During one of his visits to Colorado, Warren Winiarski spoke to the industry at the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology's 2018 VinCo conference, where his message "All Ships Rise with the Tides," resonated with attendees. Although he acknowledged the accomplishments of individual wineries, he also believed Colorado's wine industry held even greater collective potential.
In 2021, Winiarski supported Colorado's wine and grape industry with a $150,000 grant from the Winiarski Family Foundation, which he established with his wife, Barbara. Believing strongly in the future of Colorado wine, Winiarski directed the gift toward an endowed scholarship fund, and infrastructure support for CMU Tech's Viticulture and Enology program, the first and only program of its kind in the state. The grant also created and funded the Warren Winiarski-Gerald Ivancie Institute of Viticulture and Enology (WWGIIVE), honoring Gerald Ivancie's early contributions to Colorado's wine industry. In addition, a $50,000 matching grant was started to encourage collaboration within the industry and was fully funded by individuals, wineries, growers and other industry supporters by the end of 2022.
Beginning in 2026, the WWGIIVE will launch as an endowed fund to support the education, financial assistance, applied research and collaboration among winemakers across Colorado.
The WWGIIVE was established to bring together winemakers from across Colorado and strengthen the state's wine industry through collaboration, education and shared progress. Because Colorado's challenging terroir, geographic distance between wineries and limited resources can encourage producers to work independently. The institute serves as a central resource for connection and support:
- Support winemakers through education and training
- Advance applied research projects that address industry needs
- Provide funding opportunities and practical support
- Create an environment for shared learning, knowledge transfer and collaboration
- Promote quality and consistency across the Colorado wine industry
By fostering stronger connections among winemakers and passing along what the industry has learned, the institute helps build a more resilient and successful future for Colorado wine.
About Warren Winiarski
Learn more about Napa Valley winemaking legend, Warren Winiarski – the man who helped secure California’s reputation in the world of wine.
History