Some people are destined for success, and Carlton McCoy Jr.’s is no exception! Carlton earned the title of Master Sommelier in 2013 at just 28 years old. He was one of the youngest people, and the second African American, to earn this prestigious title. Carlton worked in revered institutions such as Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York before becoming the Wine Director at The Little Nell in Aspen. He then was named President and CEO of Heitz Cellar in December 2018. In 2020, Carlton was named Managing Partner of Lawrence Wine Estates, overseeing the purchase of Burgess Cellars, Stony Hill Vineyards, the Haynes Vineyard, and the historical Wildwood Vineyard  Carlton is also a co-founder of The Roots Fund, a non-profit that focuses on creating educational and employment opportunities for the BIPOC community. Today we speak to Carlton about what it is like to be a person of color in the wine business, and his road to balance. We also discuss his new business venture, as well as his foundation which helps people of color gain access to the very exclusive world of wine.

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