Biodynamic Howell Mountain estate winery sponsors agricultural studies scholars through its eponymous scholarship program
NAPA, Calif. (May 31, 2023) – Boutique Howell Mountain estate winery Neal Family Vineyards is pleased to announce it has raised over $35,900 for local, college-bound scholars pursuing agricultural studies. Established in 1998, Neal Family Vineyards specializes in crafting Cabernet Sauvignon from meticulously farmed, 100% biodynamic, and 100% estate vineyards. The estate winery announces the awardees during the Neal Family Cellar Depletion Dinner and Fundraiser which takes place annually in May and features a live auction where all proceeds go to support the St. Helena Future Farmers of America (FFA) Program. Since 2014, Neal Family Vineyards has raised $284,000 to support this program.
“We are proud to have awarded 17 scholarships for students pursuing agricultural studies,” said Neal Family Vineyard’s vintner, founder and owner, Mark Neal. “We are dedicated to ethical farming practices and offer this scholarship to further our commitment to the next generation of farmers. We look forward to supporting these bright young students develop new skills and techniques that will benefit agricultural practices for years to come.”
Established in 2014, the Neal Family Scholarship is awarded annually to students who have attended four years of agriculture classes at St. Helena High School while maintaining a 3.50 GPA and who have been accepted to attend a four-year university. Awardees receive $16,000 over the four-year term while enrolled in an agricultural curriculum.
This year’s Neal Family Scholarship awards ceremony was held May 20, 2023 at the Neal Family Vineyard Estate on Howell Mountain with over 70 people in attendance. The scholarships were awarded to Talia Ricci who will be attending the University of California, Berkeley and Arleth Bautista who will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo starting in the fall.
“As a recipient of the Neal Family Scholarship, I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity it provides.” said Arleth Bautista. “This scholarship symbolizes more than just financial support; it symbolizes the belief that others have in my potential, encouraging me to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in my future endeavors. It is a testament to my hard work, determination, and the recognition of my academic achievements. With this privilege, I am inspired to continue pursuing my dreams, knowing that the Neal family’s generosity has opened doors for my future success. It is a reminder that education is not just an individual journey but a collective effort to create a brighter future. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and using my education to positively impact the world.”
Neal Family Vineyards is open by appointment only Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to book an appointment, the winery can be contacted by calling 707-965-2800 or visiting www.NealVineyards.com/.
About Neal Family Estates
Family owned and operated, Neal Family Vineyards is a boutique winery that specializes in crafting Cabernet Sauvignon from meticulously farmed, 100% biodynamic, and 100% estate vineyards on Neal Family’s signature Howell Mountain and Rutherford Dust properties in Napa Valley. Founded by Napa Valley biodynamics pioneer Mark Neal, Neal Family Vineyards believes great wines come from great ingredients that only organic and biodynamic vineyards can produce. After taking a leading role in the implementation of certified organic and biodynamic agricultural practices in Napa Valley, Neal Family continues to commit to organic and biodynamic practices. All four of the winery’s estate vineyards have been certified organic
by CCOF since 2009 and certified Biodynamic® by Demeter Biodynamic® since 2021, Neal Family Vineyards was the first Napa Valley vineyard to be Regenerative Organic Certified® by Patagonia’s Regenerative Organic Alliance in 2022. Mark also owns and operates Jack Neal & Son (JNS) Vineyard Management, the largest biodynamic farming operation in the United States. For more information, please visit www.NealVineyards.com/.
