E71 André Hueston Mack | Joe Wagner

André Hueston Mack isn’t your typical wine guy. Growing up drinking 40s of Olde English, he never imagined wine would become his life—but a late-night rerun of Frasier, with its over-the-top love for Bordeaux and Château d’Yquem, sparked something unexpected. That quirky mix of humor and luxury cracked the door open, and he kicked it wide with hustle, heart, and a sharp eye for style.

After leaving a corporate job behind, André rose through the sommelier ranks, with a milestone moment at The French Laundry. But that was just the launch. Today, he’s the founder of Maison Noir Wines, a brand that blends bold storytelling, hip-hop flavor, and graphic design into every bottle.

In this episode, André shares his unfiltered origin story, his take on natural wine, and how he’s used humor and culture to shake up an industry often known for being buttoned-up. We talk art, labels, breaking the rules, and building a wine world that actually feels like real life.

If you’re into wine, music, design—or just love a damn good Inspiring story—this one’s for you.

Chapters

• 5:30 Sommelier, Author, Winemaker, Restauranteur
• 9:34 The Wine Epiphany
• 18:14 French Laundry
• 22:12 Somm Staging
• 25:15 Man of Action
• 27:50 40oz To Freedom
• 31:35 99 Bottles
• 37:06 Wine Influence
• 45:30 Why so serious?
• 49:09 Social Beginnings
• 51:21 Dark Post Story (the hustle before social boom)