There is also a grant that your family might be interested in applying for which will enable them to continue making wine. Good luck
Request For Proposals

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Grape and Wine Development Commission has issued a request for proposals to provide financial assistance to persons beginning or engaged in grape growing or winemaking in Iowa. Applicants may request up to $10,000 of financial assistance.

Project proposals should innovatively address specific needs of the grape and wine industry as a whole. Project outcomes should benefit more than just a single vineyard or winery. Proposals to fund promotional events, such as wine festivals or wine trails, will require the participation of at least three wineries. Profits from promotional events shall be dedicated to sustaining future promotional events and may not be distributed back to the participants. Projects which request funds for advertising are acceptable. Proposals to purchase equipment or supplies for the sole use of an individual vineyard or winery are not considered a priority.

Financial assistance my be requested for up to $5,000 for material loss of grape crop, secondary grape products, research, laboratory equipment, and supplies caused by fire, damaging weather, natural occurrence, or a related condition. The goal is to try to provide assistance to persons located in all regions of the state.

Applications are accepted quarterly with deadlines of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

To apply for financial assistance, click on the attachments below.

Request for Funds Form

Budget Information Form

Request for Proposal Overview and Instructions

Copies of the Request for Proposal for the Grape and Wine Development Fund Program are available at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.

For more information about qualifying for financial assistance and application requirements, please contact Mike Bevins at 515-242-5043 or Karen Sol at 515-281-5993.

The Grape and Wine Development Commission is composed of five voting members providing statewide representation to grape growers, winemakers, and retail sellers. In addition, there are nonvoting, ex officio members who serve on the Commission representing the Department of Agriculture, the College of Agriculture of Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Department of Economic Development, and the Department of Natural Resources.