Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Despite having a successful career with Citicorp Investment Services, André Hueston 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 Chaine des Rotisseurs. This recognition led to a job as sommelier at Thomas Keller’s world-renowned 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 Mouton 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. Mouton Noir wines are served at the best restaurants across the United States. He recently began curating wines for Club W, a wine club for a new generation of drinkers, to continue his mission of making wine more accessible.
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.
Mack has been married since 2008 to author Phoebe Damrosch, whose New York Times notable book, Service Included: Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter, detailed their courtship and collaboration in opening Per Se restaurant.
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.
During our conversation with Mr. Mack, he talked about:
– Some of his life traveling military family and what he learned from growing up in a family in a family that travelled a lot
– What examples did his parents set for him
– How the show Fraser was an influence on his life
– Some of his early jobs in the restaurant industry
– His experience working for Citicorp and why he left
– The early days of being a sommelier and the story behind receiving the best somelier in America
– The early days of Mouton Noir Wines and the importance of relationships
– The story behind Get Fresh Crew
– How does he keep it going and the importance of fatherhood to him
– How has the vine industry changed and words of wisdom for people of color who want to get into the industry
You can connect with Mr. Mack via:
Please feel free to email us at dr.vibe@thedrvibeshow.com
Please feel free to “Like” the “The Dr. Vibe Show” Facebook fan page at “The Dr. Vibe Show” Facebook Fan Page
God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith,
Dr. Vibe
dr.vibe@thedrvibeshow.com
Producer of Google+ Hangouts – The Good Men Project
The Dr. Vibe Show At “The Good Men Project”
Dr. Vibe on HuffPost Live – August 2, 2013
2013 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best Podcast)
2012 Black Weblog Awards Winner (Best International Blog)
2012 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best Podcast)
2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series)
Black Blog Of The Day – Black Bloggers Network – June 23, 2011
Twitter
Twitter hashtag: #DrVibe
The Dr. Vibe Show – iTunes
Dr. Vibe Media – You Tube
Google+
The Dr. Vibe Show – Stitcher Radio
Linkedin – Dr. Vibe Show
Instagram
“The Dr. Vibe Show” Facebook Fan Page
Most Viewed Posts Over The Last 24 Hours:
- The Dr. Vibe Show™: Ray Collazo And Dr. Tommy J. Curry “The Obama Legacy And The Future Under Trump”
- The Dr. Vibe Show™: Roxanne Francois – Taibu Community Health Centre “Black Men’s Health Challenge”
- The Dr. Vibe Show™: Trish Browning And Alyssa Mahadeo – Toronto Caribbean Newspaper
- The Dr. Vibe Show™: D’Juan Hopewell “Trump Isn’t Our Biggest Enemy: It’s Uncle Tom (Pt. 1)”
- The Dr. Vibe Show™: Dr. Bill Johnson II “Domestic Violence”
- The Dr. Vibe Show™: Aisha K. Staggers & Laura “LaLa” Key “Primetime Saturday With Aisha & LaLa – February 3, 2024″
- The Dr. Vibe Show™: Aisha K. Staggers & Laura “LaLa” Key “Primetime Saturday With Aisha & La La – March 16, 2024″
- The Dr. Vibe Show™: Black And Bold Voices™ “Why The Black Vote Matters”
- The Dr.Vibe Show: Black Americans Comprise 45 Percent Of Homeless Vets
- The Dr. Vibe Show™: Jessica Ann Mitchell “Blogger Week 2015”