Anderson Valley Winegrowers Unveil New Charitable Fund to Strengthen the Heart of the Valley—Its People
From an Eco-Tour on Friday at Husch Vineyards to an array of open house experiences, Anderson Valley is the place to be May 16-18, 2025
Local winegrowers unite to provide long-term support for the rural community they call home
December 1, 2025 (Philo, CA) — The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) today announced the launch of the Anderson Valley Wines Community Action Fund, a new charitable giving fund established in partnership with the Community Foundation of Mendocino County.
The fund launched just in time for a Giving Tuesday appeal campaign and will serve as a transparent, permanent vehicle for philanthropic support directed to the local nonprofits, essential services, and residents who form the backbone of this small rural valley. Seed capital for the launch was raised rapidly through a handful of early supporters—demonstrating both the need and the community’s commitment. Gifts of both cash and stock can be given.
A New Chapter in Community Support
Many wine associations across California have expanded into charitable work over the last few decades, but the landscape has shifted dramatically. Large legacy wine auctions—including Auction Napa Valley and the Sonoma County Wine Celebration—have sunsetted due to post-COVID consumer behavior and the economic pressures facing the wine industry. Wine regions are now rethinking how they support their communities.
“With everything changing—consumer behavior, event models, the economics of wine—we saw an opportunity to chart a new course,” said Courtney DeGraff, Executive Director of AVWA. “Winegrower associations are built to promote and protect their appellations, but today we also have a responsibility to strengthen the communities that make these wine regions possible. Launching this fund allows us to bring charitable giving alongside our marketing and event programs, and to ensure that Anderson Valley’s people and essential services are supported for the long term. That’s why we partnered with the Community Foundation of Mendocino County.”
DeGraff noted that AVWA was able to raise the required seed capital and establish the fund “within just a few phone calls,” a testament to the valley’s culture of generosity, and we have donations already in the pipeline for 2026, when donor taxable donation income resets.
Grower Voices: Community First
The new fund is guided by a Giving Committee of local growers and winery leaders who understand firsthand the needs of the valley.
Peggy Ridley, owner of Ridley Vineyard in Boonville and longtime fruit supplier to Goldeneye, Read Holland, and others, highlighted the essential role local nonprofits play:
“The Food Bank touches so many—from families working in vineyards and wineries to aging community members who rely on nutritious meals. I’ve personally helped arrange food for those in need, and it truly is a pillar of this community.”
Ashley Palm, owner of Hacienda Sequoia, Bevel Vineyard, and the contemporary winery Brashley Vineyards in Philo, emphasized the importance of a structured giving pathway:
“Since moving to the Valley in 2018, I’ve noticed a real need for charitable giving to support the local community. From education, to food, to housing, this area is in real need of support, and this new fund provides the wine industry with a better, more coordinated way to help.”
A Rural Region With Outsized Need
Anderson Valley is part of one of California’s most rural and economically constrained counties. Many essential services—from emergency response to food access—rely on local fundraising to operate. Since DeGraff began working with the AVWA in 2019, AVWA-supported events and initiatives have raised more than $205,000 for local causes (and more than $400,000 before she joined), including the Anderson Valley Health Center, Fire Department, Parent Teacher Associations, Resource Conservation District, Historical Museum, Skate Park, Housing Association, Unity Club, and the Community Fairgrounds.These funds were raised without donor tax-benefits through raffles and auctions.
The new Action Fund strengthens and formalizes this work, ensuring long-term stability and a trusted mechanism for donors, incentivizing them to give through taxable donations.
How the Fund Works
- The Action Fund is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) charitable fund managed by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County
- AVWA recommends annual grants to high-impact local nonprofits
- The fund maintains a modest operational reserve, with all additional contributions granted out annually
- Wineries, individuals, visitors, and corporate partners can contribute at any time
- AVWA will integrate fundraising moments into its major events, including the International White Wine Festival and Pinot Noir Festival, and look for individual charitable events
Strengthening the Valley for the Future
As AVWA looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the Anderson Valley Wines Community Action Fund will serve as a cornerstone for sustainable community investment—supporting the people who farm the vineyards, craft the wines, and keep this rural region thriving.
AVWA invites wineries, donors, and community partners to support the fund’s first granting year via this link.
Fund specific questions can be directed to Lia Holbrook at lia@communityfound.org or (707) 472-1680. Questions for Courtney can sent to courtney@avwines.com or 303-517-0232.
About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) was founded in 1983 – the same year as the appellation. Made up of 24 vineyard, 68 winery and 58 associate members, the nonprofit organization operates with the goal of supporting the region’s premier grape growers and wineries, as well as promoting the region’s distinguished wines. In addition to acting as a resource for its members, the association aims to better its community by donating funds yearly to local nonprofit organizations.
About the Community Foundation of Mendocino County
The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a countywide nonprofit that manages charitable funds and provides grants to strengthen local communities and improve the lives of residents.
Media Contacts
~ Barbara Barrielle, Public Relations
press@avwines.com
~ Courtney DeGraff, Executive Director
courtney@avwines.com
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