[GreginND]

As I take my baby steps toward my commercialization, I could use some help in figuring out how to fund my winery. You need money to make money. Most of my money will be tied up in buying my property. I have a few questions.

Has anyone tried or had any success in crowd source funding such as Kickstarter? I see many breweries raising capital this way but I haven't seen any wineries be successful yet.

What kind of grant opportunities have folks found to help? I know this differs by state and region, but I would like to know what has been successful - for both establishing vineyards and a winery.

Any suggestions on how to convince a bank to loan money without putting up a house or something for collateral?

Thanks!

[SLOweather]

If you are not borrowing against the land to buy the land, you might be able to use the land as collateral, but in this market, that might be tough.

Crowd sourcing is an interesting concept. Is there an active amateur wine making presence in your area? You could incorporate, and then sell shares to people, which would entitle them to come help and then get a deal on wine. Think of it as wine co-op, or wine club on steroids. It would take some bookkeeping, but could be fun. Just make sure that you control 50% +1 of the shares so you don't lose control. Once the winery is successful, the shareholders get dividends in the form of wine, $$ or both.

I know one winery around here is actively courting investors.

[TxBrew]

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f41/i-am-opening-microbrewery-soon-wish-me-luck-259579/

Austinhomebrew is opening a brewery and used Kickstarter it seems successfully.

[BARBQ]

Originally Posted by TxBrew

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f41/i-am-opening-microbrewery-soon-wish-me-luck-259579/

Austinhomebrew is opening a brewery and used Kickstarter it seems successfully.

I remember that one. I got a beer glass!

[Duster]

I do not know much about it but you may want to check out Sam Adams Brewing the american dream fund.
I believe it is a fund set up to help small breweries get started.

[hobbyiswine]

Kick starter is worth a shot but you don't see any of the $$$ unless your goal is reached by the date. Depends on how much money you need. The brewery noted a couple posts above was on kickstarter for about 12k but I assure you that was a Very small portion of the startup costs. They are putting together a pretty big operation with a lot of brewers involved. I wouldn't try to fund an entire project through kickstarter but use it more as a marketing tool. Typically on sites like kickstarter you give "freebies" to your donors such as stickers, glasses, tasting parties, etc. yes you would see some return but I see most of it as a marketing tool rather than a way to actually gain $$$ for startup costs. For that I think the old fashioned route of a solid business plan and an investor or the bank is the best way to get real $$$ for your startup. Good luck!

[AmberLeBeau]

In Woodinville, WA quite a few new wineries have dabbled in a big of negociant winemaking to get some early cash flow going with wine they can sell out of their tasting room while they get their main winemaking operation up and running.

Personally, I always thought this was a great idea since it does get you a product that you can get to the market sooner and, if you want to do it under your own label, gives you a jump start on building brand recognition.