Foundation

Pernod Ricard USA Supports Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation’s DE&I Mission with a $82,500 Donation 
Applications for the Foundation’s Scholarships are Open through June 30 

June 22, 2021 (New York, NY) – In support of Women of the Vine & Spirits’ mission to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive era for the wine, beer and spirits industry, Pernod Ricard USA, a Platinum Corporate Member of Women of the Vine & Spirits, has donated a generous $82,500 to the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)3, the charitable arm of the global membership organization. 

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation provides scholarships for the purpose of helping women advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer, and hospitality industries through education, leadership, and professional development. The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation was established in 2017 and since its inception has awarded 99 women with a combined total of more than $260,000 in scholarships and awards. 

“As part of our ongoing commitment to create a more inclusive industry and society, Pernod Ricard USA is proud to donate to the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation and its dedication to providing opportunities to help womxn advance in their careers,” said Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Lani Montoya. “We are thrilled that our donation will be able to help so many people achieve educational milestones and expand their professional development.” 

“The Foundation is key to supporting our mission of DE&I because it propels the equity component, giving more people a fair and impartial opportunity for continued education and financial resources to attain professional or personal development,” said Founder & CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits and President of Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Deborah Brenner. “We are so thankful for Pernod Ricard’s incredible gift and generosity as an Advocate Donor to the Foundation. With this donation, the Foundation can award more scholarships to deserving candidates, especially at a time that the industry is recovering from a very challenging year.” 

With scholarship applications open until June 30, those interested in applying are encouraged to visit the Foundation webpage to review the various opportunities available. The Foundation provides annual scholarships and awards to those interested in continuing their personal and professional development and education for careers within the food, wine/spirits, and hospitality sectors.

Made possible through donations like Pernod Ricard USA’s, this year, the nonprofit will award scholarships to qualified applicants across four categories, which include Professional & Leadership Development, Student Educational, Continuing Education and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Scholarships. An additional four scholarships categories are being made possible through the “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund” supported by Patron Donor, E. & J. Gallo Winery. Those scholarship categories include Master Sommelier, Masters of Wine, Elizabeth Smyth Student and Fuel Your Dreams.

For additional information about Foundation scholarship opportunities for 2021 or to apply visit womenofthevine.com/foundation.  

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is looking for donations to award scholarships in 2021 and 2022. To donate, and learn more about donor levels and benefits visit womenofthevine.com/foundation or contact Executive Director, Tara Davey at tara@eastwood-partners.com.  

2021 Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Donors 
Patron ($100,000+): E. & J. Gallo Winery; Advocate ($35,000-$99,999): Pernod Ricard USA; Benefactor ($15,000-$34,999): Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Beam Suntory, Skrewball Spirits; Affiliate ($5,000-$14,999): Republic National Distributing Company, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Vintage Wine Estates, Cycles Gladiator, Riboli Family Wines; Supporter ($1,000-$4,999): Scott Laboratories, Inc., Coravin, Gabriel-Glas, Grounded World. 

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About the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation  
The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is the charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits. The Foundation provides scholarships and awards for the purpose of helping women advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer, or hospitality industries through education, leadership, and professional development, as well as fostering gender diversity and talent development across the industry at large. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com/foundation.  

About Women of the Vine & Spirits 
Women of the Vine & Spirits is the leading membership organization, worldwide, dedicated to boldly pushing the wine, beer and spirits industry toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive era that empowers all to succeed. Our members connect through our global network and collaborate across all industry sectors. We provide our members with benefits that include education, training, mentorship, and networking as well as tools, services and resources toward DE&I, and personal and business development. For more information, please visit  womenofthevine.com. 

Media Contact: 

Olivia Campbell 

olivia@womenofthevine.com  

(323) 610-2322 

Inspiring Leadership Through Education: 24 Women Leaders Awarded Scholarships by E. & J. Gallo Winery’s Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund and the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation

HEALDSBURG, Calif., Oct. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In an inspirational virtual ceremony that emphasized diversity, community and a dedication to the advancement of women, 24 women leaders were awarded $80,000 in educational scholarships from E. & J. Gallo Winery’s Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund in collaboration with the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation.

The scholarships, which will empower and support the professional development of the next generation of women in the wine, food and beverage business, are supported by an annual donation by E. & J. Gallo Winery’s Women Behind the Wine platform. The scholarship winners include three who earned $10,000 grants for Master of Wine, Master Sommelier and university-level studies. The 21 Fuel Your Dreams Award winners received up to $3,000 each to help provide education, resources and opportunities to thrive in wine, spirits, food and related industries.

“It is an honor to represent E. & J. Gallo Winery and the work that we are all doing to ensure that our industry attracts the next generation of women leaders,” said Stephanie Gallo, Chief Marketing Officer at E. & J. Gallo Winery. “The foundation of success is knowledge. These scholarships will help you focus on your talent and your education, not your funding. These awards will help support you and make you even more powerful leaders.”

Winners, many with their families or friends alongside in support, were brought together on Thursday, October 15th for a virtual awards celebration. In a video played at the ceremony, many winners spoke of how earning the scholarships gave them the confidence and means to continue their educational path in a year that has been challenging for many in the wine and spirits industry.

“From day one, we’ve put education, personal development and professional development at the forefront because these are critical to advancing women in this industry,” says Deborah Brenner, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Women of the Vine & Spirits. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Gallo family and the Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund in giving both their expertise as well as financial support, we are able to take our scholarships to another level.”

“I’m especially proud of the diversity among our scholarship winners,” says Gina Gallo, Vice President of Estate Winemaking at E. & J. Gallo Winery. “They represent the strong, thriving community of women at every level and in every discipline within the wine and spirits business and we are proud to help support them. Through these funds, we are helping to deepen their education and empower their unique voices. Education gives us power and every new voice makes our industry stronger and more dynamic.”

The $10,000 Elizabeth Smyth Student Scholarship was earned by Martha Vicedomini CS, CSW, a student at Sonoma State University’s Global Wine Executive MBA Program as well as a Strategic Projects Manager at importer Empson USA, Inc. “The benefits are endless when everyone has the opportunity to live and work in an environment that values authenticity and diverse voices,” she says. “I am deeply encouraged by the dedication of individuals like Elizabeth, industry leading companies like E. & J. Gallo Winery, and advocacy groups like Women of the Vine & Spirits. I see every dollar in scholarship funding as a temporary loan — one which must get paid back by extending investment and opportunity to the women who come after me.”

The $10,000 Master Sommelier Scholarship was awarded to Elli Benchimol. An Advanced Sommelier studying for Master Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is the Head Sommelier at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab in Washington, DC as well as the Owner-Partner-Sommelier of Apéro DC, which is slated to open in spring 2021. “I’m so honored to be part of such a talented and inspiring group of women,” she says. “It’s such an amazing piece of positivity and light during such incredibly dark times.”

The $10,000 Master of Wine Scholarship was earned by Florencia Gomez. Originally from Mendoza, Argentina, Florencia earned her winemaking degree from Universidad Tecnológica Nacional before working harvests across the world. She then worked as an Export Sales Manager for Grupo Peñaflor before settling in London as a Master of Wine student and freelance brand strategist. “In today’s challenging context, it is a tremendous motivation not only to keep moving forward with my MW studies, but also an invitation to keep engaging with important topics such as gender equality, cultural diversity and sustainable practices within the wine industry,” she says.

For more information about the scholarships or to learn the inspiring stories of each winner, contact Kristina Kelley at kristina.kelley@ejgallo.com.

About E. & J. Gallo Winery
Founded by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo in 1933 in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery is the world’s largest family-owned winery with more than 7,000 global employees and is the acclaimed producer of award-winning wines and spirits featured in more than 100 countries around the globe. A pioneer in the art of grape growing, winemaking, sustainable practices, marketing and worldwide distribution, Gallo crafts and imports wines and spirits to suit a diverse range of tastes and occasions, from everyday offerings to boutique, luxury bottlings. The Gallo portfolio is comprised of more than 100 unique brands.

About the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation
The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is the charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits. The Foundation provides scholarships and awards for the purpose of helping women advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer, or hospitality industries through education, leadership, and professional development as well as fosters gender diversity and talent development across the industry at large. The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation is “Crafting a Better World”™ for Women in Wine, Beer & Spirits. For more information and to donate, please visit womenofthevine.com/foundation.

Media Contact: Kristina Kelley
209-606-5020
kristina.kelley@ejgallo.com

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SOURCE E. & J. Gallo Winery

Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Announces Call for 2020 Scholarship Applications

Foundation dedicated to cultivating leaders and feeding the talent pipeline in the alcohol beverage industry to award deserving scholars with thousands in financial aid

February 10, 2020 (New York, NY) – Today, Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS), the leading membership organization dedicated to advancing and empowering women in the wine, beer and spirits industry worldwide, announced that its charitable arm, Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. has opened the application window for 2020 scholarship opportunities.

Created to help further Women of the Vine & Spirits’ larger mission of helping women advance their careers within the traditionally male-dominated alcohol beverage industry, the Foundation provides annual scholarships and awards to deserving applicants interested in continuing their professional development and education for careers within the food, wine/spirits, and hospitality sectors. This year, the nonprofit will award scholarships to qualified applicants across four categories, which include Professional & Leadership Development, Student Educational, Continuing Education and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Scholarships.

An additional four scholarships are being made possible through the “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund” supported by Patron Donor, E. & J. Gallo Winery. Those scholarship categories include Master Sommelier, Masters of Wine, Elizabeth Smyth Student and Fuel Your Dreams.

“Education is instrumental to creating change within any industry, which is why our organization is committed to providing qualified applicants with the funds needed to continue learning and, ultimately, help advance their careers,” said Founder & CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits, Deborah Brenner. “We are thrilled to be joining forces with our generous donors to help continue our larger mission of not only advancing women in the industry, but diversifying the talent pipeline across the board.”

In 2019, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation awarded a combined total of over $134,000 to forty-four recipients. This year’s scholarship amounts will range in amounts between $300 to $10,000 and the number of recipients within each category will be determined based on the total of qualified applicants.

Applications are now being accepted online and the deadline for submission is June 30, 2020. Scholarship recipients will be awarded on September 10, 2020.

The Foundation is also seeking donations to award more recipients in 2020.

“Your tax-deductible donation to the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation can be a life-changing opportunity with far-reaching impact beyond financial assistance,” said Executive Director of the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Tara Davey. “Your donation, large or small, makes an impact; for as little as $300, your contribution can help a woman earn an industry certification.”

Further information about Foundation scholarship opportunities for 2020, including how to donate to the Foundation, as well as additional details about previous recipients is available here: womenofthevine.com/foundation

To learn more about Women of the Vine & Spirits, please visit: womenofthevine.com

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About the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is the charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits. The Foundation provides scholarships and awards for the purpose of helping women advance in the alcohol beverage industry through education, leadership, and professional development. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com/foundation.

Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Announces 2019 Recipients

The non-profit aims to foster the next generation, cultivate leaders, feed the talent pipeline and attract more women to join the alcohol beverage industry.

Nov 12, 2019 (New York, NY) – Women of the Vine & Spirits, the world’s leading membership organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the alcohol beverage industry, announced today its non-profit arm, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3), has awarded scholarships to 44 deserving candidates, totaling $134,200 in total funds given in 2019.

The Foundation received 376 applications from applicants in 42 countries, including: Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czechia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, St. Kitts & Nevis, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe.

“Providing women with education, resources, role models and career advancement opportunities is the cornerstone of our organization and Foundation,” said Deborah Brenner, Founder & CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits. “Thanks to our generous donors, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation is cultivating leaders, feeding the talent pipeline and attracting more women to the alcohol beverage industry.”

In 2019, the Foundation hired Executive Director, Tara Davey to oversee the growth and development of the non-profit alongside the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, led by Deborah Brenner, Founder & CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits; Béatrice Cointreau, President & CEO, byBC Wines; Alison Herman, Senior Counsel, Regulatory & Compliance, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; and Richard Tobin, CPA, CVA, CFF, Tobin & Collins, CPA, PA.

“I have been involved as President, CEO, and Board Member of multiple international companies in wine and spirits for 40 years and I understand first-hand the importance of how education and providing opportunities for women to thrive impacts our industry,” said Béatrice Cointreau, President & CEO, byBC Wines. “As a Board of Trustee of the Foundation, I am honored to be involved in the development of these women; each and every personal journey and anticipated achievements were touching, impressive, diversified, and enlightening and I am thrilled for what is to come for these women and the future of the alcohol beverage industry.”

2019 also saw the formation of the Foundation Committee comprised of the following individuals: Hannah Becker, Associate Attorney, GrayRobinson, P.A.; Béatrice Cointreau, President & CEO, byBC Wines; Renata Franzia Price, National Chain Manager, Bronco Wine Company; Cindy Haas, Senior Director, External Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits; Natalie Henderson, Principal, Corporate Communications & PR, E. & J. Gallo Winery; Dr. Kathryn LaTour, Associate Professor, Wine Services Marketing, Cornell University; Andrea McBride John, CEO & Founder, McBride Sisters Collection; Robin McBride, President & Founder, McBride Sisters Collection; David Rudman, Executive Director, USA, Wine & Spirit Education Trust; Dr. Liz Thach, MW, Distinguished Professor of Wine, Professor of Management, Sonoma State University; and Judy Viera, VP, HR, Breakthru Beverage Group. The Committee was responsible for reviewing applications and selecting finalists with guidance by Tara Davey.

The Foundation Committee is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2019 Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Scholarships:

Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Scholarships: Supported by Our Generous Donors

Professional & Leadership Development Scholarship: Deanna D’Alfonso, Jersey City, NJ; Educational Scholarship, Student: Taylor Amerman, Louisville, KY; Tori Russotti, San Luis Obispo, CA. Educational Scholarship, Continuing Education: Kristin Harper, Phoenix, AZ; Sabrina Lueck, Walla Walla, WA. WSET Level 1 Award in Wines: Tara Kelly, Sebastopol, CA. WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits: Christie Verschoor, Rye, NY. WSET Level 2 Award in Wines: Nicole Wells, Rohnert Park, CA. WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits: Ana Hinz, Seattle, WA. WSET Level 3 Award in Wines: Gbemisola Johnson, Nigeria. WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines: Elizabeth Moss, Kennewick, WA.

Patron Scholarships: Supported by the Generous Donation of E. & J. Gallo Winery “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund”

Master of Wine Scholarship: Sarah Bray, Brooklyn, NY. Master Sommelier Scholarship: Mariya Kovacheva, West Palm Beach, FL. Elizabeth Smyth Student Scholarship: Yordanos Gebru, Cumming, GA. Fuel Your Dreams Award: Crystal Angela Dewana, Hercules, CA; Kelli Silva, Napa, CA; Meghan Vergara, Carlsbad, CA; Nicole Walsh, Watsonville, CA; Julia Ammons, Chino Valley, AZ; Cristin Castro, Austin, TX; Brenda Kowen, Millersview, TX; Cedar Stoltenow, Chicago, Il; Michelle Beathard, Wellington, FL; Rachel Ford, Atlanta, GA; Kathleen Young, Acworth, Georgia; Bryanna Cooper, Washington DC; Keely Rosenthal, Charlotte, NC; Chasity Cooper, Chicago, IL; Madison Malott, New York, NY; Omolola Olateju, Brooklyn, NY; Tracy Cryder, Little Rock, AR; Jennifer Pyle, St. Helena, MT.

Benefactor Scholarships: Supported by the Generous Donation of McBride Sisters Collection “McBride Sisters Collection SHE CAN Professional Development Fund”

Certificate Program in Business of Wine: Billie Harris, Atlanta, GA; Shanika Hillocks, New York, NY. Degree in Wine Business Management: Jessica Diaz, Fayetteville, AR. MBA or Executive MBA in Wine Business: Hannah DeYoung, Santa Rosa, CA; Alicia Kidd, Hercules, CA; Caitlyn Krug, New Orleans, LA; Ann-Marie Mattis, San Francisco, CA; Martha Vicedomini, Washington DC. Professional Development: Kyle Burke, Randallstown, MD; Cassandra Schaeg, Escondido, CA; Sarah Timbrook-Nugent, Seattle, WA; Racquel Valbrun, Cumming, GA.

For more information about the various scholarship opportunities awarded visit womenofthevine.com/foundation.

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is looking for donations to award scholarships in 2020. To donate, and learn more about donor levels and benefits visit womenofthevine.com/foundation or contact Executive Director, Tara Davey at tara@eastwood-partners.com.

Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Donors in 2019
Patron ($100,000+): E. & J. Gallo Winery; Benefactor ($30,000 - $49,999): McBride Sisters Collection; Supporter ($5,000 - $14,999): Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Wine Enthusiast Media; Friend ($1,000 - $4,999): Beam Suntory, Cynthia Lohr, Delicato Family Vineyards.

About the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation
The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is the charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits. The Foundation provides scholarships and awards for the purpose of helping women advance in the alcohol beverage industry through education, leadership, and professional development. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com/foundation.

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CONTACT:

Kyndal Korsgaden          

Kyndal@womenofthevine.com

805-779-0301

Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation receives $10,000 Donation from Edrington

October 25, 2018 (New York, NY) – The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. is pleased to announce it has received a generous donation of $10,000 from Edrington. The funds will support women in the alcohol beverage industry with scholarships and awards for the purpose of helping them to advance in their careers in the food, wine, spirits, hospitality, or viticulture industries through education, leadership, and professional development. 

“This is the second donation the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation has received from Edrington, and we are incredibly thankful for their generosity and support of our mission to provide women with the education, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in the alcohol beverage industry,” said Founder & CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits Deborah Brenner. 

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation offers scholarships each year. Scholarship opportunities include: The Professional & Leadership Development Scholarship, which awards two recipients with attendance at the Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium; Student Scholarship for applicants already enrolled in an accredited food, wine, hospitality, viticulture, or other alcohol beverage industry related postsecondary program; Continuing Education Scholarship for applicants towards the cost of professional advancement courses regarding the food, wine, hospitality, and/or viticulture industries, and new this year, scholarships for those attaining their Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications.

“Edrington is pleased to be a corporate member of Women of the Vine & Spirits and support the Foundation with this donation,” said Director of Corporate Affairs & Social Responsibility, Marc Bromfeld. “Our ethos is steeped in a culture of Giving More Together and we are committed to fostering gender diverse teams and talent development.”

For more information about the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation and the Edward H. Brenner Scholarship Fund, visit womenofthevine.com.

Women of the Vine & Spirits Corporate Members include Founding Member, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Diamond Members: Bronco Wine Company; Brown-Forman Corporation; Caesars Entertainment; E. & J. Gallo Winery; Moët Hennessy USA; and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Platinum Corporate Members: Brown-Forman; Delicato Family Vineyards; Frederik Wildman & Sons; J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery; Palm Bay International; Pernod-Ricard; Shaw Ross; Trinchero Family Estates; William Grant & Sons. For a full list of Corporate Members including those at the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Associate level, visit the Corporate Members tab at womenofthevine.com.

To become a member of Women of the Vine & Spirits, please visit womenofthevine.com. For those interested in Corporate Membership opportunities, please email info@womenofthevine.com or call 888.750.1863.

About Women of the Vine & Spirits
Women of the Vine & Spirits is dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the alcohol beverage industry, worldwide. Women of the Vine & Spirits is an organization for members to connect through our global and diverse network and collaborate across all industry sectors. Providing members with resources and opportunities to thrive is the cornerstone of our organization and success. We offer steadfast support for women at every position in the field with membership benefits that include: education, training, mentorship, entrepreneurship and networking as well as tools, services and resources for personal and business development. Together, we are a committed community taking action and making a positive impact on the alcohol beverage industry, worldwide. Save the date for the Fifth Annual Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium, March 11- 13, 2019 in Napa, California. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com.

About Edrington

Edrington’s ambition is to become the world’s leading premium spirits company. Edrington owns some of the leading Scotch whisky and rum brands in the world, including The Macallan, The Famous Grouse, Highland Park, Cutty Sark, The Glenrothes, Brugal and Snow Leopard vodka. Edrington Americas added Tequila Partida to its portfolio in 2016 and Wyoming Whiskey in 2018. Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs around 3,000 people in its companies and joint venture operations worldwide, with over 70% employed overseas. The company owns its route to market in 13 countries, and operates the remainder through joint venture and third party agreements. Edrington Americas is headquartered in New York, NY with regional offices in Chicago, Miami and Orange County. Edrington’s principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated over £252 million to a variety of charitable causes since 1961.

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CONTACT:          

Kyndal Korsgaden
kyndal@womenofthevine.com
(805) 779-0301

Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

Foundation to provide scholarships and awards for women in alcohol beverage industry

August 1, 2018 (New York) – Women of the Vine & Spirits, the world’s leading membership organization dedicated to giving women globally a platform and voice to thrive in the alcohol beverage industry, has announced it is accepting scholarship applications to be awarded this summer through the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd.

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation provides scholarships and awards for the purpose of helping women advance in their careers in the food, wine, spirits, hospitality, or viticulture industries through education, leadership, and professional development.

“Education is vital to empowering women and is a pillar of our organization,” said Deborah Brenner, Founder & CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits. “We value and recognize the benefit that higher knowledge gives to an individual seeking to progress their career, which is why we are passionate about our Foundation and providing scholarships to deserving women looking to thrive in this industry.” 

The Foundation offers scholarships each calendar year to recipients of either a Professional & Leadership Development Scholarship or an Educational Scholarship.

New this year, Women of the Vine & Spirits has formed a strategic alliance with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), providing scholarships toward WSET course fees. The mutual alliance aims to improve the visibility of progression paths and opportunities for women in the wine and spirits industry. WSET Scholarships is a subset of the Continuing Education Scholarship. Applicants should specify which WSET Level they would like to apply their Scholarship toward on the application where indicated. 

“WSET is a champion for equal opportunity in the industry, emphasizing the value of education for all professionals and enthusiasts, men and women,” said Ian Harris, Chief Executive, WSET. “43% of WSET Diploma graduates are women and eight out of the past 10 highest scoring Diploma students have been female. We are pleased to be working with Women of the Vine & Spirits to develop further opportunities for the benefit of our students, our partner’s members and the industry at large.”

Applications are now being accepted with the deadline to submit, August 15, 2018; recipients will be selected September 15, 2018.

For more information about the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, to view the current scholarship opportunities, to apply, or to donate visit womenofthevine.com/foundation.

About Women of the Vine & Spirits
Women of the Vine & Spirits is the world’s leading membership organization dedicated to giving women globally a platform and voice to thrive in the alcohol beverage industry. Women of the Vine & Spirits is an organization for members to connect through our global and diverse network and collaborate across all industry sectors. Providing members with resources and opportunities to thrive is the cornerstone of our organization and success. We offer steadfast support for women at every position in the field with membership benefits that include: education, training, mentorship, entrepreneurship and networking as well as tools, services and resources for personal and business development. Together, we are a committed community taking action and making a positive impact on the alcohol beverage industry, worldwide. Save the date for the Fifth Annual Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium, March 11- 13, 2019 in Napa, California. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com.

Women of the Vine & Spirits™ Announces Foundation & Scholarship Fund

Foundation to provide scholarships and awards for women in alcohol beverage industry

Women of the Vine & Spirits™, the world’s leading organization dedicating to the support and advancement of women in the alcohol beverage industry, has officially launched the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation and is now accepting scholarship applications to be awarded this summer.

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. provides scholarships and awards for the purpose of helping women advance in their careers in the food, wine, spirits, hospitality, or viticulture industries through education, leadership, and professional development, as well as fostering gender diversity and talent development across the industry at large. 

“Selling out this year’s Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium to 700 attendees in only 24 hours was a telling sign that women in our industry are thirsty for education, advancement and support,” said Founder & President, Women of the Vine & Spirits Deborah Brenner. “We are proud to announce the formation of this Foundation which will continue to advance and bolster women in our industry for years to come.”

The Foundation offers scholarships each calendar year to recipients of either a Professional & Leadership Development Scholarship or an Educational Scholarship as described below. Applications are now being accepted with the deadline to submit, June 1, 2017; recipients will be selected July 15, 2017.

Professional & Leadership Development Scholarship: This scholarship awards recipients with attendance at the Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium. Each year the Foundation will announce the number of scholarships to be awarded. For 2018, the Foundation will award two scholarships for recipients’ attendance at the Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium, March 12-14, 2018.  The Foundation will award each recipient with a symposium ticket, lodging for the duration of the symposium, and transportation to and from the San Francisco airport.  The Foundation will also reimburse recipients for airfare up to $500 upon proof of the recipients’ purchase of the airline ticket.

Educational Scholarship: This scholarship awards recipients with either a student scholarship or a continuing education scholarship as described below. Each year the Foundation will announce the number of scholarships to be awarded. For 2018, the Foundation will award two scholarships to recipients to assist with their tuition, course materials, lodging, and related educational expense.  The dollar amount of each Educational Scholarship will range from $500.00 up to $2,500.00, and will fall under either one of the following categories:

Student Scholarship – Award for applicants already enrolled in an accredited food, wine, hospitality, viticulture, or other alcohol beverage industry related postsecondary program.

Continuing Education Scholarship – Award for applicants towards the cost of professional advancement courses regarding the food, wine, hospitality, and/or viticulture industries.  Courses awarded may include, but shall not be limited to, the California Wine Appellation Specialist course, WSET Wine Certification course, Somm Essentials, Court of Master Sommeliers’ courses, Advanced Tasting programs, public speaking courses, and career development courses.

Women of the Vine & Spirits Scholarship Fund in Honor of Edward H. Brenner

“When I started my entrepreneurial endeavor, I enticed my dad out of retirement to work with me. We worked together for seven years and I was blessed to have him lend his expertise and share his wisdom to guide me. Unfortunately, my dad passed away in 2014, just four weeks before we held the first ever Women of the Vine Grand Tasting in Napa. His unwavering support gave me the courage to step up and step out. As a father of three daughters and grandfather of three granddaughters, I am honored to name the scholarship fund after my Man of the Vine, Edward H. Brenner!” said Founder & President, Women of the Vine & Spirits Deborah Brenner.

In addition to being the Founding Partner of Women of the Vine & Spirits, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the Founding Partner of the Women of the Vine & Spirits Scholarship Fund.

“We are proud to be a part of this group that is dedicated to celebrating achievements and advancement of women in the business,” said Executive Vice President, General Manager of the Wine Division, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Steve Slater.

For more information about the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, to apply, or to donate to the Edward H. Brenner Scholarship Fund, visit womenofthevine.com.

About Women of the Vine & Spirits™
Women of the Vine & Spirits is a membership-based alliance that empowers and equips women worldwide to advance their careers in the alcohol beverage industry. Women of the Vine & Spirits offers extensive education, advocacy, training, mentorship, networking and steadfast support for women at every position in the field, particularly through the annual Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium which will be held March 12 – 14, 2018 in Napa, California. For more information or corporate partnership inquiries, please visit womenofthevine.com or email info@womenofthevine.com