ANDRÉ’S STORY
FROM SOMMELIER TO WINEMAKER TO WINE MEDIA PERSONALITY
“Wine is not a beverage reserved for the elite, but can and should be enjoyed by everyone. A wine’s place is on the table right next to the salt and pepper, as a compliment–even a condiment to the food. It is not meant only to be collected, but to enhance your meal and your way of life.” ~ ANDRÉ HUESTON MACK
Andre Mack was the sommelier at the country's top restaurants before becoming a winemaker in his own right. In recent years, he has also become a restaurateur, entrepreneur, media figure, and constant creator. Along with producing dozens of wines, he has owned several hospitality businesses in NYC, has written two books, has become a prominent voice of wine on social media, makes whiskey, and has the #1 wine show on YouTube with Bon Appetit.
His name has become synonymous with wine, wine education, wine media, and hospitality as a whole. He is a constant advocate for diversity and continually seeks opportunities to mentor and advocate for underrepresented voices within our industry. His ever-growing number of projects and events are creative, inspiring, and trailblazing. He not only makes an impact on the general public by making wine more approachable but his role as a mentor and leader in the wine industry has been incomparable. His dedication to expanding the world of wine and how it relates to the modern world is a fascinating journey that cannot be overstated.
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Despite having a successful career with Citicorp Investment Services, Mack decided to leave his “desk job” to pursue his passion for wine. While working as a sommelier in San Antonio, Mack discovered the joys of introducing guests to the little known vineyards that first attracted him to the business and “the instant gratification of a guest’s reaction.”
While still in Texas, Mack was awarded the prestigious title of "Best Young Sommelier in America" by the highly regarded Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. This recognition led to a job as sommelier at Thomas Keller’s world-renowned The French Laundry in Yountville, California. Mack went on to accept the position of Head Sommelier at Keller’s equally famed Per Se in New York City, where he managed a 1500-selection award-winning wine list and consulted regularly with Chef Keller on menu and pairing development.
Winemaking had always been a dream of his and came to fruition in 2007 when he founded Maison Noir Wines. Throughout his career, Mack has forged special relationships with star growers and winemakers from Oregon and it is with this luminary group that he is currently making his most exciting wines. Maison Noir wines are served at the best restaurants across the United States. In 2022, Mack also ventured into the world of spirits, launching his own Rye & Sons.
Based on the success of his own wine labels, in 2011 Mack established Get Fraiche Cru, a boutique graphic design firm, for which he serves as creative director. He has worked with clients such as Joel Gott, Palm Bay Imports, and Charles & Charles. He is also known for his tongue-in-cheek tees, such as his "Beaune-Thugs-N-Burgundy" and "Barolo King".
Mack has been featured in major publication such as Food and Wine, Wine & Spirits Magazine, New York Times, The Huffington Post, and Wall Street Journal. Mr. Mack has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to business. He was honored in 2007 with The Network Journal’s 40-Under-Forty Achievement Award. Mack is an ardent wine educator who has been invited to host seminars as well as lead panel discussions at several of the country’s most prestigious food and wine gatherings including Aspen Food and Wine and Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival.
Along with being the most-followed wine personality on Instagram, Andre Mack is the host of YouTube’s #1 wine show, “World of Wine with Andre Mack”
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