The Scholarships

The Laurent-Perrier Champagne Scholarships offer 10 winners the opportunity to undertake the renowned Wine Scholar Guild Champagne Masters course - the most up-to-date and comprehensive certification available on the wines of Champagne, taught by industry-recognised experts in the field.

Alongside this course, Scholars will also undertake 2 days of masterclasses in negotiation and sales in London led by Nick Adams, developing and refining essential skills in both the on- and off-trade sectors of the wine industry.

Laurent-Perrier will host a tutored tasting session with the winners, showcasing their excellent range and allowing the Scholars to further progress their tasting technique.

The Judges



  • Nina Basset FIH, Co-Founding Trustee, Gérard Basset Foundation

  • Christian Holthausen, Head of Communications, Gérard Basset Foundation

  • Preston Mohr, Managing Director, Wine Scholar Guild

  • Romané Basset, Co-Founding Trustee, Gérard Basset Foundation

FAQs

Who can apply?

The Laurent-Perrier Champagne Scholarships are open to UK-based applicants only. One of the aims of these scholarships is to support and further inclusion and accessibility in the wine industry. Therefore, we welcome applicants who come from a wide range of communities and circumstances, and will ask candidates to explain in their own words what winning a scholarship will mean to them and enable them to achieve.

Applicants should familiairise themselves with course requirements of Wine Scholar Guild Champagne Masters programme and ensure that they comply.

What do the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Scholarships comprise?

  • Wine Scholar Guild Champagne Masters course

  • A 2 days of salesmanship and upselling masterclasses in London led by Nick Adams. Reasonable travel costs will be covered

  • A tutored tasting of a selection of Laurent-Perrier’s Champagnes

How do I Apply?

Please complete the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Scholarships Application Form here >>

When submitting the application form, applicants will need to submit a Personal Statement of 750 words, explaining their motivation and how they would make use of the Scholarship. Applicants will also need to their CV and a signed Letter of Reference from a wine industry professional, detailing why the referee feels the applicant should win a scholarship.

What is the deadline for applications?

Midnight (GMT) Friday 25th April

What is the process after I apply within the deadline?

Within two weeks of applications closing, applicants will hear whether they have been called to a zoom interview or not by the Judges. If called to interview, the applicant’s interview will take place the week commencing 12th May. The applicant will then hear if they have successfully been awarded a scholarship by 23rd May.

What criteria are the Judges looking for?

Assuming the applicant meets the criteria to undertake Wine Scholar Guild’s Champagne Masters programme, the Judges will further assess each application on the following criteria:

  • Applicant’s ability

  • Likelihood of successfully completing the WSG Champagne Masters course

  • The applicant’s profile and how it aligns with the inclusion and accessibility goals of the Scholarships, as well as the applicant’s potential contribution to promoting inclusion, accessibility, mentorship, excellence, interaction and learning in the UK wine community

  • 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.