How to be a Black Sheep | André Hueston Mack | TEDxMarthasVineyard

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. The definition of creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas. The first step in the creative process is the willingness to define yourself as an original, an artist, as unique - the black sheep standing apart from the flock. In this talk, André Hueston Mack outlines his unlikely career path from McDonald's to the best restaurant in the world to starting his own company, Mouton Noir Wines (which translates to Black Sheep). By exploring what led him to designing innovative labels, tongue-in-cheek wine fashion, and a food coloring book, he discusses the importance of bringing what only you can bring to the table and the risks we take when we create.
Iconoclastic sommelier André Hueston Mack (ex French Laundry & Per Se) founded Mouton Noir Wines in 2007, which incorporates a his trademark attitude and personal perspective on wine subculture. The wines are unique and distinctive garage wines, sourcing the best fruit possible in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. Based on the success of his own wine labels, in 2011 Mack established Get Fraîche Cru, a boutique graphic design firm, for which he serves as creative director. Mack has been married since 2008 to author Phoebe Damrosch, whose New York Times notable book, Service Included: Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter, detailed their courtship and collaboration in opening Per Se restaurant. Mack has been featured in major publication such as Food and Wine, Wine and Spirits Magazine,New York Times, The Huffington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Andre is an ardent wine educator who has been invited to host seminars as well as lead panel discussions at several of the country’s most prestigious food and wine gatherings including Aspen Food and Wine and Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@Mmmkay10]

Andre Mack is sooooo inspiring! So grounded, unassuming yet with a wealth of knowledge of wine. He makes me want to become a sommelier 😊🍷🍷

[@TheOnlyGrapeGirls]

Love this man. Love this company. Love this wine.

[@tylercerny]

BOOOOM! Great message. Definitely can relate to this.

[@jenniferbull84]

He is an inspiration!!

[@FOOMRADIO]

Hes my favorite Sommelier.

[@nicolejackson3133]

THIS WAS SO ME
and it inspired me

[@jameseverrettebutler2367]

Powerful. Influential

[@Ronirossoux]

Very inspiring.

[@carolberg8860]

Loved this!

[@reginaldirishjr6934]

Amazing

[@milliondollargoldrose]

wow he was amazing! what feeds you?

[@CallMeMrAmaze]

sick!

[@annalisavajda252]

Ha.

[@matthewlavergne5610]

I think you need to take some time and go to WoodPrix website to learn how to make it.

[@Desi365]

I suppose "mounton noir" was a joke related to Mouton Rothschild, right