If Given A Chance Student Receives Award Honoring Winemaker Warren Winiarski

The family of the late Warren Winiarski, renowned Napa Valley winemaker and founder of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, has announced the establishment of an endowed award in his memory. The award will go to students supported by If Given A Chance (IGAC) who pursue studies in viticulture and enology, continuing Mr. Winiarski’s legacy of excellence and commitment to the future of winemaking.

Mr. Winiarski was a founding board member of IGAC, a non-profit organization formed over 30 years ago to support Napa Valley high school students who face extraordinary challenges and are committed to continuing their education. Thanks to the vision of founding members like Mr. Winiarski, IGAC has assisted over 400 local students to achieve their educational goals and become productive members of their communities.

Quetzaly Hernandez Rojas, a 2025 graduate of Vintage High School, is the first recipient of the Warren Winiarski award.

Of the award, Mr. Winiarski’s children, Kasia, Stephen and Julia said:

“Our family is delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to Quetzaly, the first recipient of the If Given A Chance Warren Winiarski Award. Our father’s resolute belief in the individual and societal benefits provided through higher education, as well as his long tenure on the board of the IGAC, led him to establish the endowment, which funded this award. We are most pleased to witness the continuation of the work of IGAC in his name, and we wish Quetzaly best success in her studies in the Viticulture and Enology Department at UC Davis.”

IGAC announced the award at its recent Celebrate Our Stars event, during which IGAC recognized 10 high school seniors who the organization will continue to mentor and financially support through college and vocational schools.

“I felt like it had no purpose growing up,” Hernandez Rojas said. “However, If Given A Chance has changed my perspective on myself. I will be the first woman in my family to receive a high school diploma, and this award will make it possible for me to be the very first person in my family to go to a four-year college. It's incredible for me to say this because the 10-year-old me couldn’t imagine how far I've come.”

The Warren Winiarski award is the latest in targeted annual financial assistance provided to students supported by IGAC. The organization also provides the William S. Chiat Award, which supports LGBTQ+ students; the Senator Bill Dodd Award, which goes to students pursuing careers in business, politics, or public service; and the Bob Almeida and Harry Price Award for students interested in careers in business, financial services, real estate, or the arts. All awards rely on individual donations. For more information, go to www.ifgivenachance.org/giving.

About If Given A Chance

If Given A Chance identifies vulnerable, yet resilient, Napa County high school juniors who have faced extraordinary challenges and demonstrated a commitment to continuing their education to better their lives. It helps students regain their sense of self-worth, emotional balance, and independent living skills through mentoring, life-skills training, mental health support, and financial assistance. IGAC provides ongoing support as these students navigate the challenges of obtaining a college degree or completing a technical training program so they can achieve job security, experience increased quality of life, and become contributing members of their community.

For more information, email info@ifgivenachance.org.