Brenda Knight, an American Canyon resident and member of the Napa Valley College board of trustees, has picked up a new responsibility: executive director of the Association of African American Vintners.

“I have watched this group for several years and have been extremely impressed by its passion to educate African Americans about the wine industry. I am honored to serve as the executive director of this organization,” Knight said in a prepared statement.

Knight will be responsible for event planning, media relations and liaison to other African-American associations.  

“We were looking for more than an event planner,” said Stephen Sterling, president of the group of roughly eight wineries. “We wanted someone who understood the importance of providing education as a learning tool about our wines, and Ms. Knight is that person.”

Knight’s background includes serving on the local, state and national level as a trustee for community colleges. She is also the founder of Ladies In Red, a women empowerment group that provides motivation, education and inspiration for women. Ladies in Red has members in the East Bay, Sacramento, Fresno, Modesto, Los Angeles and American Canyon. Members in other states include Ohio, Chicago, Texas, Maryland and Georgia.

Knight has expertise in event planning and community relations and is the recent recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service.

“We are happy that we have found someone who has the same passion and high energy level that we have. We are anxious to let our people know we are here and we produce a quality product,” said Mac MacDonald, a founding member of AAAV.

The AAAV will celebrate Juneteenth, which is an annual African American festival, this year at Copia in Napa on June 14.

“This is an excellent opportunity for African American associations to send representatives to meet and participate in the symposium and wine tasting,” said Knight.

For additional information on the Association of African American Vintners visit  www.AAAVintners.org or call 319-4773.