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.
Sources
- CNN
4 more sources and references are available to members.
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