The International Society of Africans in Wine (ISAW) was founded in January 2008 by sommelier Stephen Satterfield. The organization was formed as a response to the need for broader participation by blacks in the South African wine industry, most of whom are an integral part of the wine business, yet maintain almost no equity in the land or capital of the $3 Billion industry.

In order to help, ISAW has proposed the development of a nonprofit wine estate to focus on training and skills development of farm and cellar workers. This training will provide lower class groups the opportunity to learn  the complex skills needed to move closer to middle class jobs.

In addition to training, the byproduct is a wonderful bottle of wine that will be exported worldwide. The money raised through the sale of a tangible product will be reinvested in the facilities, farmers, and community-always focusing on education and training.