Bertony Faustin is widely recognized as Oregon’s first recorded Black winemaker, a pioneer who broke barriers in the predominantly white and traditional wine industry. Through his winery, Abbey Creek Vineyard, and his documentary work, Faustin has carved out a unique space that celebrates diversity, community, and the “immigrant hustle.”
Early Life and Unconventional Path to Wine
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian immigrant parents, Bertony Faustin’s early life was marked by the industrious spirit instilled by his father, Bertony Faustin Sr.. Before venturing into winemaking, Faustin worked as an anesthesia technician. The pivotal moment that rerouted his career path came in 2007 with the tragic death of his father. This profound loss prompted Faustin to reassess his life, feeling he was living too comfortably and not upholding his father’s legacy of hard work and entrepreneurship.
Faustin’s entry into the wine industry was far from conventional. His in-laws owned a hobby vineyard near Portland, Oregon, selling their grapes to other local wineries. Inspired by a newfound vision, Faustin decided to take a different route: instead of selling the grapes, he would learn to make wine himself and establish his own label. Remarkably, Faustin did not consume alcohol when he began his winemaking journey and possessed little prior knowledge of the industry, teaching himself the craft. His motivation was not solely a passion for wine, but rather a drive to build a platform that could create positive change and foster community. In 2008, Bertony Faustin officially launched Abbey Creek Vineyard, making him the first recorded Black winemaker in Oregon.
Abbey Creek Vineyard: “Hip-Hop, Wine & Chill”
Abbey Creek Vineyard is located in North Plains, within the west hills of Portland, Oregon. The vineyard is named after a creek that flows through the property. The land’s viticultural history dates back to 1981, when Dr. Robert and Sandra Simmons initially planted five acres of vines for tax deferral purposes. Faustin later expanded these plantings by an additional seven acres.
Faustin quickly distinguished Abbey Creek Vineyard with its unique identity, moving away from traditional wine country aesthetics. Affectionately known as “The Crick,” the winery is celebrated as Oregon’s first and only “hip-hop winery”. Its atmosphere is intentionally laid-back and welcoming, designed to challenge perceptions and expand the community of wine lovers. Visitors to Abbey Creek Vineyard will find a space infused with hip-hop music, vibrant graffiti, and a DJ booth, all contributing to its signature “Hip-Hop, Wine and Chill” mantra. Faustin emphasizes that “Humanity is our brand,” focusing on building genuine connections and making memories, rather than adhering strictly to wine industry conventions. He believes in creating a space where people feel welcomed “just as they are”.
Abbey Creek Vineyard produces a diverse range of wines, often with playful and expressive names that reflect Faustin’s personality. Offerings include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Gewürztraminer, Gamay Noir, and Albariño. Noteworthy wines include the Pinot Noir #Roundawaygurl, described as an “ultimate diva” wine, and the Pinot Noir Rosé magnum #OhUFancyHuh. Faustin also crafts a Mélange Noir, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Syrah sourced from the Umpqua Valley AVA, showcasing his broader approach to winemaking.
Faustin’s involvement in the winery is comprehensive; he is hands-on throughout the entire process, from planting and tending the vines to harvesting the fruit, making the wine, and selling every bottle. He proudly refers to himself as “a farmer first”. Abbey Creek Vineyard primarily operates on a direct-to-consumer model, preferring to sell wines through its tasting rooms or shipped directly to consumers, allowing Faustin to control his brand’s narrative. The success of Abbey Creek led to the opening of a second location, The Crick PDX, in downtown Portland in 2020, with plans for a third location in Washington State.
“Red, White & Black”: A Documentary on Minority Winemakers
Bertony Faustin’s pioneering role in the Oregon wine industry came with significant challenges. He often encountered surprise and skepticism from consumers who didn't expect a Black man to be the owner or winemaker. Instead of conforming, Faustin decided to lean into his unique position, viewing it as an opportunity to spark broader conversations about diversity and representation.
This led him to produce the documentary “Red, White & Black,” first announced in 2015 and released around 2018. Directed by Jerry Bell Jr., the film chronicles the experiences of minority winemakers in Oregon, aiming to challenge stereotypes and highlight the systemic issues within the wine industry. Faustin initiated the project after feeling unrepresented in the narratives celebrating Oregon’s 50 years of winemaking in 2015, realizing the potential to amplify a story much larger than his own.
“Red, White & Black” features the stories of several winemakers, including Bertony Faustin, Jesus Guillen, Remy Drabkin (who is openly gay), André Hueston Mack (André Hueston Mack: Sommelier, Winemaker, and Cultural Disruptor), and Jarod Sleet. The documentary is lauded for its frank portrayal of the struggles and triumphs faced by these individuals, including those who are Black, Hispanic, Asian, or LGBTQ+, against the backdrop of a historically white industry. Faustin’s goal with the film is to change the perception of what an “American winemaker” looks like and to inspire future generations, embodying his personal philosophy: “It’s great that I’m the first, but what’s most important is that I’m not the last”.
Legacy and Impact
Bertony Faustin’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to authenticity have made him a significant figure in the American beverage industry. His work with Abbey Creek Vineyard transcends mere winemaking, creating a cultural movement that champions inclusivity and redefines the wine experience. By openly addressing challenges and celebrating diversity, Faustin has become a “megaphone” for positive change, encouraging deeper conversations about equity. His contributions are not only recognized within Oregon but also serve as an inspiration for aspiring minority winemakers and entrepreneurs across the nation, fostering a more diverse and welcoming future for the wine industry. He believes in constantly striving for improvement, guided by his mantra, “My best is my next”.