In April 2023, we launched our inaugural AAAV Wine Entrepreneur Grant. Each wine brand founder receives $5,000 to positively impact their operations, marketing or innovation efforts and help grow their business. We are excited to announce the 2024 awardees:

Marvina Robinson, B. Stuyvesant Champagne (New York): Brooklyn-born
maker of Champagne that celebrates authenticity, empowerment and inclusivity.
Learn more here www.stuyvesantchampagne.com
Peter King III, Drew Ryan Wines (Michigan): An urban winery and vineyard in
Detroit focused on using cold-climate varietals to make rosé and sparkling wines
that highlight the Great Lakes region. Learn more here www.drewryanwines.com
Aamira Garba, LoveLee Wine (New Jersey): Award-winning California rosé,
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and red blends inspired by passion and purpose.
Learn more here www.loveleewine.com
Ryann Casey, Mela Vino (California): Four lifelong friends making California
rosé, white and red blends to honor connection and elevate their community’s social
experience. Learn more here www.melavino.com
Hilary Cocalis, Sipwell Wine Co. (California): Innovative Champagne-style
sparkling canned wines sourced from organically farmed grapes and made in
California's Central Coast. Learn more here www.sipwellwine.com

The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) has developed a fund to provide financial assistance to our members in need of resources 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, Uncorked & Cultured, 13 Celsius Wine Bar in Houston and Pasadena Wine Shop.

Fundraising Goal: $100,000

“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

Meet our 2024 AAAV Wine Entrepreneur Grant recipients!