Welcome to Kickstarter
The Kickstarter Program provides financial support for collaborative marketing programs such as tastings, events, and other in-market activations with California wineries and their importers. Together, these initiatives help spotlight California wine portfolios in key local markets, with on-the-ground support from our International In-Market Specialists.
How to Participate
California wineries are encouraged to invite and work with their importers to participate in the Kickstarter Program, identifying opportunities to jointly activate, promote, and grow their presence in priority markets. Encourage your importer to contact their local California Wine Representative to learn more about Kickstarter opportunities in their market.
Find Your Local Representative →
Note: While Kickstarter support is available for all California wine brands, we prioritize program depth and funding for importers partnering with Export Program members.
Program Resources
Access standardized branding, reporting forms, and training portals:
| → Kickstarter Logos | → California Wines Logos |
| → View Kickstarter Presentation | → Enroll in Capstone (Free Member Code) |
Driving Data-Driven Results
To meet USDA reporting requirements, all funded importers must provide sales uplift data. This involves tracking volume and value changes 90 days following an event versus the 90 days prior.
Critical Program Rules for Importers
DO
- ✓ Kickstarter programs must include brands from at least two separate companies.
- ✓ Submit a program plan and description in advance.
- ✓ Submit all proof of performance within the fiscal year deadline.
- ✓ Use the California Wines logo on ALL event materials.
- ✓ Feature exclusively California wines at funded events.
- ✓ Provide a recap with photos after the program.
- ✓ Include IBAN/BIC details for ETF payment from the USA.
- ✓ Provide sales uplift data after funded events — see Driving Data-Driven Results above.
DON’T
- ✗ Charge your wineries for any Kickstarter funding received.
- ✗ Mix non-California wines into funded events.
- ✗ Submit invoices after the fiscal year deadline (June 30).
- ✗ Forget required proof of performance documentation.
- ✗ Include foreign or non-U.S. agriculture in any portion of presenting or pouring.
Summary of Terms & Conditions (2025/2026)
Activities: Approved activities include Trip Reports, Online Tastings, Trade Tastings/Dinners, and Customer Database Emails (must show CWI logo and cannot show promotional discounts). All require Proof of Performance as specified on the Kickstarter site.
Payment: California Wine Institute (CWI) shall pay approved amounts within 30 days of receiving a valid invoice that describes the activity and includes IBAN/BIC details.
Invoices must be submitted by the fiscal deadline of June 30 and addressed to: California Wine Institute, 915 L St #1190, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA.
Intellectual Property & Liability: Nothing in the Agreement shall be construed as a transfer of any right to either Party’s Intellectual Property (trademarks, brand names, logos). CWI and its agents hold no liability for any loss or damage suffered in connection with participation in the Activity.
Governing Law: This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California.