Winery Commits $750K Over Three Years

Lewis Cellars has awarded $275,000 to nonprofit organizations across Napa County through its 2026 Community Grants program, bringing total funding to more than $750,000 over three years.

Now in its third year, the annual grants program supports organizations working in education, youth development, environmental stewardship, food access, arts and culture, health and wellness, and social services. This year's cycle drew a record number of applications, reviewed by a dedicated Lewis Cellars employee team.

Focus Areas and Recipients

Ten organizations received funding this year:

- Ag4Youth
- COPE Family Center
- Expressions of Hope
- Feeding It Forward
- Napa County Resource Conservation District
- Napa Valley Education Foundation
- Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation
- Napa Valley Festival Association
- NEWS Napa
- Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center

Grants target expanded domestic violence support, preventative parenting education, economic advancement for vineyard workers, agricultural youth programming, and arts access.

Leadership Perspective

"The strength of Napa County comes from local organizations that are deeply rooted in our communities and know best what they need most," said Dennis Bell, vice president of Lewis Cellars. "We're proud that this year's round of grants will support critically important pathways for education, opportunities for economic mobility, and environmental stewardship. Through our Community Grants program, we are committed to showing up as a long-term partner by supporting initiatives that are locally led, thoughtfully designed with community at the forefront, and creating lasting impact."

Sonya DeLuca, executive director of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, noted the significance of partnership: "At the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, we are committed to creating opportunities for farmworkers to grow as leaders within their communities and workplaces. Funding from Lewis Cellars enables us to expand our Women's Leadership Workshops, equipping participants with essential literacy, leadership, and management skills while fostering confidence and connection."

Timeline and Application Process

Lewis Cellars will reopen applications in January 2027. More information is available at lewiscellars.com/community-grants.

Why It Matters

For hospitality and wine industry operators, Lewis Cellars' sustained commitment to local philanthropic partnerships reflects broader industry expectations around corporate community engagement. The program's focus on workforce development and agricultural youth signals growing recognition that sustainable business practices require investment in the talent pipeline and regional infrastructure that supports wine country operations.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors