06/25/2025
A Toast to a True Trailblazer 🍷
After nearly three decades of pioneering work in the wine industry, our beloved founder, Mac McDonald, has announced his retirement and the closing of Vision Cellars.
In his recent interview with Wine Spectator, Uncle Mac shared with signature wisdom and wit:
“Over 27 years ago, I started the Association of African American Vintners. I didn't start that as a Black thing. I started that to get more African Americans or people who look like me to drink wine. I didn't care if they bought my wine or not, as long as they were drinking wine. It was about the whole industry.”
Mac didn’t just make award-winning wines—he made history. As the founder of the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV), he created a space where Black winemakers could be seen, supported, and celebrated. His vision gave rise to a vibrant and inclusive wine community that continues to grow across the country and globe.
While this marks the closing of a personal chapter, Mac’s legacy is far from over. It lives on through AAAV’s continued mission, the scholarship established by the Sonoma County Library Foundation in his name, and a newly forming 501c3 foundation in his name.
Mac, thank you for showing us what’s possible—and for making space so others could follow. We raise our glass to your impact, your legacy, and your well-earned rest.
📖 Read more in Wine Spectator:
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/winemaker-mac-mcdonald-takes-a-bow
The Sonoma vintner talks about his decision to retire and close Vision Cellars, as well as everything he’s accomplished in wine.
