Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd.

Full Scholarship Program Details

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

We encourage all members of our community who identify as women, transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid to apply.

The Foundation plans to offer scholarships this year in the following four categories:

1. Professional & Leadership Development Scholarships (Up to $2,000)
2. Student Educational Scholarships ($500 to $5,000)
3. Continuing Education Scholarships ($500 to $5,000)
4. WSET Scholarships ($300 to $7,500)
5. Executive Leadership & Developing Leadership Program Scholarships to attend DISCUS Academy (Applications Open Nov 1, 2021; Applications Close January 20, 2022) 

Several recipients will be chosen from these categories based on the number of qualified applicants..

In addition, The Foundation offers Patron Scholarships Supported by E. & J. Gallo Winery with the Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund. The Foundation plans to offer Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund scholarships this year in the following four categories:

1. Master Sommelier Scholarship ($10,000)
2. Masters of Wine Scholarship  ($10,000)
3. Elizabeth Smyth Student Scholarship  ($10,000)
4. Fuel Your Dreams Scholarships ($1,000 to $3,000)

Two recipients are expected be chosen for the Master Sommelier and/or Masters of Wine scholarships and one recipient for the Elizabeth Smyth Student scholarship. Several recipients will be chosen for the Fuel Your Dreams Scholarships based on the numbers of qualified applicants in each of eight regions.

Applicants may apply for more than one scholarship but are only eligible to be awarded one scholarship per year. In the event an applicant is chosen by judges for more than one scholarship, they will be selected for the larger award.

Information on scholarship amounts, applicant eligibility criteria and deadlines are listed below.
Applicant responsibilities, releases and disclaimers are also detailed below.
For additional questions, email the Foundation.

Scholarship Application Dates (unless otherwise indicated):
Open: February 1, 2022
Close: June 30, 2022
Announced:  September 13, 2022

Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Scholarships

Professional & Leadership Development Scholarships

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Professional & Leadership Development Scholarship awards recipients with up to $2,000 to attend a professional conference or industry event to allow the recipient the opportunity for additional exposure to ongoing professional development, learning and networking opportunities. Funds can be used to pay for the event registration fee, travel up to a $700, and lodging for up to 3 nights. Reimbursement will be made upon submission of receipts. If the recipient cancels/does not attend the industry event, the recipient must reimburse Foundation for any reimbursed expenses.

Conferences and events may include any industry events that will assist recipients learning and development. Examples of such events include, but are in no way limited to:

Applicant Eligibility Requirements for Professional & Leadership Development Scholarship:

• At least 21 years of age.
• Minimum three years active employment within the food, wine, hospitality, and/or viticulture industries is preferred.
• Essay (approximately 500 words), the topic of which is listed on the application.
• One or two letters of recommendation.
• Resume (optional)
• Completed scholarship application that meets the criteria and includes all required attachments, which must be postmarked or electronically submitted no later than 11:59PM on the application deadline date to be considered for the scholarship.
• May not be an owner, officer, director or employee of Women of the Vine & Spirits Alliance, Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium, Trellis Concepts LLC, and/or the Foundation.

Student Educational Scholarship

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Student Education Scholarship awards students enrolled in an accredited food, wine, hospitality, viticulture or other alcohol beverage industry related postsecondary program (four-year college, community college or vocational/technical college) with $500 to $5,000 to be used toward their tuition, course materials, lodging, and related educational expenses. One or more student education scholarships may be awarded each year, and amount will be based on the cost of the program (which should be outlined in the applicant’s essay) and application score.

Examples of such courses include, but are in no way limited to:

Applicant Eligibility Requirements for Student Scholarship:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours of accredited food, wine, hospitality, viticulture, or other alcohol beverage industry related postsecondary program (i.e. college/ university) for two consecutive semesters or terms and have completed at least one grading term of such program.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Essay (approximately 500 words), the topic of which is listed on the application.
• One or two letters of recommendation.
• Complete transcript of grades from your college/secondary school.
• Completed and signed scholarship application that meets the criteria and includes all required attachments, which must be postmarked or electronically submitted no later than 11:59PM on the application deadline date to be considered for the scholarship.
• May not be an owner, officer, director or employee of Women of the Vine & Spirits, Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium, Trellis Concepts LLC, and/or the Foundation.

Continuing Education Scholarships

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Continuing Education Scholarship awards individuals working in the food, wine, hospitality, and/or viticulture industries industry with $500 to $5,000 to be used toward gaining industry related credentials or training, professional development, experience or knowledge to advance their career. One or more continuing education scholarships may be awarded each year, and amount will be based on the cost of the program (which should be outlined in the applicant’s essay) and application score.

Examples of such courses include, but are in no way limited to:

Applicant Eligibility Requirements for Continuing Education Scholarship:

• At least 21 years of age.
• Minimum of three years active employment within the food, wine, hospitality, and/or viticulture industries preferred.
• Essay (approximately 500 words), the topic of which is listed on the application.
• One or two letters of recommendation.
• Resume (optional)
• Completed and signed scholarship application that meets the criteria and includes all required attachments, which must be postmarked or electronically submitted no later than 11:59PM on the application deadline date to be considered for the scholarship.
• May not be an owner, officer, director or employee of Women of the Vine & Spirits, Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium, Trellis Concepts LLC, and/or the Foundation.

WSET Certification Scholarships

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation WSET Certification Scholarship, as part of our partnership with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), awards recipients with $300 to $7,500 scholarships to be used toward WSET Certification course fees. The mutual partnership aims to improve the visibility of progression paths and opportunities for women in the wine and spirits industry. Applicants must specify which Level they would like to apply their Scholarship toward on the application where indicated. The dollar amount of WSET Scholarships varies by Level. 

Please note, those who receive scholarships for WSET Levels 1-2 Awards in Wines and Levels 1-2 Awards in Spirits from the Foundation are not eligible to take their courses with WOTVS, but can take these qualifications at another APP.

WSET Award Levels

Applicant Eligibility Requirements for WSET Scholarship:

• Must be legal drinking age in your country.
• Essay (approximately 500 words), the topic of which is listed on the application.
• One or two letters of recommendation.
• Completed and signed scholarship application that meets the criteria and includes all required attachments, which must be postmarked or electronically submitted no later than 11:59PM on the application deadline date to be considered for the scholarship.
• May not be an owner, officer, director or employee of Women of the Vine & Spirits, Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium, Trellis Concepts LLC, and/or the Foundation.

Executive Leadership & Developing Leadership Program Scholarships to Attend DISCUS Academy

Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Foundation 501(c)3 is pleased to offer three (3) Executive Leadership Program Scholarships and (2) Developing Leadership Program Scholarships to attend DISCUS Academy. Both Leadership Programs are an eight-month commitment consisting of virtual and in-person elements.

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation could not provide these scholarship opportunities without the generous support of Corporate Members, Beam Suntory and Breakthru Beverage Group. For the second year in a row, Beam Suntory is graciously funding three scholarships for The Executive Leadership Program. Breakthru Beverage Group is generously funding two scholarships for The Developing Leadership Program. All scholarships include full funding of all program components, with the exception of travel.

The Executive Leadership Program is designed for experienced spirits professionals with at least 5-7 years of management experience, during which they have demonstrated responsibility for cross-functional leadership and/or strategy-level decision-making in the distilled spirits industry. The Certificate will build upon the student’s leadership skills and develop the professional’s ability to communicate strategy, negotiate skillfully and influence team behaviors and deliver results. Program Components detailed below. 

The Developing Leadership Program is designed for any professional with an interest in growing their leadership skills. This program will transform early-stage managers into true leaders, by learning your leadership style, developing interpersonal skills, and understanding how to build and manage a high-performance team. Entrepreneurs, new managers and employees with limited management experience are encouraged to apply. Program Components detailed below. 

These scholarships are open to members and non-members of WOTVS as well as members and non-members of DISCUS. DISCUS Academy has set the criteria for selection of recipients and selection of the recipients will be made by DISCUS Academy. Applicants will be chosen based on their demonstrated leadership potential, initiative and commitment to the industry. Participants should be prepared to engage in self-reflection and introspective work required by this course and be prepared to put their leadership commitment into action following the program. The Leadership Certificate will use a selection process that maximizes diversity of the participant cohort.

Applications Open: November 1, 2021

Application Deadline: January 20, 2022 (by 11:59 PM PST)

Scholarships Awarded: February 2022

The Executive Leadership Program is designed for experienced spirits professionals with at least 5-7 years of management experience, during which they have demonstrated responsibility for cross-functional leadership and/or strategy-level decision-making in the distilled spirits industry. The Certificate will build upon the student’s leadership skills and develop the professional’s ability to communicate strategy, influence team behaviors and deliver results. The program will ensure that students have the right blend of soft skills and strategic mindset to achieve performance outcomes at their company. Participation in this program is not contingent upon completing the Developing Leadership Program. 

The Developing Leadership Program is designed for any professional with an interest in growing their leadership skills. This program will transform early-stage managers into true leaders, by learning your leadership style, developing interpersonal skills, and understanding how to build and manage a high-performance team. Entrepreneurs, new managers and employees with limited management experience are encouraged to apply.

E. & J Gallo Winery "Women Behind the Wine" Educational Fund Scholarships

Masters of Wine Scholarship

The Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund Masters of Wine Scholarship awards individuals earning their Masters of Wine with $10,000 to be used toward their educational expenses.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements for Masters of Wine Scholarship

• At least 21 years of age.
• Hold Advanced Sommelier Certification or DipWSET.
• Minimum five years active employment within the food, wine, hospitality, and/or viticulture industries preferred.
• Two essays (approximately 500 words each).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Resume (optional)
• Completed and signed scholarship application that meets the criteria and includes all required attachments, which must be postmarked or electronically submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the application deadline date to be considered for the scholarship.
• Owners, officers, directors, employees, and subsidiaries, or any household member or immediate family of the aforementioned, of E. & J. Gallo Winery are prohibited from applying.

Master Sommelier Scholarship

The Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund Master Sommelier Scholarship awards individuals earning their Master Sommelier Certification with $10,000 to be used toward their educational expenses.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements for Masters of Wine Scholarship

• At least 21 years of age.
• Hold Advanced Sommelier Certification or DipWSET.
• Minimum five years active employment within the food, wine, hospitality, and/or viticulture industries preferred.
• Two essays (approximately 500 words each).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Resume (optional)
• Completed and signed scholarship application that meets the criteria and includes all required attachments, which must be postmarked or electronically submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the application deadline date to be considered for the scholarship.
• Owners, officers, directors, employees, and subsidiaries, or any household member or immediate family of the aforementioned, of E. & J. Gallo Winery are prohibited from applying.

Elizabeth Smyth Education Scholarships

The Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund Elizabeth Smyth Scholarship awards a student already enrolled in an accredited industry related postsecondary program with $10,000 to be used toward their educational expenses. Given in memory of Elizabeth Smyth.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements for Elizabeth Smyth Scholarship

• Applicant can be enrolled in a program at a four year college, community college or vocational/technical college.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours of accredited food, wine, hospitality, viticulture, or other alcohol beverage industry related postsecondary program (i.e. college/university) for two consecutive semesters or terms and have completed at least one grading term of such program.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Two essays (approximately 500 words each).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Complete transcript of grades from your college/secondary school.
• Completed and signed scholarship application that meets the criteria and includes all required attachments, which must be postmarked or electronically submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the application deadline date to be considered for the scholarship.
• Owners, officers, directors, employees, and subsidiaries, or any household member or immediate family of the aforementioned, of E. & J. Gallo Winery are prohibited from applying.

Fuel Your Dreams Scholarship Awards

The Women Behind the Wine Fuel Your Dreams Scholarship awards individuals in each region of the country with up to $3,000 to help women advance in the alcohol beverage industry through education, leadership, and professional development. Scholarship funds may not be used to start or support a business, and must be used to advance the knowledge, skills and education of the individual.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements for Fuel Your Dreams Scholarship

• At least 21 years of age.
• US Resident.
• Essay (approximately 500 words).
• One or two letters of recommendation.
• Completed and signed scholarship application that meets the criteria and includes all required attachments, which must be postmarked or electronically submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the application deadline date to be considered for the scholarship.
• Owners, officers, directors, employees, and subsidiaries, or any household member or immediate family of the aforementioned, of E. & J. Gallo Winery are prohibited from applying.

SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE AND JUDGING

Scholarship Selection Committee

The Scholarship Selection Committee (the “Committee”) is responsible for selecting the scholarship recipients. The Committee will review the applicants for the scholarship and select recipients by evaluating each applicant based on the eligibility criteria and submissions. The Committee will not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, and/or age in the selection of recipients. Applications will be judged on the following criteria:

• Quality of the application, including spelling, grammar, and content;
• Essay content, including quality of writing and word count;
• Industry related experience/Work Experience;
• Letters of recommendation; and
• Telephone interview if requested by the Committee.

Scholarship Award Program Timeline

Each year the Foundation will announce the Application dates for submission, deadlines and for announcement of scholarship awards. For the 2022 scholarship program, the following dates are announced:

Applications Open:  February 1, 2022
Application Deadline: June 30, 2022
Scholarship Award: September 13, 2022

Scholarship recipients will be notified by e-mail. Applicants who were not selected will also receive a notification e-mail.

Scholarship payment date: Varies by scholarship type and related program.  

*Note that Executive Leadership & Developing Leadership Program Scholarships to attend DISCUS Academy have different application dates.

Scholarship Changes

The Foundation reserves the right to add, modify or not award and scholarships in a given year based on funding, number of qualified applicants and any other factors to help the Foundation execute it’s purposes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELEASES

Scholarship Applicant and Recipient Acknowledgements and Responsibilities

• Applicants acknowledge that information submitted in the application, including any materials (i.e. essays, letters of recommendation and transcripts) attached will be shared with Foundation committee, personnel and others.
• Recipients are expected to participate in the industry event or educational program for which the scholarship is being awarded. Scholarships are not assignable or transferable.
• Pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, the scholarship funds awarded by the Foundation are to be used for the educational and professional development purposes indicated in recipient’s application. Recipients must submit a receipt to the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation showing payment made to the program or programs chosen.
• The recipient of the scholarships and awards is responsible for determining whether the grant, in whole or part, is includible in gross income under the Internal Revenue Code. The scholarships and awards may be taxable income if the aggregate grants received by the recipient exceed tuition and any related fees and expenses.
• If requested, recipient will provide proof of information, including but not limited to an official transcript of grades. False or misleading information may result in the termination of any award granted.

Scholarship Applicant Releases

• Recipients grant permission to the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation (the “Foundation”) to use photos, film and audio recordings of recipient, selections of recipients essay, and a testimonial to promote Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation’s scholarship program by distributing, broadcasting, editing, or otherwise disseminating it, whether or not for free or for a charge, without any further approval from recipient, in whole or in part, throughout the world, in perpetuity, in any and all media now known or hereafter developed, without further compensation.