MENDOCINO CO., 12/8/25 – A new giving fund aimed at supporting nonprofits that serve Anderson Valley has launched, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association announced Monday.
The Anderson Valley Wines Community Action Fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County. Funds will be raised through AVWA events — including February’s International White Wine Festival — as well as donations from winegrowers, wineries and the public. Wine lovers, including visitors to the region, are invited to contribute. The association will recommend grants to local nonprofit organizations.
According to the AVWA, the new fund follows a model used by other wine associations in the region. Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Vintners and the Lake County Wine Alliance all raise money through events and donations and distribute proceeds to local nonprofits.
The AVWA said it has donated more than $600,000 to Anderson Valley-area nonprofits since its founding more than 40 years ago. Past recipients include the Anderson Valley Health Center, local fire departments, the historical society, a skate park and other community organizations.
The fund launches at a challenging time for the wine industry. According to Silicon Valley Bank’s 2025 State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report, wine sales and demand are down nationwide as alcohol consumption has reached record lows. Younger generations are drinking less, abstaining altogether or choosing alternatives such as ready-to-drink cocktails, seltzers and nonalcoholic beverages.
The bank also cited increased concern about the health impacts of alcohol and continued economic uncertainty and inflation as factors affecting sales.
Courtney DeGraff, executive director of the AVWA, said the association saw an opportunity to expand its mission beyond promoting local wine.
“Today we also have a responsibility to strengthen the communities that make these wine regions possible,” DeGraff said. “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.”
Donations to the fund can be made at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VYPAJBLZTQ8JC. For more information, contact Lia Holbrook of the Community Foundation of Mendocino County lia@communityfound.org or (707) 472-1680 or Courtney DeGraff at courtney@avwines.com or (303) 517-0232.