The new partnership includes a scholarship and funds to assist the program’s development
FOLSOM, Calif. – Thursday, July 14, 2022: Willamette Valley Vineyards (NASDAQ: WVVI & WVVIP), a leading producer of Pinot Noir in Oregon, has established a scholarship and funding partnership with Folsom Lake College to benefit the school’s viticulture program and students.
Through Willamette Wineworks, its micro-winery in Folsom, California, Willamette Valley Vineyards will donate 3% of its Natoma wine label sales on an annual basis to help Folsom Lake College further develop the college’s viticulture and enology program. The first donation to the program will accrue from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, with plans to continue the contribution into the future.
The winery will also donate $2,000 each year to fund an annual scholarship program. The first two recipients will be awarded $1,000 scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. This comes with an opportunity to intern at Willamette Valley Vineyards in Oregon during the 2023 harvest.
“This effort represents our commitment to the Folsom community and the training of future winemakers,” said Willamette Valley Vineyards Winery Director Christine Clair. “We are excited about the work being done at Folsom Lake College and want to support the college’s efforts to prepare students for employment in vineyards and wineries.”
The winery supports a variety of organizations that are developing the next generation of winemakers, including Oregon State University, Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon, and now Folsom Lake College.
Folsom Lake College is in the heart of the El Dorado wine-growing region in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Its viticulture program was launched in the fall of 2019. Students who complete the program earn a two-year associate degree in small vineyard and winery management. The degree is also appropriate for those seeking further training in a four-year program in viticulture and enology.
“The partnership between Willamette Wineworks and the Folsom Lake College Viticulture program is a benefit to students and to the community,” said Folsom Lake College Dean of Instruction Greg McCormac. “The scholarship provided by Willamette is an obvious and much-needed form of financial support for students. The willingness of the team at Willamette to engage with our students and provide exposure to industry professionals and facilities is equally valuable. The opportunities to gain insight into the industry provide not only valuable training experience but also serve to further motivate students as they pursue their goals. In turn, FLC students are well prepared and informed to move into the workforce contributing to the stellar reputation the local wine industry has developed. We are grateful to Willamette for its willingness to collaborate and invest in our students.”
Willamette Valley Vineyards produces California wines under its boutique Natoma label, available exclusively at Willamette Wineworks on Sutter Street in Folsom’s Historic District. Natoma is named after an original Folsom vineyard that dates to the mid-1800s. In the early 1900s, Natoma Vineyard boasted 2,000 acres and was one of the largest vineyards in the state when gold was discovered on the property and the vines were replaced with dredgers.
Willamette Valley Vineyards is reestablishing Natoma by crafting local wines and celebrating Natoma’s place in California wine history. The company recently released six new Natoma wines sourced from the El Dorado American Viticulture Area, including Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera, Zinfandel, Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Founded in 1983 by CEO Jim Bernau with the dream of creating world-class Pinot Noir while serving as stewards of the land, Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into one of the region’s leading wineries, earning the title “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. All the vineyards have been certified sustainable through LIVE (Low Impact Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon-Safe programs.
Willamette Wineworks
Willamette Wineworks in Historic Folsom is a collaboration of Jim Bernau, the Founder and CEO of Willamette Valley Vineyards in Oregon, and his brother Jerry Bernau, the local builder of Historic Folsom Station. Willamette Wineworks is a wine, blending and food experience located on the second floor of the Folsom Roundhouse.
