News On dVine
International Society of Africans in Wine
It began in November of 2007 when the TIME magazine article was sent via email. Reading this article is a tale in
inspiration yielding action. That month, Atlanta native Stephen Satterfield began organizing a non profit organization
called ISAW: International Society of Africans in Wine. The mission of the group is three tiered:
- Promote a cross cultural appreciation of wine
- Promote viticulture (grape growing) as a stimulus of economic development and empowerment in Africa
- Organize annual Heritage Gathering, raising money and awareness of the mission, while celebrating the contributions of Africans in wine
Just three months later ISAW has come to fruition.
A special dinner featuring a three course menu prepared by Chef Matthew Raiford launched the début of ISAW. Each course was paired with wines produced by African Vintners. TWO African winemakers joined ISAW for this special evening, along with Selena Cuffe-the woman who inspired the movement. One of the winemakers, Vivian Kleynhans shared the amazing story of her Seven Sisters wine, and also the challenges facing Africans in viticulture.
We are grateful for those who donated talent and resources so that the proceeds from the evening were distributed back into the organization.
Together we can help rebuild Africa one glass at a time.
Our Mission
The pursuit of viticulture as a means of economic empowerment and development in Africa
Anticipated Outcomes
- Build ISAW wine cooperatives in South Africa
- Accessibility to vineyards and winemaking facilities
- International internships for Africans to study wine
- ISAW will facilitate an international network of persons in varied industries in support of uplifting Africans
- Providing education to Africans in the areas of viticulture, business management, and international export
- Cross cultural appreciation and understanding of wine
ISAW PROBLEMS
Problems facing South Africans
Poverty
- More than half of the 47 million South African citizens live below the poverty line {South African Regional Poverty Network}
Access
- Though co-ops have proven to be a useful means of production experience, vintners are still unable to operate the wineries as they see fit
- The vast majority of blacks still lack the capital and business expertise to attempt wine production
- Much of the cause of such poverty is the lack of outside economic support, especially the export of goods and services
ISAW Solutions
- Provide international internships. Some have already been established and have proven an effective means of education for native Africans
- Work independently and in tandem with educators to provide specialized training on production, and business management
- Work with universities in South Africa to develop curriculum specifically suited to export of goods and services and making this education accessible to those who seek it
The ISAW Estate
- The ISAW Estate will be the first priority in South Africa and will provide hands on working education for farmers and aspiring winemakers
- The Estate will create job growth through construction, farming (at fair trade wages), and viticultural tourism including a gallery and restaurant
- The wines produced on the estate will be exported and given to the laborers and put back into the Foundation
