The association represents 500 growers and producers in California’s premium wine-producing region. It says the money to establish the fund will come from proceeds of the NVV’s annual Auction Napa Valley charity event.

NVV board chairman and general manager of Silverado Vineyards Russ Weis, said: “Hundreds of homes and businesses in the local community were damaged by this disaster.

“Residents and business owners in the heart of the city of Napa, south of the city, including American Canyon, and surrounding neighbourhoods were especially impacted. The fund will provide resources and assistance to support the community as it rebuilds.”

The NVV will partner with the Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF), a public charity with experience in responding to community needs, to administer the disaster relief fund.

The NVV and NVCF will coordinate their efforts with other non-profit organisations and government entities to fulfill requests for support from Napa County residents and business owners.

The fund goals are:

• To provide immediate financial support for the local community;

• To get resources into the hands of the local families and businesses most in need;

• To provide a repository for earthquake-related donations;

• To augment government relief efforts that are still uncertain.