Establishing the next generation of leadership for Napa Valley.
The NVV Leadership Program is a tailor-made, unique endeavor in the world of wine; designed for driven professionals with a desire to grow and contribute to the greater wine community.
This nine-month program includes in-person sessions, inspirational speakers, thoughtful conversation, outside reading assignments and work on a group project. It offers stimulating environment of personal and professional development in which each participant takes responsibility and shares ownership.
The group will formulate innovative and visionary responses to challenges, develop strategic thinking and sharper decision-making skills, drive collective growth, and help create a new generation of leaders who, with pride and humility, can answer the question: how can we do this even better?
A key part of the program is a group project. Each cohort identifies a need in the industry or community and they develop a plan or a program to help provide solutions. Each participant takes responsibility and shares ownership of the project.
"The NVV leadership program really inspired me to step up not only in the company I work for, but to take a broader step and think about also leading for the common good of Napa. Listening to heroes like Beth Novak, Emma Swain, Bill Harlan, David Pearson and so many other inspiring people, was a pivotal moment to transform my aspirations into action by getting more involved and running for the Board of Directors."
- Elizabeth Vianna, Winemaker/General Manager, Chimney Rock Winery
"I was inspired and challenged by an incredible group of talented and smart individuals, all working towards a common goal – the health and sustainability of Napa Valley’s future. Taking on a leadership role on the Board of Directors is an amazing opportunity to help shape a community where everyone has a seat at the table and everyone is welcome"
- Jaime Araujo, Owner, Troix Noix
2025-2026 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
2024-2025 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
The 2024-2025 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort chose a theme of "Connecting With The Community". They identified that they wanted to focus on the Napa residents who were not directly involved in the wine industry by hosting stands at the Napa Farmers Market for three Saturdays. Each day was focused on a different non-profit organization that is supported by NVV. They teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club to help local families find resources for summer camps, Napa Green to help residents learn more about what the certification means and the Vine Trail to see how they can benefit from this amazing resource in the community. Each weekend also spoke to the NVV's commitment to these amazing organizations.
2023-2024 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
VolunteerNapa is a community-focused initiative aimed at harnessing the collective power of vintner members to give back to the local community. The leadership group identified the need for more volunteerism in Napa Valley and recognized the opportunity for winery businesses to contribute positively to the community. By increasing awareness of community programs and local nonprofits that need volunteers, as well as encouraging volunteer efforts, VolunteerNapa aims to strengthen the bonds between vintner members and the local community. Wineries are encouraged to take part in the VolunteerNapa pledge to give back a minimum of 24 hours of active service. Their time will help push forward the many inspiring initiatives taking place in Napa Valley.
2022-2023 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
Dream.Work.Napa is a platform created to help inspire the journey of future wine professionals. The resource guide aims to connect people with a range of resources available to those who want to live and work in Napa Valley. The webpage includes information on internships, housing opportunities, education and mentorship programs, scholarships, employment opportunities and healthcare. The goal of the project is to help attract, retain and inspire the next generation. It also benefits the community as a whole by creating a centralized place to list resources available to those who want to live or work in Napa Valley. Check out Dream.Work.Napa.
2021-2022 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
The leadership participants identified the need for a focus on education and knowledge sharing on sustainability and efforts to mitigate climate change. Participants in the cohort supported the Napa THRIVES (now RISE) conference in the first year it launched. Napa RISE is a cross-organizational series of events, paired with sustained support and mentorship, that will not only inspire and educate, but facilitate and accelerate regional critical mass action. This is a changemaking convening to enable the Napa County wine industry to leverage its powerful leadership platform and set a standard for sustainability and climate action that galvanizes the global wine industry. Learn more at risegreen.org
Get to know some of the people, organizations and initiatives we support through our giving.
Striving to ensure every Napa County child enters kindergarten ready to learn.
More than two dozen Napa County organizations working to make a difference.
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