Vine Fund (Vineyard Restoration Fund)

Vine Fund - Vineyard Restoration Fund

Overview: The Vineyard Restoration Fund was designed to rebuild the economic and agricultural roots of New Mexico's wine industry. The "Vine Fund" is a $1MM grant program that was created by the Legislature in 2022.

Program Administrators: New Mexico Department of Agriculture and New Mexico State University oversee the program and report monthly to New Mexico Department of Finance Authority.

Geographic Scope

• New Mexico only - all applicants must be based in New Mexico

Eligibility

The program serves five eligibility categories:

1. New Mexico Winery with Active License and Established 3+ Acre Vineyard
- Copy of New Mexico Winegrowers license
- Site inspection required

2. New Mexico Vineyard Growing Grapes for Industry (3+ acres)
- Contract with a licensed winery who buys grapes
- Site inspection required

3. New Mexico Winery Wanting to Plant/Expand Vineyard to 3+ Acres
- Copy of New Mexico Winegrowers license
- Site inspection required
- Mandatory workshop attendance required

4. New Mexico Farmers with Experience, Land, and Water Rights
- Site inspection required
- Sales contract with a winery or proof of application for New Mexico Winegrowers license
- Mandatory workshop attendance required

5. Beginning Grape Grower / New Farmer Planting a Vineyard
- Site inspection required
- Copy of vineyard/winery business plan
- Mandatory workshop/conference attendance required

Collaborative Applications: The program allows for collaborative and cooperative applications.

Conditional Approval: Projects that do not meet eligibility requirements can be submitted to the Review Committee for conditional approval.

Ineligible Applicants

• Out-of-state applicants
• Non-commercial growers
• Entities that do not meet minimum qualifications

Funding Details

• Maximum Award: $50,000 per application year
• Per Vine Rate: Maximum $5 per vine
• Payment Method: Via reimbursement only (paid after vines are in the ground and invoices are settled)

Eligible Plantings

• Vinifera grape varieties
• French hybrids
• Other vines deemed appropriate for wine production
• NOT eligible: Table grape varieties
• All vines must be supplied from a certified nursery

Contact Information

• Address: 4801 Lang Ave NE #110, Albuquerque, NM 87109
• Phone: (575) 649-8994
• Email: execdiretcor@nmwine.com