Latinos make up a bulk of the wine industry yet are so underrepresented as winemakers. I want to help them achieve new goals and see them succeed and am happy to do whatever it takes.
Winemaker Macario Montoya
To apply, follow the instructions below. Applications open early 2025.
2023 Montoya Opportunity Fund Recipients
$20,000
Nancy Gonzalez Ulloa
Ulloa Cellars
$10,000
Brittany Banda
Xochitl Wines
$10,000
Sam Parra
Parra Wine Co.
$10,000
Daniel Martinez
Casa Martinez Wines
$5,000
Luies Gallegos
Surcos Wines
$5,000
Christopher Rivera
Seis Soles Wine Co.
$5,000
Lilia Melisa Pérez Jiménez
$5,000
Anibal Santana & Ulisses Santana
$5,000
Victor Mendoza
$2,500
Chris Herrera
$2,500
Alberto Ramirez
About the Montoya Opportunity Fund
Backed by Naked Wines, independent winemaker Macario Montoya has launched the Montoya Opportunity Fund to support Latino/a/x winemakers and aspiring winemakers looking to grow their success in the wine industry. There are 14 grants available, the values of which are outlined below.
To apply, please thoroughly respond to all questions below, being sure to clearly outline how you will use the grant money, should you be selected. In addition to written responses, video* submissions will also be accepted. All completed applications should be sent to montoyafund@nakedwines.com.
*All applicants must include a current, written CV with their application.
Possible grant uses include
- Education in business, technical wine-related courses, or language courses
- Vineyard or winery equipment purchases
- Grape, dry-good, and barrel purchases
- Permitting, licensing, or legal advisory costs for brand or winery establishment
- Wine brand development costs
Eligibility criteria
Applicant must be
- Of Latino or Hispanic descent
- At least 21 years of age
- A current member of the wine industry or demonstrate significant involvement in the wine industry
Grant awards available
There are 14 grants available at the following amounts:
- 6 recipients — up to $2,500 award
- 5 recipients — up to $5,000 award
- 2 recipients — up to $10,000 award
- 1 recipient — up to $20,000 award
Please visit our application form to attach your resume/CV and complete your Montoya Opportunity Fund application
Application questions or press inquiries? Reach out to grants@nakedwines.com.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: October 31, 2023.
Terms & Conditions
Applicants shall only apply for one (1) grant award (the “Award”). Submissions for additional Awards will not be considered.
The Judging Panel has sole discretion in awarding the grants. The Judging Panel reserves the right to offer partial Awards based on the needs of the applicant.
Applicants must satisfy all Eligibility criteria above. If selected as a grant recipient (the “Recipient” or “you”), you may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release within fourteen (14) days of notification as indicated by the date on the Affidavit. Failure to return any required documents within fourteen (14) days may result in forfeiture of the Award, and an alternate Recipient may be selected.
The Grant may only be used towards eligible purchases, as determined by Naked Wines in its sole discretion. Unless Naked Wines has agreed to purchase the item, course, or equipment detailed in Recipient's application (the "Expense") directly from the relevant vendor, the Grant will be given to Recipient upon sufficient proof of payment for the Expense. Upon receipt of proof of payment for the Expense, Naked Wines shall reimburse the Recipient up to the Grant amount. If the total price of the Expense is less than the Grant, Recipient forfeits the remaining balance of the Grant. Recipient must provide receipt as proof of payment within three (3) months of purchase of Expense to be reimbursed. Failure to use the Grant within one (1) year of Recipient selection will result in forfeiture of the Grant.
If selected as a Recipient, you agree to give Naked Wines authority to use your name, photograph, social media handle, and/or likeness, for advertising, marketing, publicity, and/or promotion purposes in any and all media now known or hereinafter invented without territorial or time limitations and without further compensation or right of approval.
As a condition of applying, applicants agree (and agree to confirm in writing): (a) to release Naked Wines and each of their affiliates, subsidiaries, and each of their officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively, “Naked Wines”), from any and all liability, loss, claim or damage, including, but not limited to, personal injury, death, or damage to or loss of property, incurred with respect to the Award, receipt, possession, and/or use or misuse of the Award or any item redeemed therewith; and (b) under no circumstances will any applicant be permitted to obtain damages for, and applicant hereby knowingly and expressly waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, consequential, or any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred, excluding attorneys' fees and court costs.