The Bridge Builders Initiative was birthed out of a concern that we haven’t reached the next generation of Black winemakers and farmers. In 2019, Urban Connoisseurs started the Black Winemakers Scholarship Fund, annually awarding 2 - $5000 in scholarship to students studying Viticulture and/or Enology. We expanded the reach to include other like sciences (Plant Science, Plant Pathology, etc.). In the fall 2023, we awarded 3 - $10,000 scholarships, with students attending an HBCU agriculture program having priority. We recognized the next step in reaching the next generation is to bridge the gap between Black farmers/vineyard owners and students. We also have made the connection with our invitation to scholarship students to attend and meet winemakers at our International Winemakers Summit and Men and Women in Wine Celebration Dinner, but we want to go further.
In 2023, we hosted our first Bridge Builders Initiative Tour. Students from 4 schools: Cal Poly Pomona, Florida A&M University, Kentucky State University, and Tuskegee University, traveled throughout California visiting 4 vineyards and a winery, gaining knowledge of climate, land, and what grows best in various areas. It was a HUGE success!
Our final stop on the Bridge Builders Initiative tour was at Longevity Wines where winemaker, Urban Connoisseurs hosted the 3rd Annual International Winemakers Summit. Students were able to meet 20 winemakers from Canada, South Africa, and over 10 states in the US.
August 2 - 6, 2024, were taking students to the Pacific Northwest to experience new climates and terroir, futhering their education journey.
Your purchase of the Progress Wine benefits each students expenses for this amazing experience.
Click below to order and support our students!
In 2023, we hosted our first Bridge Builders Initiative Tour. Students from 4 schools: Cal Poly Pomona, Florida A&M University, Kentucky State University, and Tuskegee University, traveled throughout California visiting 4 vineyards and a winery, gaining knowledge of climate, land, and what grows best in various areas. It was a HUGE success!
Our final stop on the Bridge Builders Initiative tour was at Longevity Wines where winemaker, Urban Connoisseurs hosted the 3rd Annual International Winemakers Summit. Students were able to meet 20 winemakers from Canada, South Africa, and over 10 states in the US.
August 2 - 6, 2024, were taking students to the Pacific Northwest to experience new climates and terroir, futhering their education journey.
Your purchase of the Progress Wine benefits each students expenses for this amazing experience.
Click below to order and support our students!