Our small organization was founded in 2002 to support Black-owned wine brands, since then we have grown more than 500% and used donations to award nearly 100 wine education scholarships since George Floyd’s murder in 2020. In April 2023, we named five recipients of our inaugural AAAV Wine Entrepreneur Grant. Each wine brand founder received $5,000 to positively impact their operations, marketing or innovation efforts and help grow their business.

The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) has developed a fund to provide financial assistance to our members who are looking to grow their existing business in the wine industry. The annual entrepreneurial grant program will award $5,000 grants to 5 Black-owned AAAV member businesses to impact one of three areas: operations, marketing, or innovation. To qualify for these funds in 2023, applicants must be current members of AAAV at the grower, vintner or negociant level.

Funding for the grant program is acquired through our fundraising campaign. The organization will continuously reach out to existing donors, corporate partners, and supporters to contribute to this campaign. AAAV’s 2023 Wine Entrepreneur Grant Program was made possible by individual donations and the support of industry partners, including H-E-B, Breakthru Beverage Group, Meijer, Total Wine & More, Vino Volo, Scott Laboratories, 13 Celsius Wine Bar in Houston and Pasadena Wine Shop.

Fundraising Goal: $50,000

“Many of our vintner members are balancing full-time jobs while self-funding their wine businesses. It is imperative that, as AAAV grows, we help members to accelerate their business growth and impact on the wine industry,” said AAAV Executive Director Angela McCrae. “We are grateful for the generous support of our donors who are helping AAAV make wine inclusive: consumers, small business owners, universities and wine retailers of all sizes.”

** The Association of African American Vintners is a 501(c)(6) non-profit founded in 2002 to provide a support network for African American vintners and wine industry professionals, ensure the availability of wine education, and access to career enhancement opportunities, while bringing wine country lifestyles and fine wine to consumers. Contributions to the organization are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.

AAAV Wine Entrepreneur Grant Campaign

By Association of African American Vintners

AAAV Wine Entrepreneur Grant Campaign

During Black Business Month, Support Breakthru Beverage Group's $10K Matching Grant!