As an advocate for building a fully inclusive Napa Valley, the Yountville Chamber is building relationships with various organizations and leaders to help provide opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds to learn and welcome them to be a part of the wine industry.
The Roots Fund is a nonprofit organization that was created to nourish and enrich the lives of black and indigenous people in the wine community. Launched by Hospitality Consultant Ikimi Dubose, Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, Jr., and Hue Society Founder Tahiirah Habibi they work together to address the lack of diversity in the wine community. The trio will provide resources and financial support through educational scholarship, wine education, mentorship, and job placement.
Interested in helping out? One easy way to support The Roots Fund is by donating elite wine from your library. The Roots Fund is hosting a live auction on Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
P.S. Giving Tuesday is the largest charity event day of the year in the United States. If you would like to donate library collection wines for our auction, please reach out to us. Click here for details on the auction and how to donate.
More about The Roots Fund
The Roots Fund launched with 20 scholarships to be utilized in college education, enology programs, wine schools, and graduate internships. The “Rooted in Napa” scholarship was recently awarded in sponsorship of Heitz Cellars, and Dalle Valle vineyards to aspiring wine minds. “The pathway forward is rooted in providing financial support for education, and we look forward to working with wine programs across the country to change the narrative,” says The Roots Co-founder Ikimi Dubose.
“Education and job placement are key to providing opportunities and empowering underrepresented minorities in the wine industry. The Roots Fund is committed to providing a pathway to those seeking a career in the wine industry – whether you want to be a sommelier or a winemaker. We want to help provide opportunities in all aspects of wine,” says The Roots Co-founder and Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, Jr. The Roots Fund will work in tandem with the Hue Society, which is led by Tahiirah Habibi. Hue Society is on the forefront of advocacy for breaking down barriers for wine and culture in the Black community.
“For the organization to thrive, we will need wine professionals willing to educate and mentor passionate learners to being great candidates for wine industry roles. Mentorship is so important for underrepresented minorities, because it provides professional socialization and personal support to facilitate success in school and beyond. The Hue Society is honored to support the mission of The Roots Fund,” says Hue Society Founder Tahiirah Habibi.
The Roots Fund is pleased to announce the following organizations who have agreed to support its vision. The partners include; Naked Wines, Domaine Dujac, Burgundy School of Business, Coastal Vineyard Car, Continuum, Dalle Valle, Domaine De LaCote, Duckhorn, Heitz Cellar, Inglenook, Ink Grade Estate, Jonata, Kosta Browne, Matt Taylor Wines, Pax Wine Cellar, Pisoni Vineyards, RAEN Winery, La Fete, Signorello, and Villa Creek. The Roots Fund deeply appreciates the early support of these notable wineries.
The Roots Fund is an organization focused on securing the pathway for the Black, Indigenous, and LatinX community in wine. Built to create financial support, mentorship, and job placement opportunities.
The Roots Fund is out “doing the work,” to create inclusivity for minorities in the wine industry.
Please contact us for more information and learn how you can help.
www.therootsfund.org | @rootsfund (Instagram) | wine@therootsfund.org | (703) 662-4085
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