Vine Fund (Vineyard Restoration Fund)

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

Application Process

The application process consists of two parts:

1. Grape Survey (required)
2. Funding Application (required)

Both documents must be downloaded and completed. See website for downloadable forms.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Completed Application Form
2. Completed Grape Survey
3. Map, survey, aerial photography, or plot of vineyard where grapes will be planted
4. Site visit of the vineyard by a member of the review committee or NM Wine staff
5. Invoice from a certified nursery showing:
   • Bill for vines ordered for current planting year (this reserves funds in the application cycle)
   • Will be paid after bill is paid
6. Invoice showing $0 balance if vines from prior year
7. Copy of canceled check
8. Proof of payment (payment records must match total invoiced and funded amounts)
9. If grower is selling grapes: A letter of support from the buyer (licensed winery)

Application Timeline (based on 2023 cycle)

• Review 1 Deadline: May 15, 2023
• Review 2 Deadline: August 31, 2023
• Applications are reviewed for the planting season in the year applied

Note: As of the website content date, the 2024 application period began March 1, 2024 as the final round of grants in that grant cycle. Check website for current application deadlines and periods.