Sonoma County Winegrowers Win Block Grants to Promote, Upgrade

Two grants, totaling more than $890,000, have been awarded the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) and the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (also known as Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos) to grow the market for Sonoma County wine and to advance the "Farm of the Future."

The awards are part of a highly competitive statewide grant program in which California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) awarded $28.9 million to 60 projects across California.

Growing the Market for Sonoma County Wine

Sonoma County Winegrowers will expand its marketing efforts to introduce Sonoma County wines to new audiences, build consumer awareness and inspire more people to discover the wines, people and places that make the region special. The initiative is designed to help strengthen demand for Sonoma County wine while encouraging visitation and supporting the broader local wine economy.

Advancing the Farm of the Future

The Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation will build on Sonoma County’s growing reputation as a living laboratory for agricultural innovation. Through its Farm of the Future initiative, the Foundation will expand opportunities for winegrowers and vineyard employees to learn about and access emerging technologies, practical farming solutions and educational resources that can help shape the future of agriculture.

“This is exactly the kind of investment our wine community needs right now,” said Karissa Kruse, CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers and executive director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. “We know the challenges facing our industry, and we are focused on moving forward. That means finding new ways to connect consumers with Sonoma County wines while giving our farmers access to the innovation, technology and resources they need to succeed. These grants allow us to do both.”

The funding also arrives at a pivotal moment for Sonoma County’s wine industry. With Sonoma County Vintners’ winery membership and marketing programs joining Sonoma County Winegrowers, the region has introduced its new Sonoma County Wine membership program for 2027.

This unified approach brings growers and wineries together under one organization, strengthening the region’s ability to speak with one voice, reach new consumers and create opportunities for the entire Sonoma County wine community.

“Sonoma County has always been a place where farmers, winemakers and innovators come together to make things happen,” added Kruse. “Today, we have an opportunity to build on that spirit in an even bigger way. We are bringing our wine community together, turning new ideas into action and putting resources behind the work that matters most. Our future depends on strong growers, successful wineries and consumers who continue to discover and choose Sonoma County wine. And we’re not waiting for the future to happen. We’re helping shape it.”