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 this first iteration of the grant program will be acquired through a fundraising campaign implemented by AAAV for this purpose. The organization will 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, Meijer, Total Wine & More, Vino Volo, Scott Laboratories, 13 Celsius Wine Bar in Houston and Pasadena Wine Shop.

Fundraising Goal: $25,000

“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.