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Abbey Creek Vineyard is in the west hills of Portland, Oregon. It’s a special place for wine tasting. Dr. Robert and Sandra Simmons started it in 1981 on 50 acres. They planted the first 5 acres of grapes.
In 2008, Bertony Faustin, Oregon’s first Black winemaker, joined. He added 7 more acres of grapes. This made Abbey Creek’s first wine label.
The name “Abbey Creek” comes from a creek on the property. It adds to the peaceful feel of the winery. Unlike other places in California, Abbey Creek is all about community. You’ll hear hip-hop music and see wine being made right there.
Key Takeaways
- Abbey Creek Vineyard is an urban winery in Oregon, offering a unique wine tasting experience.
- The vineyard was originally planted in 1981 on a 50-acre property, with the first 5 acres of grapes.
- In 2008, Bertony Faustin, the first recorded Black winemaker in Oregon, took over the vineyard and expanded it to 7 additional acres.
- Abbey Creek Vineyard is known for its relaxed, community-focused atmosphere, with hip-hop music playing and on-site wine production.
- The winery offers an experience that is more than just sampling the wines, creating a space for visitors to feel a sense of belonging.
The Story of Bertony Faustin: Breaking Barriers in Oregon’s Wine Industry
Bertony Faustin made history in 2008 by becoming Oregon’s first Black winemaker. His journey was unique, without a famous wine family background or industry favors. He didn’t let that stop him.
Bertony Faustin’s Journey to Becoming the First Black Winemaker in Oregon
Faustin was born to Haitian immigrants. He saw wine as a way to unite people and build community. He wanted to change the world, one glass at a time.
He faced big challenges, but they didn’t hold him back. Instead, he used them to share his story and those of other underrepresented winemakers. He made a documentary called “Red, White & Black” to do just that.
Overcoming Obstacles and Inspiring Change through Wine
Becoming Oregon’s first Black winemaker was tough. The wine world is mostly run by white people. But Faustin’s love for wine kept him going. He wanted to show the world the challenges underrepresented winemakers face.
His documentary told the stories of diverse winemakers like Jesus Guillen, Remy Drabkin, Andre Mack, and Jared Sleet. Faustin wanted to challenge stereotypes and talk about power and politics in the wine world.
Faustin’s work has made people more aware of racial issues in the wine industry. It’s inspired change and encouraged others to join him. Today, Abbey Creek Vineyard is where Faustin keeps his dream alive, bringing people together with wine and music.
Exploring Abbey Creek Vineyard
Abbey Creek Vineyard is a hidden treasure in Portland, Oregon’s wine scene. It sits on 50 acres, with a creek flowing through it. The story begins in 1981 when Dr. Robert and Sandra Simmons planted the first vines, making it a working farm.
The Unique Terroir and Vineyard History
In 2008, Bertony Faustin expanded the vineyard by 7 acres. He’s deeply involved in every step, from planting to selling the wine. This approach lets him deeply understand the Abbey Creek Vineyard terroir.
The Winemaking Process: From Soil to Glass
Bertony Faustin’s winemaking reflects his dedication to quality. He takes care of the vines and watches over the fermentation. His passion for Oregon wine production brings out the land’s unique flavors in every bottle.
| Key Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Abbey Creek Vineyard’s growth | Increased from 5 to 15 acres |
| Monthly visitors | Over 300 people a month |
| Wine production | Since 2008, small batches of Northwest classics, including chardonnay, pinot gris, and pinot noir |
| Charitable contributions | Faustin donates a portion of proceeds from certain wine batches to local organizations |
| Diversity in winemaking | Bertony Faustin, as Oregon’s first recorded Black winemaker, is an advocate for diversity in the industry |
Abbey Creek Vineyard: More Than Just Wine
Abbey Creek Vineyard is more than a winery. It’s a place where people come together. They enjoy hip-hop, wine, and a relaxed vibe. Bertony Faustin, the founder, wanted it to feel like home. He wanted visitors to learn about winemaking and listen to hip-hop.
Building a Community Space Through Hip-Hop, Wine, and Chill
Faustin aimed to make a community space that valued human connections over wine tastings. He wanted it to be a spot for people to meet, share meals, and feel a community bond. The mix of hip-hop, wine, and a chill atmosphere shows Faustin’s personal touch. It’s about bringing people together.
At Abbey Creek Vineyard, you can try different wines priced from $1.00 to $75.00 per bottle. They also offer “Crick Ca$h” gift certificates for wine and merchandise. The winery ages some wines in French Oak barrels for 14 months. This shows their love for quality and flavor.
Abbey Creek Vineyard believes wine can help people connect. By adding hip-hop and a chill vibe, Faustin made a place that’s welcoming and diverse. It’s all about making people feel they belong.
Abbey Creek Vineyard’s Distinctive Wines
Abbey Creek Vineyard focuses on making a wide range of exceptional Oregon wine. Winemaker Bertony Faustin works hard to bring out the best in the region’s terroir. His dedication makes their wines truly stand out.
The winery offers many popular wines like Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and rosé. Each wine shows the love and effort put into making it at Abbey Creek Vineyard.
| Wine Varietal | Tasting Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Vibrant red fruit, with notes of spice and a silky, elegant finish. | Gold Medal, Sunset International Wine Competition |
| Pinot Gris | Crisp and refreshing, with aromas of citrus and stone fruit. | Silver Medal, Oregon Wine Competition |
| Chardonnay | Smooth and creamy, with a touch of oak and a long, lingering finish. | Bronze Medal, San Francisco International Wine Competition |
| Rosé | Delicate and refreshing, with flavors of red berries and a bright acidity. | Double Gold, Portland International Wine Competition |
Winemaking at Abbey Creek Vineyard is a labor of love. Bertony Faustin is involved in every step, from tending the vines to bottling. This care for the craft and the land makes their wines true to the terroir and their quality promise.
“Red, White & Black” Documentary: Highlighting Diversity in the Wine Industry
Bertony Faustin, Oregon’s first Black winemaker, made the documentary “Red, White & Black: An Oregon Wine Story.” It tells the stories of underrepresented winemakers like Jesus Guillen, Remy Drabkin, André Mack, and Jared Sleet. They’ve overcome many challenges to enter the industry.
The documentary took three years to finish and is now touring festivals. It shows the hard times these winemakers went through. It highlights the wine industry’s lack of diversity. There are only about 60 black-owned wineries worldwide, showing the need for more diversity.
Giving Voice to Underrepresented Winemakers’ Stories
The “Red, White & Black” documentary shares the stories of these pioneers. André Hueston Mack makes 40,000 cases of wine a year, reaching 47 states and 11 countries. Carlton McCoy Jr., one of two African American Master Sommeliers, leads Heitz Cellar now.
Fustin wants to inspire change in the wine industry with this film. He wants to open doors for more underrepresented people. By sharing these stories, he hopes to break down barriers and create a more diverse future.
Conclusion: Abbey Creek Vineyard’s Lasting Impact
Abbey Creek Vineyard, led by Bertony Faustin, has made a big impact on Oregon’s wine scene and the community. Faustin aimed to make a winery that does more than just make great wine. He worked hard to bring diversity, made wine by his own hands, and created a place where everyone feels welcome.
This made Abbey Creek a leader in the wine industry. It’s a place where more people can succeed and grow. Faustin’s story shows how hard work and inspiration can bring about change.
He was the first Black winemaker in Oregon. Abbey Creek Vineyard shines a light on the diversity in the wine world. It’s a place of hope for those who want to make a difference in their community.
The winery is more than just a business. It’s a model for others who want to do well and help their communities. Abbey Creek Vineyard and Bertony Faustin will keep inspiring new winemakers and entrepreneurs.
They are all about excellence, diversity, and community. Their work will shape the wine industry for many years to come.
