Latinos Make Wine History

NAPA – For the first time in US wine industry history, Mexican-American vintners and wine industry leaders have joined forces to officially launch the Napa Valley Mexican-American Vintners Association (NVMAVA).

Formed as a 501(C)6 non-profit organization, NVMAVA’s mission is to promote Napa and Sonoma Valley wines produced by Mexican-American vintners, to advocate quality standards for its members and to promote and support the contributions of Mexican-Americans to the wine industry.

Organizational programs will include marketing and selling wines nationally and abroad, achieving and maintaining high industry standards, support for current and future members in all wine related areas and educational opportunities for the general public and students interested in a wine industry profession.

“I am very proud to be part of NVMAVA and thankful to all of the founding vintners who committed countless hours towards making this dream a reality. From its inception we felt that we owe it to our community, our heritage& most importantly, to our ancestors whose strong work ethic and sacrifices laid the foundation for our own success. Through our collective and united efforts we will strive to nurture and support future generations of Latino growers, vintners and executives,” states Rolando Herrera, NVMAVA President & Owner of Mi Sueño Winery.

Founding NVMAVA members include Alex Sotelo Cellars, Fernando Candelario, Ceja Vineyards, Encanto Vineyards, Maldonado Vineyards, Mi Sueño Winery, Rios Wine Company, Robledo Winery, and Volcan.

To celebrate the wine industry milestone, NVMAVA is hosting BAUTIZO an inaugural wine and food event to kick-off the association and reveal its official logo. Bautizo will be held Saturday, July 30, 2011, from 4pm-7pm at Maldonado Vineyards in Calistoga, California.