André Hueston Mack is an American sommelier, winemaker, and author.
He is the first African American to win the title of Best Young Sommelier in America (2003) and was the runner-up for Best Sommelier in North America in 2004.
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 Chaine des Rotisseurs. This recognition led to a job as a 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 regularly consulted with Chef Keller on the menu and pairing development.
Based on the success of his wine labels, in 2011, Mack established Get Fraiche Cru, a boutique graphic design firm, for which he serves as creative director.
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 is an ardent wine educator who hosts seminars and leads 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.
Mack has been featured in major publications such as Food and Wine, Wine & Spirits Magazine, New York Times, The Huffington Post, and Wall Street Journal.
Three reasons why André Hueston Mack inspires and motivates the Brigadoon network:
+ He is the first African American to win the title of Best Young Sommelier in America (2003) and was the runner-up for the title of Best Sommelier in North America in 2004
+ Honored in 2007 with The Network Journal’s 40-Under-Forty Achievement Award
+ Author of 99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life-Changing Wines
Bonus: Watch Mack try 20 red wines under $15 - click here.
Get to Know: André Hueston Mack
