When visual artist Alexandra Grant founded the nonprofit grantLOVE in 2008, her aim was to bolster artists who have long been undervalued in American culture. By providing materials, production costs, and direct stipends, grantLOVE enables these artists to focus on their creative work. Grant trademarked her LOVE symbol in 2012, using its proceeds from jewelry, apparel, home goods, limited-edition prints, and neons to fund her organization’s initiatives. In collaboration with the Pledgeling Foundation, she also established transparency with donors to broaden the program’s influence.

The latest endeavor, LOVE Wine, is a partnership between grantLOVE and J Vineyards & Winery aimed at promoting the work of emerging women artists. From the very beginning, Grant was intentional about involving a woman-led vineyard, which led her to Nicole Hitchcock, J Vineyards’ Estate Director and Head Winemaker, known for her exceptional skills in crafting sparkling wines that rival the best from Champagne. Together, they created LOVE Wine, with each bottle featuring a label designed by a woman-identified artist, creating an experience that merges the enjoyment of wine with a celebration of art. The inaugural brut cuvée label was designed by Genevieve Gaignard, an artist whose work explores themes of class, race, and identity.

In these turbulent times, the collaboration between Grant, Hitchcock, and Gaignard stands as a meaningful intersection of art and wine that supports underrepresented female artists. Grant elaborated on the evolution of this project, explaining that her prior collaborations in the wine industry felt less aligned with her vision. Now, with the pieces falling into place and the presence of an urgent cultural moment, LOVE Wine was able to launch. She describes this experience as one that invites individuals to pause and reflect, fostering a moment of joy amidst the chaos.

LOVE Wine, priced at $50, can be purchased at J Vineyards’ tasting room in Healdsburg, California, as well as online. One-third of the profits from LOVE Wine will directly support women in the arts.