2025 Impact report
Your support advanced equity and inclusion across the wine industry.
In 2025, your commitment helped The Vinguard expand opportunities for women, LGBTQIA+ winemakers, and underrepresented professionals, while strengthening the broader wine community. The following impact was made possible through your support:
WINeFare 2025 — June 7, 2025
42 women-identifying winemakers from four countries showcased their work
350+ attendees engaged with producers and programming
$20,819.78 raised to fuel continued equity initiatives
WINeFare created more visibility, connection, and economic opportunity for women winemakers. In 2025, we had winemakers from Argentina, France, Spain, and the United States. In 2026, we hope to expand WINeFare to London, giving us an opportunity to include more European winemakers in our work.
Wine Flair Series
Your support enabled the Wine Flair program to expand to multiple cities, elevating LGBTQIA+ winemakers and their stories.
2025 Highlights:
San Francisco (March 1): 85 attendees
Nashville (April 15): Featuring wines from five LGBTQIA+ winemakers, with two in attendance; 30 attendees
West Coast Road Trip (December 1 - 5): 100 attendees
These gatherings broadened representation, strengthened community, and expanded market access for queer winemakers. Plus, this year, an even larger number of attendees were introduced to natural wines and connected with their community through these events.
In 2026, we intend to have Wine Flair tastings in Florida (Miami and Orlando), Texas, and other areas where LGBTQIA+ rights and communities are under siege.
Guardian Vital Program
Support for Vinguard programming enabled the continued growth of Guardian Vital wines.
2025 Inaugural Participating wineries: Camins 2 Dreams, Margins, and Rasa
Joining in 2026: Cary Q, Fattoria la Maliosa, Franchere, Lares, Maisons des Plaisances, Ward Four Wines
This collaboration with Lideres Campesinas, an organization that strengthens the leadership of farmworker women, amplifies the voices of vineyard workers, who are the most essential part of the wine industry.
NEW Women Wine Business Directory
Support sustained and expanded this resource, helping consumers and industry professionals discover, hire, and elevate women working across every part of the wine ecosystem.
New Vinguardians
This year, The Vinguard welcomed 30 new monthly supporters, strengthening a dedicated community that provides consistent, reliable funding for Vinguard programs.
The Vinguardians ensure year-round momentum— industry visibility, professional development, and new opportunities for equity across the wine world.
To learn more visit: https://the-vinguard.thethirdplace.is/
Financial Summary
2025 Year-to-Date Gross Profit: $88,129.80
Expenses to date: $66,375.15
These funds directly supported scholarships, visibility initiatives, professional development, and community-building programs throughout the year.
Thank You
Your partnership continues to drive progress, open doors, and build a more inclusive future for the wine industry. We’re grateful to share this impact with you and look forward to the work ahead.
The Vinguard’s mission is to promote a culture in the wine industry centered on ecological farming, belonging, empowerment, and equity, and to amplify the voices and work of historically excluded groups in the wine industry. The Vinguard is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN#85-0755779