My name is Samantha Hewitt and I am a Black wine professional and ceramic artist based in Kingston, NY. My journey began as a sales associate at Kingston Wine Co., where I quickly became the curator for Eastern European wines. This role opened my eyes to the deep cultural stories behind every bottle, and inspired me to dive into the traditions and communities that shape the world of wine. Through wine, I’ve learned how it serves as a direct source of cultural preservation and economic independence, allowing us to support communities and invest in responsible agriculture and storytelling.

Georgia, with its ancient winemaking culture, has been a huge source of inspiration for me. As both a wine professional and a ceramic artist, I’m especially drawn to the craft of qvevri—large clay pots used for fermenting wine, a tradition passed down through generations. Sadly, fewer young people are learning this skill, putting this unique art form at risk. I’ve been given the opportunity to return to Georgia to apprentice with an Imeretian qvevri master, document the production process, and uplift the craft through film and hands-on learning. My goal is to turn this experience into an annual workshop that preserves and shares this Georgian technique with others.

The funds I raise will cover my travel expenses to Georgia, making it possible for me to learn, document, and bring back these valuable skills to my community. People are the power and we have the ability to build the world we want if we pay attention and allocate our resources strategically. Be a part of the world you’d like to see!