Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships
£50,000 in funds*
+ £5,000 travel bursary*
+ Internship & Mentorship Programme
for 3 students from diverse backgrounds to undertake MW or MS programmes.
The definitive global wine education Diversity Scholarships.
* Full details of Funding below
The Internship Programme
Amorim Cork, Annabel’s, Bodega Catena Zapata, Brooklyn Nets, Castiglion del Bosco, Château Cheval Blanc, Château Margaux, Château de la Tour, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château d'Yquem, Clos Apalta, Colgin Cellars, Dom Pérignon, Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Domaine Baron Thenard, Domaine des Lambrays, Domaine Laroche, Khetsuriani Winery, Klein Constantia, Lawrence Wine Estates (Heitz Cellars, Stony Hill Vineyard, Ink Grade Estate and Burgess Cellars), Liber Pater, Marchesi Antinori, Mayacamas, Octavian Wine Vaults, Opus One, Ruinart, Symington Family Estates, Taylor’s Port, Vilafonté, Viña Vik, Weingut Egon Müller, Weingut Eva Fricke
Each Diversity Scholar will spend anywhere between 2 weeks and several months gaining practical experience at the world’s leading fine wine (and spirit) estates, academic courses and other fine wine-related opportunities. The Octavian Wine Vaults experience is a 1-day experience. Nina Basset FIH will work with each Scholar individually as Pastoral Mentor to introduce Scholars to the estates whom they wish to work with and help them liaise to organise their Internships.
Additionally, each Diversity Scholar will be offered a Masterclass with Marc Almert, the 2019 ASI Best Sommelier of the World and the 2020 Michelin Sommelier of the Year, at the Baur au Lac Hotel in Zürich, Switzerland.
The Mentorship Programme
Nina Basset FIH
Rajat Parr
Clement Robert MS
Jancis Robinson OBE MW
Angela Scott
Each of Diversity Scholar may choose a mentor, to guide them and be a source of advice and support for the full duration of their Scholarship and Internship Programme.
About the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier qualifications
The Master of Wine (MW) and Master Sommelier (MS) are the two top-echelon qualifications recognised in the wine industry. These qualifications are offered by the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) and the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe (CMS). Please visit the official websites of both institutions to learn more about the MW and MS programmes:
The Institute of Masters of Wine
The Court of Master Sommeliers Europe
Application Process, Terms & Conditions
The Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships are jointly funded by Taylor’s Port and funds raised for the Gérard Basset Foundation by Liquid Icons through the Golden Vines® Auctions. The Scholarships are administered by the Gérard Basset Foundation.
Who is providing the Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarship, Internship & Mentorship Programme?
Who can apply?
In 2024, we are delighted to announce a broadening of the diversity criteria which are a key part of these Scholarships. We will now be welcoming 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.
Diversity Scholars can be located anywhere in the world. Diversity Scholars can either be currently in the MW/MS programme or wish to apply for the MW/MS programme. If the latter, they need to be able to show and confirm that they meet the requirements set out for application to the relevant programme:
Who will award the Diversity Scholarships?
The Diversity Scholars will be chosen by a Judging Panel of respected and well-qualified industry professionals (hereinafter the ‘Judges’):
Angela Scott, Head Judge (Winner of a 2021 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarship)
Nina Basset FIH (The Gérard Basset Foundation)
Rajat Parr (Sandhi Wines)
Clement Robert MS (Liquid Icons)
Jancis Robinson OBE MW (The Gérard Basset Foundation)
Ronan Sayburn MS (The Court of Master Sommeliers Europe)
Neil Tully MW (The Institute of Masters of Wine)
How do I apply?
Please apply by completing the Diversity Scholarships Application Form here >>
Along with the application form, applicants will need to submit a signed Letter of Reference and Recommendation, ideally provided by an MW/MS, or another senior wine professional in the trade. The Letter of Reference and Recommendation should detail why your referee thinks you should be awarded a Diversity Scholarship and would benefit from the Diversity Scholarship, Internship & Mentorship Programme. 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 for 2024?
12 April 2024.
What is the process after I apply within the deadline?
As part of the selection process, each of the Institute of Masters of Wine and the Court of Master Sommeliers (European Chapter) will provide a tailored ‘Introduction to the Course’ Zoom session for all potential Scholars (depending on whether they are on the MW or MS track) to give an insight into the study programme. These sessions are an opportunity to ask any questions, understand the respective programme structure and learn about the outstanding learning and networking opportunities that exist within the Institute of Masters of Wine and the Court of Master Sommeliers (European Chapter) student communities.
By 26 April 2024, the applicant will hear whether they have been accepted or not for an interview by the Judges. If accepted for an interview on Zoom, the applicant’s interview will take place on or before the end of 10 May 2024. The applicant will then hear if they have been awarded a Diversity Scholarship by 17 May 2024.
Do I need to apply separately to enrol onto the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier Courses?
If you agree to the Gérard Basset Foundation sharing your application and related documents with the Institute of Masters of Wine and the Court of Master Sommeliers (European Chapter), applying for the Diversity Scholarships means you're also applying for the Masters of Wine and Master Sommelier courses. If you don't get chosen for a Diversity Scholarship interview by April 26, 2024, you'll need to decide if you want to pay the application and exam fees for these courses yourself. If you're selected for an interview by that date but don't get the scholarship by May 17, 2024, the Gérard Basset Foundation will cover these fees for you, as long as you still want to pursue the Master of Wine or Master Sommelier certifications.
What criteria do the Judges apply in awarding the Diversity Scholarships?
Assuming the applicant has reached the requisite requirements for the MW/MS programmes (as detailed above), then the Judges will award Diversity Scholarships on the basis of:
Ability
Likelihood of successfully completing the MW/MS courses
Likelihood of successfully passing the MW/MS courses
Candidates potential contribution to promoting diversity, excellence, interaction and learning in the global wine community, as well as the applicant’s interest level and time availability to participate in the Diversity Scholarship Internship programme
Financial and pastoral needs
What does the Diversity Scholarship comprise?
A financial award of up to £50,000 plus a Travel Bursary of £5,000, plus a bespoke Internship programme for up to 12 months at some of the world’s best fine wine (and spirit) estates, academic courses and other fine wine related opportunities.
The financial component of the Diversity Scholarships covers:
MW/MS courses & examination costs
Loss of earnings during the period of your Internship programme
Travel expenses during the period of your Internship programme
Up to a cap of £50,000 + £5,000 Travel Bursary *
* 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
The non-financial component of the Diversity Scholarship comprises:
Invitation to the Golden Vines® Gala in Madrid, Spain in the year of your scholarship (for 2024, 25-27 October)
Associated press commitments related to the award of their Diversity Scholarship
Internship programme for up to 12 months (see below)
Being assigned a Diversity Scholar Mentor to assist the Scholar during the duration of their MW/MS programme
Fine wine (and spirit) estates and other fine wine related opportunities currently part of the Diversity Scholarship Internship programme include:
Amorim Cork, Portugal – a 2 day ‘Cork Course’ on the science behind cork and wine ageing
Annabel’s Private Members’ Club & The Birley Clubs in London, UK
Bodega Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina
Brooklyn Nets in New York, USA
Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, Italy
Château Cheval Blanc (LVMH Vins d’Exception) in Bordeaux, France
Château d'Yquem (LVMH Vins d’Exception) in Sauternes, France
Château de la Tour in Burgundy, France
Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux, France
Clos Apalta in Apalta Valley, Chile
Colgin Cellars (LVMH Vins d’Exception) in Napa Valley, USA
Dom Pérignon in Champagne, France
Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux in Burgundy, France
Domaine Baron Thenard in Burgundy, France
Domaine des Lambrays (LVMH Vins d’Exception) in Burgundy, France
Domaine Laroche in Chablis, France
Khetsuriani Winery in Kakheti, Georgia
Klein Constantia in Constantia, South Africa
Lawrence Wine Estates (Heitz Cellars, Stony Hill Vineyard, Ink Grade Estate and Burgess Cellars) in California, USA
Liber Pater in Bordeaux, France
Marchesi Antinori in Italy
Octavian Wine Vaults in Corsham, United Kingdom
Opus One in Napa Valley, USA
Ruinart in Champagne, France
Symington Family Estates in Douro Valley, Portugal
Taylor’s Port in Douro Valley, Portugal
Vilafonté in Stellenbosch, South Africa
Viña Vik in Cachapoal Valley, Chile
Weingut Egon Müller in Mosel Valley, Germany
Weingut Eva Fricke in Rheingau, Germany
Masterclass with Marc Almert, the 2019 ASI Best Sommelier of the World and the 2020 Michelin Sommelier of the Year, at the Baur au Lac Hotel in Zürich, Switzerland
How does the Internship programme work?
Scholars will be able to choose which of the fine wine (and spirit) estates, academic courses and other fine wine related opportunities they want to include in their tailored Internship programme – with the possibility of including all of those participating in the Internship programme depending on time availability, scheduling and visa issues. The fine wine (and spirit) estates will also be able to choose whether to accept one or more Scholars, the duration and the timing of the Internship.
How does the Mentorship programme work?
5 of the Judges (listed at the top of this page) have agreed to provide mentorship assistance to the Diversity Scholars. The Mentor’s role is to provide the Diversity Scholar with advice and assistance during the entire period of their studies.
Note: The Institute of Masters of Wine and the Court of Master Sommeliers (European Chapter) may also provide their own suggested mentors to students, including the Diversity Scholars, on their courses which will be supplemental or – as determined by the Scholar – in place of the Golden Vines® mentorship programme.
If an applicant wants to speak to us before making their application for a Diversity Scholarship, who should they speak with?
Please email: enquiries@gerardbassetfoundation.org detailing your name and contact phone number and we will give you a call within 48 hours of receipt.
How do I apply for The 2024 Golden Vines® Wine Scholar Guild Scholarships?
We will automatically consider your application for The 2024 Golden Vines® Wine Scholar Guild Scholarships (10 available), should your application for the main 2024 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships (3 available, £55,000 each; Internship & Mentorship) be unsuccessful. These 2024 Golden Vines® Wine Scholar Guild Scholarships are for outstanding applicants who the Judges feel are not yet ready for the Diversity Scholarships, but who they wish to recognise and aid on their educational path.