Improving Diversity, Championing Inclusivity And Ensuring That Equity Benefits Everyone
NVV believes our community and industry should be open and welcoming to everyone, whether working in the industry, visiting Napa Valley or enjoying our wines anywhere. In July 2020, the NVV formed a task force to examine ways the organization can make a meaningful difference. Through research and in-depth discussions, a set of recommendations which included focusing on education and mentorship was unanimously approved by the board.
NVV partnered with UNCF (United Negro College Fund) to create a new scholarship program for people of color to pursue college degrees in wine industry subjects ranging from grape growing, winemaking, marketing, business and more. UNCF has managed scholarships for minority students for more than 75 years and is the largest and most successful minority organization of its kind. The NVV has committed $200,000 to the fund each year for the next five years and encourages its members to build the fund beyond that initial investment. We also invested more than $100,000 in three mentorship programs - Wine Unify, Bâtonnage and The Roots Fund. The mission of Wine Unify is to welcome, elevate, and amplify the voices of underrepresented minorities. Bâtonnage fosters solutions for a more positive, inclusive course forward wherein women, as well as ethnic and racial minorities achieve equal representation, equal opportunities and equal leadership positions within the wine industry. The non-profit Roots Fund offers multiple ways for vintners to engage on this issue, including mentorship, harvest internship placements and enrichment trips for students to learn more about the wine industry
These new scholarship and mentorship programs build on NVV's longtime commitment to mentorship programs in Napa County with organizations such as Boys & Girls Club, Aim High and On the Move. This year alone, the organization provided nearly $2 million in funding to nine non-profit organizations whose missions are to close the achievement gap and help at-risk youth succeed in life. These programs together reached 40,000 children in Napa County. A consideration for grant giving going forward through Auction Napa Valley proceeds will be notable actions taken by organizations that work on enhancing diversity, inclusivity and opportunity for others.
In our own organization, we made a commitment to magnify the voices of our diverse vintners through educational and marketing efforts. To help members, we are providing resources and workshops for owners, managers and employees to continue to learn and engage on these topics.
The NVV Task Force, made up of a diverse representation of our members, wine industry professionals and community leaders, will continue to meet to examine more ways our organization can make a meaningful difference and continue to hold ourselves accountable to expand our internal policies and actions.
How Can You Get Involved?
Get to know some of the people, organizations and initiatives we support through Auction Napa Valley.
Striving to ensure every Napa County child enters kindergarten ready to learn.
More than two dozen Napa County organizations working to make a difference.
