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Grape Varietal: 100% Pinotage
• Aroma: Dark fruits; black currants, dried black cherry, earthy, violets, and leather round out a truly complex nose
• Palate: Silky palate, same profile as aromatics, with just a touch of dark chocolate and toast on the finish
• Pairing Suggestions: We recommend pairing with BBQ, or game. The fruit is versatile enough for BBQ Chicken or ribs, but would also be sublime with duck for more adventurous cooks. We recommend decanting this wine, so you can truly see it blossom out of the bottle.

Posted in WINE POLITICS | No Comments »

Boycott South African Wine!? Environmentalists Have Crossed the Line!!

July 5th, 2009 Stephen Satterfield

On June 26, the UK Wine publication, Decanter reported US-based environmentalists Sea Shepherds, called for a boycott of South African wines. The organization is responding to the butchering of over 40 whales on the coast of South Africa led by Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, who are also demanding Mike Meyer, president of South Africa’s Marine Coastal Management (MCM) step down.

I am reluctant to even write about this matter, because it only brining press to this ridiculous call to action, but it’s too much. The proposed boycott shows how detached this organization is to South Africa. Launching a baseless attack on an industry that employs 260,000 people, almost all of whom are below the poverty line, is cruel. South Africa is unquestionably the most environmentally progressive wine growing region, with a significant part of their entire (fragile) global positioning promoting biodiversity. The Biodiversity & Wine Initiative has been a very successful organization established to ensure conversation of wildlife and promote low impact farming.

The grossest part about this is that we are talking about whales. When you attack the South African wine industry, you’re attacking a group of workers who are living in extreme poverty, no education, and few with access to running water and electricity. The work of our Foundation is to raise the standard of life for other human beings in this important commercial industry. Mike Meyer is obviously not a good person, and anyone who brutally kills whales-or any animal-purely for sport is a sick person. But blindly calling for the boycott of a product that is utterly unrelated, and (barely) feeds hundreds of thousands of poor farmers is equally irresponsible. Wine in South Africa provides one job for every 92 cases of wine sold. I’m curious what Sea Shepherd, based in Washington, DC has done to create jobs in Africa, or even in America.

It may be cute to call for a boycott to bring attention to your cause. But those of us who make a living on the South African wine industry take the word boycott very seriously. You see, the last boycott ended in 1994 because of the ending of something called apartheid. And if you don’t understand the magnitude of the apartheid in the context of the death of 40 whales, I think you are as sick as Mike Meyer.

-Stephen A. Satterfield

Posted in WINE POLITICS | No Comments »

time moves quickly. and a declaration

June 25th, 2009 Stephen Satterfield

It is inexplicable that two and a half months have passed since our last blog entry. Some may be attributed to the fact that I lost my login, but as I’m typing, it seems like that’s been used once before. Or, how about a weddin!? I think PJ getting married! Now that explains the absence. Congrats PJ and Mary Pierce!

Back on the wagon. Actually, I’m delighting in life writing a fantastic script. I’ve recently connected with a high school classmate after a seven year absence. Alexandra was recently in advertising and has found herself, at least temporarily, in the restaurant business at Restaurant Eugene. Connecting with such a creative mind guilted me into a creative writing outlet. So, I’m deciding to approach our blog in a different way. As a daily stream of consciousness and activities that hopefully explain who we are, and what our mission is.

ISAW is so much to communicate. Each day, someone asks (or hears) about he project. So, instead of writing plain language about our mission and goals. I hope this blog will interest entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, wine lovers, people keen on South Africa, and if none of these groups, at least my family.
Drink Well, Do Good.

-isawmollier-

Posted in the grind | No Comments »

Social Enterprise at Goizueta

April 6th, 2009 Stephen Satterfield

A few weeks ago, PJ and I had the opportunity to speak to a group of MBA students at Emory’s Goizueta Business School. The students were enrolled in a Social Enterprise class, and it turns out that their professor Peter Roberts happens to be a big wine enthusiast (and researcher), so it turned out to be a fruitful afternoon. In fact, there was so much synergy around our visit that we returned last week for a brilliant symposium on Global Development and Health, followed by a dinner and panel by the Goizueta Microfinance Club.

Professor Peter Roberts in the foreground. Goizueta MBA Student Chris Brown talk to Stephen and PJ about upcoming Health & Global Development Symposium.

In the coming weeks, we’ll heading back to Goizueta for the inaugural Mini Executive Program entitled “Developing and Refining Nonprofit Strategy” scheduled for May 5-6, 2009. This program, organized by Professor Roberts, will feature some of the top professors at Goizueta, and will undoubtedly be a remarkable leaning opportunity for us. We are very honored to have been invited, and will share details upon completion.

Posted in ISAW EVENTS, WINE POLITICS | No Comments »

2nd Annual Heritage Gathering: Atlanta to Africa

March 11th, 2009 Stephen Satterfield

Dear Friends,
We are very much looking forward to our wine dinner and silent auction next Friday. Please see the details below. We hope that you all are able to join us for this very special evening, and if not, we encourage you to send this to a friend who may be interested.

Host:	Brittany Merrill, Stephen Satterfield, & PJ Bullock
Location:	Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30305 US View Map
When:	Friday, March 20, 6:30PM Add to my iCal Calendar
Phone:	(404) 697-9291
Cost:	$100.00 per person
	Pay Now
The Ugandan American Partnership Organization (”UAPO”) and the International Society of Africans in Wine (”ISAW”) cordially invite you to join us for the 2nd Annual Heritage Gathering: Atlanta to Africa. This special evening will be hosted by CNN Anchor T.J. Holmes and will take place at the Grand Overlook Ballroom of the Atlanta History Center. Guests will be greeted with a glass of bubbles for our Champagne Reception and Silent Auction. Following the reception, enjoy an exclusive tasting of 6 South African wines, and like last year, ISAW will be the first to introduce these wines to Georgia. Master Chef Matthew Raiford of the Gaylord Hotel in Washington DC will provide contemporary fare for the wine pairings along with an indigenous dish from Uganda to celebrate the opening of The UAPO’s new orphanage. The evening will conclude with a live auction where vacation homes, courtside tickets, and the first offering for the ISAW wine-of-the-month club will be unveiled. So, to recap: Champagne Reception Silent/Live Auction Wine Tasting Multi-Course Dinner Exclusive wines There are three ways to buy tickets to this event: 1) Send a check to… The UAPO P.O. Box 1243 Decatur, GA. 30031 2) Go to ISAW’s website and click on the “Donate” Tab: www.isawfoundation.org 3) Use Paypal through Evite with the payment email address… isawpjbullock@gmail.com Please inquire about corporate discounts for tables and non-profit organizations. Evening begins at 6:30 and attire is cocktail. We look forward to your company for this one of a kind wine dinner. Links The UAPO ISAW Foundation T.J. Holmes Heritage Link Brands Solms-Delta

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | 1 Comment »

Brittany’s Thoughts from Uganda

March 4th, 2009 Stephen Satterfield

As many of you know, our close friend, colleague, and UAPO Founder Brittany Merill is in Uganda right now. She sent an email yesterday that read like a stream of consciouness journal entry and I had to share it. This is such a beautiful sentiment on life and makes me long for Africa! Thanks, Britt.

We are winding through the green hills of southwestern Uganda in a race to reach the city by nightfall. Our car teeters on a steep ridge allowing short glimpses of villages buried in the handprints of small mountains. The hazy orange sun flights to prove his colors stretch across the sky. Rolling farms resemble a tapestry of colored strands with blue sky and brown straw huts. Smells of fresh fruit, clean air, and raw earth fill our car as it plunges deep into a valley decorated with miles of banana plantations. As the sun flights to find us, branches of banana tress turn electric green with its light. It is a sight that can only be properly voiced by Hemmingway and Churchill.

As I flight to get the windows down, I notice scratches covering the palms of my hands down to my knees. Wonderful battle wounds from a weekend spent exploring unturned rocks, waterfalls, and watering holes of the Nile. In a weekend romp, we played under a tapestry of stars, slept in bandas, ate roasted pig, and read under Jackurunda trees. It was if we had landed in a deserted jungle that beckoned us to discover its secrets.

Cool air rushes through the banana plantations, wisps strands of hair across my face, and makes it way into my heart. It whispers beautiful things and fills my spirit with hope. It took leaving the city to remind me of the intoxicating beauty of Africa.

At the same moment U2 sings, “grace finds beauty in everything.” Beauty in the struggle and beauty in the triumph… in the difficulty and the purpose… in spectacular scenery and even in refugee camps.

I feel an incredible range of emotions when I am in Uganda. Exhausted but filled. Frustrated but exhilarated. Lonely but loved. I have learned that whatever emotions may exist- I always feel deeply human and alive. I am reminded that with all the difficulties that come with my work, I am living a grand adventure… and most importantly, I am living.

I have followed my dreams, taken risks, lived boldly, failed miserably, cried, laughed, and loved deeply. I have experienced the touch of the divine, shared food with orphans, danced with widows, and seen beauty unspeakable. I have fought for justice, felt defeated, tired, and frustrated. I have also felt rare joy, witnessed answered prayers, achieved the impossible, and watched love change my heart.

I think about the rest of my life… How many hours do I have left? What will they bring? How will I use them?

“God grant me the courage to change the things I can…”

Today we leave for the refugee camps in Northern Uganda. Once again I feel totally incapable and even lack the desire to go. How will we bring hope to such a dark place? What dangers await us? Do we have the ability to transform a refugee community? How will I stay there for five days? And then I hear the words that have spoken so clearly to my heart over the last five years and given me the audacity for such tasks. “I will always go where you go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places- firm muscles, strong bones. You will be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You’ll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.” -Isaiah 58

Fear is normal and can be overcome. The most important things in life cause us to risk humiliation and failure. Have the courage to live. To love. To pray. It is in these things, however difficult the journey may be to find them, that we experience life… and life was designed to be lived.

“In different times and different ways, our heavenly father offers us a simple proposition; Follow me beyond what you can control, beyond where your own strength and competencies can take you, and beyond what is affirmed or risked by the crowd- and you will experience me and my power and my wisdom and my love.” – Garry A. Haugen, CEO International Justice Mission

This journey has taught me to live deeply… from my heart, my mind, my body, and my spirit. If I believe, I will always find my way.

Grace finds beauty in everything because God is a part of it all and has the ability to restore the darkest of places and even the darkest of hearts.

My prayer is to restore beauty and hope to a war-zone. It is a lofty goal but I have to believe that with grace it is possible. If he can change a heart like mine- how much more difficult will it be to transform a small community?

But even if we fail, I have been reminded that grace and beauty can truly be found in any corner of the word and in the crevasses of the heart.

Hold me in your hearts the next several days…

Brittany

Posted in MISC | No Comments »

Mandela’s letter to Obama

January 23rd, 2009 Stephen Satterfield

This is pretty cool.

Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, wrote this to Obama on Inauguration Day:

“Your election to this high office has inspired people as few other events in recent times have done. Amongst many around the world a sense of hopelessness had set in as so many problems remain unresolved and seemingly incapable of being resolved. You, Mister President, have brought a new voice of hope that these problems can be addressed and that we can in fact change the world and make of it a better place.”

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | 1 Comment »

An Emerging Region: NY Times’s Asimov Give SA Wines Their Props

January 22nd, 2009 Stephen Satterfield

In the first day of a new era of transparency and belt-tightening, its seems only right that we take a fresh look at the place that is producing some of the best value, and receiving the least ink. South Africa, of course!

How fitting then New York Times Chief Wine Critic, Eric Asimov, today writes about the fantastic value coming from South Africa. In a day full of important- if not historical-news, the 4th most emailed article in the Times reads, “Wines of the Times: South African Wines Step onto the Stage”. I myself received a half dozen emails directing me to this article, and certainly countless others who must’ve assumed (rightfully so) that the review would somehow find its way into my inbox. What should we make of this awareness of South African wine? It makes me think 2 things:

1. South Africa is still an unknown entity for the general public, and for people in the trade as well. Opening line from Asimov:

FORGIVE me if I’m excited, but I can’t help it. I want to tell you straight out that South Africa, of all places, is one of the greatest sources for moderately priced cabernet sauvignon on the planet today.

That enthusiasm is rarely expressed by wine writers, who typically reserve such excitement and suprise for producers or varietals, not entire regions-no less one that has been making wine for almost 400 years.  Not to suggest  Asimov is somehow a novice  writer or palate; he is in fact one of my favorite and most trusted wine writers on the entire planet. But, you can tell this idea, South African cabernet sauvignon, is one that he is still trying to wrap his head around. It’s an AHA, a “why didn’t this occur to me sooner?”, dialog.

I am taking liberty with my interpretation. Frankly,  I’ve only tasted  half the of wines that were listed in the article, and I’ve dedicated a considerable energy to tasting as much wine as possible from here.  So the point is, I am optimistic, no, ELATED when I read this. We are all still discovering what this “New Old World” can become. About time a respected wine journalist comes out and puts it out there.

Check out the article in its entirety http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/dining/reviews/21wine.html

2. The second point I’d like to make is the brief mention of the, “why”. In the last year, admittedly, I’ve tried to speak less on the ugly segregationist history of the South Africa, and focus more on the possibilities of this “Emerging Wine Region”. Some winemakers who are contributing to this new wave of exciting production are (like the shift in our own country) somewhat removed from the historical opression, and are ready for a new way forward. Not that we should forget…rather, strive to make things better. Besides, the level of frustration and agnst it still arouses in black workers has, in my experience, only salted wounds rather than evoke hopefulness, commitment to change, or even an acknowledgement of how much things have changed in 15 years. I am reminded of our own country’s timeline for tolerance upon seeing our 44th president sworn in yesterday.

Ultimately, helping build the new way forward is how I intend our Foundation to be measured and understood. As we begin to focus on introducing American palates, we will inevitably introduce the history. But, be assured our focus is not on the past, rather on creating a social environment that is fertile for leaders and opportunities. And it is this, not the science, that will determine how well this industry will age.

Support South African wines.

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

On Yesterday and Tomorrow

January 12th, 2009 Stephen Satterfield

If you read the preceding posting about a commitment to write on a weekly basis..well, shame on me. In fact, I’ve had a great deal of trouble finding our login information and history with wordpress. It was if the blog disappeared from my section of cyberspace, along with the ability to say or share anything. So, in spite of the new year, I will NOT make any bold declarations about the frequency of our blog postings, I’ll only say that we will improve upon our measly track record to date. Now, on to the business of ISAW.

Foremost, it must be said that our Foundation is celebrating our first year. We were officially incorporated on February 5, 2008 and have been working feverishly for a year now. Some things we learned in our first real entrepreneurial endevour:

1. A Non-Profit is an entrepreneurial endevour

2. Asking for money in an economic recession causes sleepless nights

3. The wines that we promote are quite good

4. Things never move as quickly as you like, but a lot can be accomplished in a year

With these lessons in mind, we forge on to a second year as a wiser and more nimble organization. We recognize the challenges that lie ahead for South Africa and our country, and pray for each of our nations leaders, elected officials, and citizens.

For us, it brings to the forefront the issue of sustainability that we’ve emphasized in our vision for Africa. We now see sustainability must be applied in our own model in order to make change in Africa. Which leads to my second numbered list of ruminations, what you-the ISAW supporter-can look forward to in 2009.

The real Seven Sisters, a mainstay at all of our events this year

1. An ISAW membership (by popular demand) in which bottles may be shipped to you

2. Expanding domestic markets- we’ll focus on major domestic markets to get our wines and message out

3. More wine! As much as we love the wines we currently work with, we’re just as excited about the ones that we’ll soon be promoting.

4. Progress in Africa. Look for our first major investment in infrastructure, training and developmental programming

Thanks for reading, and thank you for supporting ISAW during our first year. We look forward to sharing our vision and success this year, and in years to come. Happy New Year!

ISAW Co-Founder PJ Bullock and Ambassador Lauren Jarvis. Couldn’t have done ‘08 without either.

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | 1 Comment »

Thoughts on South Africa Visit

October 16th, 2008 Stephen Satterfield

Foremost, apologies for not writing while there, but internet proved to be more challenging than anticipated. And by that I mean the intention to post up to-the-minute info was well intentioned, but outmaneuvered by the lures of exploring vines and wines. So today, the blog has been cleaned up a bit with promises to post fresh content at least weekly. So…you wanna know how the trip was? Insert your most profound adjective <here>, and thats how good it was. And who ever said a picture was worth 1000 words, I give you pictures, followed by words.

Okay, so the palm trees aren’t indigenous to the Motherland, but clearly they are thriving. This was taken in the vineyards of Professor Mark Solms, of Solms Delta.

The workers of Degoree Farms, a Black Empowerment subsidiary of Van Loveren Winery. Many of these projects are being “strongly encouraged” by the government with varying degrees of success. This particular project was recognized by the Department of Agriculture last year as the best Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) project in South Africa. It was easy to see. Yes, the farm owners do receive some tax credits for BEE projects, but in this case we actually saw where the money was going, and it was easy to see. Compared to many other BEE projects, the housing, equipment and vineyards had obviously received investment. Besides, I asked the workers!

Barrel tasting at Van Loveren. Our tourguide Nikklas is the winemaker for the Fives Reserve project. ISAW will keep you posted on this brand as we work towards bringing it into the States.

In the rural winegrowing areas, the distinctions between the tracks were stark. It is important to note that, yes, ISAW is focusing on training and skills development within the wine industry, but we are also focused on REINVESTING in the schools in these rural areas, so that this guys kids aren’t standing where he is 20 years from now. More immediate, the ability for impoverished groups to spend increased wages in their own communities will have a broader economic impact.

A really happy guy in a massive tank at Bersig. We love this picture.

Diale Ranganka and Vivian Kleynhans of M’Hudi and Seven Sisters respectively. The above photo was an afternoon snack of tasty fried things: chicken, calamari, fries rice, and salad. Followed by a later snack of steak and a corn meal porridge that tasted very much like grits. Deeelish!

It is imperative to mention that this meal was a very important moment in our trip. As most of you know, we’ve done considerable work with both M’Hudi and Seven Sisters brands in the States with much success. But what made this meal so special was the fact that it happened at the M’Hudi farm. At no other point during our trip did we meet a black family that owned farm land. Supporting M’Hudi is laying the foundation for other blacks to come behind them and acquire land. It is imperative that we support M’Hudi because they are part of the 1.5% of black farm owners. They must succeed! Besides, they make it easy because the wines are so good (Wine Spectator recently rated the Sauv Blanc 89 points).

Thats all for now, but I will continue to post thoughts and photos on the trip over the next week. Enjoy.

-sAs-

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

National Black Arts Festival

July 29th, 2008 Stephen Satterfield

A beautiful vibe in “the A” for NBAF Weekend

What a gratifying weekend! Both of our neighbors, Omar, and Morro both drove all the way down from the Bronx for the festival. Omar, who sold beautiful garments and shea butter (as were about 70% of the vendors at Centennial) was a Muslim from Ghana. How would he respond to his American neighbor selling wine bottles? With great humor and sarcasm! He insisted on calling me “dirty man” all weekend (I think because of the wine..I hope..), then belting out in fits of laughter. Then, he would say, ” save me a drink today, we get high”. Of course I obliged with a full glass of Seven Sisters Bukketraube, only to have him shake his head and laugh hysterically when I brought him the wine. I fell for this more than once. The beautiful part about the weekend is that there are dozens more stories just like this. It rained on Friday and a bit on Saturday, but only briefly and everyone remained in good spirits throughout. Sunday was brutally hot. I think a dose of karma for me, as I foolishly remarked last weekend about how moderate the weather had been in Atlanta this summer. Stupid. From a native no less….

As a bonus, Soul Vegetarian was there all weekend, so we were spoiled! For Atlantans, if you dont know about Soul Veg, do yourself a favor..this is the spot! With due respect to Dave, Soul Vegetarian lives up to the name with greens and mac and cheese as good as ANY in Atlanta.

For ISAW, things couldn’t have gone any better. We got over 250 new friends to join our movement and had at least twice as many conversations. Once bottles were popped, our table was jumping. I am always encouraged by how enthusiastic people are about the concept, and this weekend was no exception. As Pepper Jr (DofD) can attest, I was straight giddy after the weekend. And its hard to contain it when so many people are genuinely excited about the project. Thank you all who came out to spend time with us, and took a minute to listen to our mission. We can wait to keep you all briefed on our success, and we’re definitely looking forward to next years National Black Arts Festival.

Salute!

-sAs-

ISAW Matriarch, Queen Meretaton

Im not mad…just dead tired and HOT!

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | 2 Comments »

Can you blog about a blog(ger)?

July 9th, 2008 Stephen Satterfield

I hope because we’re about to. On Sunday, we had a great brunch at Dynamic Dish. I will never be able to say enough good things about Dynamic Dish, but it seems I’ve found another evangelist for the Dish. On a Sunday morning of Brunch & Bubbles, I was approached by a friendly inquirer who caught whiff of our smoked salmon and Champagne flutes. After a moment of engagement and the ensuing card exchange, I noticed Dirty ( not sure if I’m allowed to say his name?)  was a fellow wine enthusiast, running a blog called Dirty South Wine. When I first went to his site I was blown away to see the stuff he was writing on. Here’s a guy who lives in the same zip code as me, and really knows how to eat and drink. I gotta hook up with this guy, I thought. As I went to drop him a note online last night, I noticed he’d did a quick little plug for ISAW which made me like him even more. In any case, it is you should check out his site. And, Mr. Dirty, if you see this, thanks again for showing us some love.

On Sunday AM, Lady Dirty and I headed over to Dynamic Dish for brunch. While walking in, we noticed rows of champagne flutes, and two packed tables. The International Society of Africans in Wine (ISAW) was having a “Bubbles and Brunch” event. The ISAW looks like a positive organization that is worth checking out. I hope to find out more about the ISAW in the coming weeks.

Salute!

-sAs-

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

Its the Weekend!!! Stop, drop, and shop for wine!

June 24th, 2008 International Society Of Africans In Wine

Need a good local shop in which to purchase South African wines? Places to buy wine are endless. Whether it is a high end wine boutique or a neighborhood supermarket, what makes a great wine purveyor are its employees. Are they knowledgeable, more importantly approachable? No one wants to be talked down to by a wine snob. ISAW is always on the look out for wine sellers who know their stuff, but can also be friendly to wine newbies. Here are ISAW’s favorite wine shops, both in and out of town.
Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

ISAW SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS KICK OFF BRUNCH AND BUBBLES AT MOSAIC IN BUCKHEAD

June 24th, 2008 International Society Of Africans In Wine

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

UPCOMING ISAW EVENTS

June 24th, 2008 International Society Of Africans In Wine

ISAW sponsored socials you don’t want to miss!!!

Sunday, June 8, 2008: Brunch and Bubble with ISAW as we launch the first of many champagne conversations. To be held at Mosaic located on 3098 Maple Drive, between Peachtree Street and East Paces Ferry in Buckhead. To kick off this monthly meal with a message ISAW founder Stephen Satterfield will guide brunchers through the origins of ISAW and why now is the best time to support our cause. Reservations are $30 per person and can be made by contacting Lauren Jarvis at isawlauren@gmail.com.

Monday June 23, 2008: Join ISAW founder and Sommelier Stephen Satterfield for and education excursion that will have you prepared to “Navigate Restaurant and Retail Wine Lists.” Sure you know which kinds of wine you enjoy drinking, but when presented with a wine list of new vineyards and varietals, or perusing your local wine shop, is it all too much to make sense of?

Join Steven at Hall’s of Fine Wines located on 245 North Highland in Inman Park for a one on one tutorial about how you can quickly choose great tasting wines, at a great value. Class will begin at 7p and is $30. All proceeds go to support ISAW’s global initiatives for economic empowerment for South African vintners, and include wine, cheese and study guides.

Friday, July 18, 2008:

ISAW invites our members and friends to our first networking social and monthly mixer! Soak in skyline views of the city as we sip and socialize at the Capital Grille in Buckhead from 5p-7p on July 18, 2008. Meet the ISAW Ambassadors and other influential wine connoisseurs and food and beverage industry professionals. This is one ISAW event you do not want to miss out on.

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

Atlanta Wine Socials Gear Up For Champagne

June 24th, 2008 International Society Of Africans In Wine

Atlanta wine connoisseurs are invited to unite with ISAW, for the first of many Champagne Conversations, to be held Sunday, June 8, 2008, at Mosaic in Buckhead.

As an organization, ISAW is destined to transform the face of South African wine makers forever. They begin by hosting Champagne Conversations; a monthly meal with a message, or brunch discussion, happening every first Sunday around town.

Enjoy a lazy morning brunch with ISAW and take part in the conversation, as we discuss economic empowerment for native South African vintners. Providing access to business and economic resources for South Africans looking to enter viticulture is the core of ISAW’s efforts. Through monthly events and year round fundraising, ISAW will provide training and education, creating channels to vineyard ownership and operation within the wine industry for everyday South Africans.

ISAW Founder, Stephen Satterfield, will guide brunchers through the origins of ISAW. Founded in January of 2008, ISAW has already established itself as an organization of note, one very passionate about transforming the lives of our South African brethren.

Brunch will be provided by Mosaic Executive Chef Darrell Rice. For this event he combines traditional and Mediterranean favorites with some South African inspired surprises.

Located at 3097 Maple Drive, Mosaic is a neighborhood bistro known for its personalized service and infusion of seasonal ingredients. As our host Mosaic provides the ideal backdrop for a years worth of Champagne Conversations to come. Featured guests will include Professor William Jelani Cobb, Ntsiki Biyel, Selena Cuffe, George Ayittey and more.

Join ISAW at Mosaic for the first Champagne Conversations June 8, 2008. You are invited to find out how you can support ISAW and its goals of supporting and promoting South African vintners and vineyards.

Reservations for Champagne Conversations are extremely limited and are

$30 per person. They include all the brunch and beverage your heart can handle.

For a table please contact Lauren Jarvis at ISAWlauren@gmail.com, or via phone at 770. 255.9354.

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

Champagne Conversations wth ISAW

June 24th, 2008 International Society Of Africans In Wine

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

Worth the Investment

June 24th, 2008 International Society Of Africans In Wine

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

South Africa encourages Black Vintners

June 24th, 2008 International Society Of Africans In Wine

Mzokhona Mvemve had never tasted wine before.

Mzokhona Mvemve is dreaming about becoming a vineyard owner

Yet he applied for the Indaba Scholarship, an award created by wine distributors Cape Classics, to help black South Africans study areas of the wine industry.

“I was a student doing chemical engineering when I got the opportunity to come to Stellenbosch University to study wine making,” he said.

“It was a time of change in the country and I took a chance.”

Black winemakers

The government’s attempts to promote greater black participation in all sectors of the economy gave him the confidence to take that chance.

The world has rediscovered South African wines

Mr Mvemve started a bachelor of science degree in agriculture in 1997 and four years later became South Africa’s first black winemaker.

There are now many more black winemakers in South Africa, a significant breakthrough for an industry dominated by whites.

But there are none with Mr Mvemve’s level of responsibilities.

He began working for Cape Classics in 2001 as an assistant winemaker.

Now he chooses and manages the vineyard and decides how and when to harvest the grapes.

He also has complete control over the winemaking process right through to the finished product.

Slow change

The end of apartheid has created new opportunities for the wine industry as the world rediscovers South Africa, according to Andre Shearer, the chief executive of Cape Classics which owns and markets Indaba wines, one of the fastest selling South African wines in the United States.

Few black people have, as yet, studies wine making

But while wine styles have changed, he admits that the industry has yet to really open its doors to black South Africans.

“I’m not sure if as much… has changed [at the grass root level] in terms of the empowerment process,” he says.

“There’s hesitancy on some parts.

“Some people, frankly, think that things are going OK and that there are empowerment developments.”

“But I’m not sure that the [changes] are, in the main, enough.”

Black ownership

The government’s decision to formalise its approach to black economic empowerment came about because industries were hesitant and in some cases openly hostile.

The wine industry should publish its black empowerment charter this year

The mining sector, seen as the backbone of the economy, was the first to be targeted and was forced to meet legally prescribed timetables to ensure greater black involvement.

Mining firms must ensure that 15% of their equity is black owned by 2009, with a further boost to 26% by 2014.

Since the mining charter in 2002, no sector specific laws have been introduced, but other industries are now putting together voluntary charters.

The wine industry is expected to publish its charter before the end of the year.

Mr Mvemve is hoping the charter will help him fulfil his dream to become a vineyard owner.

“I’m pretty much betting on the black economic empowerment charter that is being discussed currently,” said Mr Mvemve, insisting that as this should help him find out what roles black people are able to play in the wine industry.

Eventually, Mr Mvemve hopes to raise a quarter of a million rand to release his own label.

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

A Chat With George Ayittey

June 24th, 2008 International Society Of Africans In Wine

The internet is a powerful tool. For better or worse, information and people are pretty much accesible at the click of a button. Last week I sent an email to American University Professor George Ayittey. George is a very accomplished economist who studied in Ghana and has written many books on state of the African economy. He is equally intense and educated about the history and current condition of Africa.

George is the founder of the Free Africa Foundation His research is relevant because it underscores a driving belied for ISAW; Africa can never free Herself until She can feed Herself. It is amazing to think that the continent as geographically blessed as Africa must import $40Billion annually for food. George attributes this to a large degree on African governments unwillingness to invest in agriculture.Though this seems an intuative solution, it was a tremendously positive affirmation to have George Ayittey endorse the ISAW project. As ISAW continues to move forward, helping Africa feed Herself will remain paramount in our endeavors. It was an overwhelming honor and inspiration to receive encouragement from Professor Ayittey.

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »

ISAW in its infancy

June 24th, 2008 International Society Of Africans In Wine

Posted in ISAW EVENTS | No Comments »