Who can apply?

We welcome applications from individuals coming from a wide range of communities, including but not limited to those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, all ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, and individuals affected by conflict.

Scholars can be located anywhere in the world.  Scholars can either be currently enrolled the MW programme or wish to apply for the MW programme. If the latter, they need to be able to show and confirm that they meet the requirements to apply for the MW. Applicants must hold the WSET Diploma.

What do the Barca-Velha Golden Vines® MW Scholarships comprise?

• £35,000 in funding, to be allocated as follows:

  • £20,000 which may be used only for the Scholar’s MW-related costs (for example, exam fees and reasonable travel expenses to attend seminars) ;

  • £15,000 which may be used for the Scholar’s internship programme expenses (for example, reasonable travel and accommodation expenses) or also for MW-related costs, should they wish. It is the Scholar’s responsibility to keep track of their funding.

  • Funding is accessible on a draw-down basis only, and MW exam fees will be paid directly by the Gérard Basset Foundation to the Institute of Masters of Wine.*

* The financial component of the Scholarship may be tax-exempt, in part or in whole, depending upon where the Scholars reside. Scholars need to consult their tax advisors accordingly. If a Scholar successfully completes their MW studies, or decides to stop pursuing these certifications, then the funds remaining in their allocated pot will revert back to the Gérard Basset Foundation.

• A unique SOGRAPE Portugal experience, during which the Scholars will visit SOGRAPE’s wineries and vineyards in Porto, the Douro Valley and elsewhere, to learn in-person from SOGRAPE’s world-leading team and globally-renowned estates.

• A bespoke internship programme, through which Scholars will have the opportunity to visit some of the world’s greatest fine wine and rare spirit estates. Scholars will be required to present a suggested plan of which estates they would be keen to visit and how their proposed internship programme would support their MW studies. The Scholars may then work with Nina Basset FIH of the Gérard Basset Foundation to see what is feasible and be introduced to the estates.

• MW Study Masterclass Opportunities delivered by Natasha Hughes MW and Cathy van Zyl MW (more details below).

  The non-financial component of the MW Scholarships comprises:

  • Invitation to the Golden Vines® Gala in London in the year of your scholarship (for 2026, 6-8 November).

  • Associated press commitments related to the award of the MW Scholarship.

  • Being assigned a Mentor from among the judging panel to assist the Scholar for the duration of their MW programme.*

*Please note, Neil Tully MW will not be available as a mentor.

How do I Apply?

Please apply by completing the Barca-Velha Golden Vines® MW Scholarships Application Form here >>

Along with the application form, applicants will need to submit a signed Letter of Recommendation, ideally provided by an MW/MS, or another senior wine professional in the trade. The Letter of Recommendation should detail why your referee thinks you should be awarded an MW Scholarship and how you would benefit from them. The referee needs to provide an email address in the letter should the Judges wish to contact them to discuss your application.

What is the deadline for applications?

Midnight British Summer Time on Sunday 14th June, 2026.

What is the process after I apply within the deadline?

Applicants will hear whether they have been called to a Zoom interview or not by the Judges by Friday 26th June 2026. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 1st, Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd July 2026, between 10am - 1pm British Summer Time on each day. Applicants will be informed of the specific time by Friday 26th June at the latest, and will be expected to keep availability on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd July in case they are called to interview. The applicant will then hear if they have successfully been awarded a scholarship by no later than Friday 31st July.

What criteria are the Judges looking for?

Assuming the applicant satisfies the prerequisite requirements of the MW programme (as detailed above), then the Judges will award the MW Scholarships on the basis of:

• Ability.

• Likelihood of successfully completing the MW programme.

• Candidates’ potential contribution to promoting inclusion, excellence, interaction and learning in the global wine community, as well as the applicant’s interest level and time availability to participate in the MW and Internship programme.

• Financial and pastoral needs.

Can I get in touch to ask more questions?

Please email: enquiries@gerardbassetfoundation.org detailing your name and contact phone number and we will aim to give you a call or respond to your email within 48 hours of receipt.