Trailblazer in the Wine Industry
Theodora Lee has etched her name in the annals of wine history as the first Black vineyard owner and wine producer in Mendocino County, California.
Her journey into the world of viticulture began unexpectedly when she was just eight years old, helping her grandfather on his cattle farm in Texas.
“My dad picked wild Muscadine grapes and made home brew,” Lee recounted to The Press Democrat. “Given that Muscadine was my first introduction to wine, I found that sweet and syrupy wine nasty.”
A Passion Ignited
It wasn’t until Lee moved to California in the 1980s that her true passion for fine wine blossomed. After a successful 36-year career as a lawyer, she embarked on a new adventure: establishing Theopolis Vineyards in Yorkville, California, in 2003.
“Walking that vineyard made me want to become a grape farmer. So, after that experience, I began looking for land,” she shared.
Honing Her Craft
To hone her winemaking skills, Lee furthered her education at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), taking courses through its department of viticulture and enology between 2003 and 2006.
“I was focused on learning the basics of grape-growing and the winemaking fundamentals,” she said.
Paying It Forward
With a commitment to diversifying the wine sector, Lee created the Theopolis Vineyards Diversity Fund in 2022, donating $70,000 to UC Davis’ department of viticulture and enology. The fund awards up to $10,000 to students pursuing viticulture, enology, or vineyard management.
“As one of the first African American vineyard owners, I have supported other Black vintners by serving as a mentor, providing resources, sharing valuable information and advice,” Lee proudly stated.
Today, Theopolis Vineyards thrives, producing an array of wines, including petite sirah, rosé of petite sirah, pinot noir cuvée, and cuvée blanc.
