This scholarship is to assist individuals looking to get started with a career in the wine industry. The funds are to assist with expenses related to the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Course, WSET Level 1 or 2 in Wines and similar level courses/exams.

Two scholarships in the amount of $800 will be awarded. The recipients will be selected based on demonstration of need and merit.

Eligibility:

For US Residents only

About Assemblage Personal Beverage Consulting:

Assemblage is a French wine term for the blend of grapes that a wine maker chooses for their finished wine. The team at Assemblage is committed to blending a unique wine experience for their clients, through wine workshops, personal sommelier services, cellar management and educational podcasts. The team at Assemblage believes that wine should be approachable and all-inclusive. The goal of this scholarship is to support up-and-coming wine professionals that might not otherwise have the financial means to invest in these courses and exams. Find out more about Assemblage Beverage Co. here.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: NOVEMBER 13TH, 2023 11:00 PM PST

The Rudd Round Table was founded in 2009, through a collaboration with Leslie Rudd, the Rudd Foundation, and SommFoundation. The event is a two-day educational and mentorship program, featuring twelve Master Sommeliers and twelve aspiring Master Sommelier students in an intensive and intimate learning environment.

Each calendar year, the top scorers of the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Exams are named the Rudd Scholars for that year and attend the Rudd Round Table the following March. In addition to the Rudd Scholars, nine students will be selected to participate. We invite all eligible students to apply. All applicants are required to provide letters of recommendation. Our SommFoundation team will select the final participants through a rigorous vetting process. Being chosen to attend this event is a recognition of both significant accomplishment and remarkable potential.

Event Details:

This event begins Sunday afternoon and runs through the late evening on Monday. The event kicks off with a private tour of Rudd Estate, followed by a blind tasting of benchmark wines (to be revealed later). Sunday reception and dinner will be hosted by Samantha Rudd at PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena, featuring wines from Rudd Estate. Monday is a full-day intensive series of working sessions focused on theory, tasting and service, and the business of wine, including one-on-one Master Sommelier coaching sessions. Monday night, SommFoundation will host a formal dinner and awards ceremony, where the Leslie Rudd Award will be presented to the top Advanced Sommelier Exam scorer among the Rudd Scholars. Old and rare wines from the SommFoundation cellar will be served. Airfare, transport, lodging, and meals are included.

ELIGIBILITY:

Must work and reside in the United States

Prior completion of the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Sommelier Exam (this will be verified with CMS)

Intention to sit for the Court of Master Sommeliers Master Sommelier Diploma

Availability and commitment to attend the entire event. Students will arrive in Napa no later than 3pm, March 24th, attend all day on the 25th, returning home on the 26th.

All students will also be required to sign the following standard forms: Code of Conduct, Publicity Consent, Waiver of Liability.

***MS who are currently in good standing with the CMS-A will be mentoring during the Rudd Round Table

Founder Leslie Rudd

The Rudd Round Table is about honoring your commitments to your personal development, your community, and to the industry as a whole. Throughout the event, you will interact with leaders in the industry and fellow Master Sommelier Diploma students – we hope you will connect and develop lifelong friendships, as many others have done in the past. You will dine well and will taste some of the great wines of the world.

The Rudd family and the Rudd Foundation have been steadfast supporters of the sommelier community for decades. They believe in creating educational opportunities for wine professionals to expand knowledge and understanding.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: NOVEMBER 12th, 2023 at 11:00 pm PST

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben’s Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben’s Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.