Meet the new wave of winemakers sponsored by “Stay Rooted in California” – a scholarship program developed by The Roots Fund and Naked Wines
“I am proud of growing up in an incredible wine region… I hope to add to the legacy of making exceptional Napa wine.”
Andrew Mihm, UC Davis Alumnus
“Stay Rooted” Scholarship Recipient
Naked Wines and The Roots Fund are proud to support Andrew Mihm – one of eight recipients of the “Stay Rooted” Scholarship in 2020-2021.
A second-generation Mexican American raised in the Napa Valley, Mihm believes everyone deserves the opportunity to serve in important positions and help shape the wine industry. “Organizations like The Roots Fund can help aspiring minority wine professionals succeed,” said Mihm.
After graduating in Environmental Science at the University of Nevada-Reno, Mihm realized that he wanted to pursue science within the wine industry. He got his first harvest job working at a well-known winery in Calistoga California – Frank Family Vineyards.
He fell in love with working in the cellar so much that he hopped over to Australia for a second spin on harvest, working in Yarra Valley (Rob Dolan Wines) to get the Australian viewpoint on fine winemaking before officially starting his Masters at UC Davis.
Mihm used his scholarship award to complete his Master’s in Viticulture and Enology in 2021. These days, he’s a happy post-grad who spends all his free time in the Inglenook cellar.
“I am proud of growing up in an incredible wine region,” said Mihm. “I hope to add to the legacy of making exceptional Napa wine.”
About our partner: The Roots Fund was created to empower communities of color by providing resources and financial support through educational scholarships, wine education, mentorship, and job placement. Naked has pledged a 5-year commitment to The Roots Fund and the advancement of the BIPOC community in wine.