Lewis, John June Sr.
1894-1974 · Contribution: 1933-1940
Vintner
Widely recognized as the first African American to own and operate a winery in the United States (Woburn Winery, Clarksville, Virginia, founded 1940)
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1894
- Active since
- 1933
- Category
- Agriculture & Food
- Best known for
- First recorded Black U.S. winery ownerWoburn WineryNorton-grape wines
Impact on the world
Lewis established the first documented Black-owned winery in America, decades before the industry acknowledged Black vintners. He built it entirely on estate-grown native grapes.
An alternative history
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Sources
- Source lookupFind
In Good Taste
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