McCoy, Carlton
c. 1985-present · Contribution: 2006-present
Master Sommelier & Wine CEO
Became, in 2013 at age 28, only the second African American to pass the Master Sommelier examination, widely regarded as the hardest professional exam in the world, with an 8-10% pass rate, and went on to become Napa Valley's first Black CEO
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Quick facts
- Born
- c. 1985
- Active since
- 2006
- Category
- Agriculture & Food
- Best known for
- 2nd Black Master SommelierNapa's first Black CEOThe Roots Fund
Impact on the world
McCoy rose from a crack-epidemic-era D.C. childhood to conquer the world's hardest wine exam and lead a storied Napa estate. He turned that ascent into structural opportunity for others.
An alternative history
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Sources
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