The Don Cornelius Family of Wines Wine Club Makes Its Debut on Soul Train Cruise 2014
Soul Train Cruise Guests were the very first in the world to experience the new Don Cornelius Family of Wines when Tony Cornelius (joined by Peabo Bryson) introduced the wine club during a special event on February’s trip. The exclusive wine-tasting party, held onboard the cruise, was a massive success, with fans making plans to order bottles of the featured selections and pledging support for the Don Cornelius Foundation.
“It was a real celebration,” says Cornelius, “the perfect way to carry on my father’s mission to elevate our culture while helping people at the same time.” All proceeds from the Don Cornelius Family of Wine sales will go directly to the Don Cornelius Foundation. “Just like Don did with 'Soul Train,' we are doing something different. We are inviting ourselves to a table we haven’t been invited to.”
Excitement during the party ran high, as samples of Mouton Noir Chardonnay, Chateau St. Michelle Riesling, Mouton Noir Pinot Noir, Gnoce Cabernet Sauvignon and Chandon Sparkling Wine were enjoyed by cruise Guests alongside specially curated pairings of food, a menu developed by sommelier and winemaker Andre Mack. In addition to running the Mouton Noir winery, Mack is the first African-American to win the title of Best Young Sommelier in America in 2003 and was runner-up for Best Sommelier in North America in 2004. “We love the fact that we were pairing soul food and creole hors d’oeuvres with these wines,” Cornelius adds.
The Don Cornelius Family of Wines Wine Club is a program that showcases wines from premier wineries around the globe with proceeds supporting the Don Cornelius Foundation. The Foundation, created in 2012, is dedicated to establishing programs for awareness, prevention, and support for those contemplating suicide or for survivors who have lost loved ones to suicide. “Every Wine Club member becomes one more voice of change, knowing that each purchase goes toward supporting the mission of the Don Cornelius Foundation and the work of healing our families and communities that have been affected by suicide of a loved one,” explains Cornelius.