• Vintners associations represent wineries and their interests.winery image by enens from Fotolia.com
  
  Vintners associations advocate and protect the reputation of an area's winemakers. These associations often represent hundreds of independent wineries of all sizes and act as a self-governing regulatory agency to promote excellence and ethical standards in wine production. In addition, these associations interact with governing agencies to champion the interests of the wine industry as a whole.
  
  

Napa Valley Vintners

• The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) association was formed in 1944 with seven members. As of 2010, it is one of the biggest vintners associations in the world, representing more than 400 wineries. The mission of the NVV is to "protect, promote and enhance the region they call home," and it is active in raising awareness regarding truth in labeling and wine education. In addition, the NVV is a charitable organization that has donated more than $97 million since 1981. It provides hands-on education and conducts classes in wine making, wine tasting and the geography and growing climate of the Napa Valley.
  
  

The Canadian Vintners' Association

• According to the Canadian Vintners Association (CVA), its mission is "to encourage the growth and development of a vibrant, competitive and economically viable Canadian wine industry through focused leadership." The organization accomplishes this by interacting closely with its members, the Canadian government and international wine markets to ensure standards for wine are met. The CVA works closely with other countries as well to ensure high standards for certain types of wine. The CVA is a charitable organization that provides education for consumers regarding the benefits of wine on their health. Additionally, it offers scholarships at five Canadian universities. Members of the CVA meet regularly to educate each other and the public in the process of wine making.
  
  

Virginia Vineyards Association

• The Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA) was founded in 1980 to provide a forum for cooperation and exchange among the competitive wineries and winegrowers of Virginia. Membership is open to all, and the group conducts workshops a few times per year, held jointly with Virginia Polytechnic Institute. The VVA is active in legislation, both local and national, concerning the wine industry and holds regular meetings to discuss how to promote its wines on the local, national and international levels. VVA members also work for their local communities, sponsoring wine events for scholarships to many of Virginia's colleges and universities.