SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Sonoma County wine groups have secured more than $890,000 to attract new customers and help farmers adopt emerging technologies as California's wine industry confronts marketplace challenges.
Sonoma County Winegrowers and the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation announced the two Specialty Crop Block Grants Thursday.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture awarded the funding through a statewide program supporting 60 projects with $28.9 million.
Winegrowers will expand marketing to reach new audiences, strengthen demand, and encourage visits.
The foundation's Farm of the Future initiative will help growers and vineyard employees access technology, practical farming solutions, and educational resources.
"This is exactly the kind of investment our wine community needs right now," said Karissa Kruse, Winegrowers CEO and foundation executive director.
The awards accompany another organizational change. Sonoma County Vintners' winery membership and marketing programs are joining Winegrowers.
The new Sonoma County Wine membership program for 2027 brings growers and wineries under one organization.
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