Our Grantee programme supports a range of projects aimed at a diverse range of communities & individuals at the earlier stages of their careers, delivered by 30 organisations located in 15 countries, ranging in size and scope from grassroots non-profits to globally renowned research institutions.
Our Scholarship programmes support those undertaking higher level qualifications, including the Master of Wine & Master Sommelier certifications. Since our founding in 2021, we have supported 66 scholarship and bursary recipients, comprising 28 nationalities and living in 23 countries globally.
Through these programmes combined, we have reached 1,200 beneficiaries around the world since our founding. Here are some of their stories, in their own words.
Our Grantees
Learn more about the impact of the projects which our funding has supported through the Grantees we work with globally
Scholars & Scholarships
Learn more about the amazing Scholarship programmes which we support, offering amazing opportunities for career progression
“The Gérard Basset Foundation has really helped me… I think everybody needs someone that believes in them. They have really helped me feel seen.”
— Jarrett Buffington, 2023 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® MS Scholar
“The support that I get from the Academy is priceless. The mentors (staff and coaches) love and support us as if we were one of their siblings… The support we got made us who we are today. It’s very difficult to find someone who believes in you but the Academy believes in us and because of this support we are slowly turning into giants of the wine industry one step at a time.“
— Mihle Sihela, Student of the Pintoage Youth Development Academy supported on their Wine & Marketing Course through Gérard Basset Foundation funding
In 2016 Darian achieved her Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Northern Iowa. Shortly after graduating she dove into the world of hospitality, and she credits her love of the hospitality industry, in part, to her neurodivergence. She enjoys studying spirits and says her favourite way to learn is by connecting stories of people and history to beverages enjoyed today. She utilises her unique perspective and lived experience to make the storytelling of spirits history more accessible to a wider audience of people. She currently oversees talent and product development at London Underground, a British-themed pub and community space in Ames, Iowa, USA. She also works with the nonprofit organisation SAFE Bars Network to bring accessible bystander intervention culture and training to bar programs across the United States. Darian founded Women & Whiskey, an educational storytelling program focused on shining light on women in the whiskey industry. Darian hopes to empower more young women to shatter barriers and pursue fulfilling careers in the beverage production industry
— Darian Everding, 2023 Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholar
“I am so grateful for The Gérard Basset Foundation and the support it provides to the Africa Wine Academy in Ghana. As someone who has always enjoyed wine but never had access to formal education on the subject, the academy has been a game-changer. The classes are taught by knowledgeable and passionate instructors who have helped me understand the nuances of different varietals and regions. I've also learned how to properly taste and evaluate wine, which has made me appreciate it even more. Thanks to the Foundation's support, the academy can offer these classes for free, making wine education accessible to everyone in Ghana“
— Irene Prempeh, Student of the Africa Wine Academy who successfully passed WSET Level 1 in Wines through Gérard Basset Foundation funding
Sharrol has worked in a variety of wine bars and restaurants, and her current role as a sommelière at Culture Wine Bar, allows her to experience the wines of some of South Africa’s most progressive winemakers. Sharrol grew up far from the winemaking regions of South Africa, and as she has become more immersed in the industry she has become keener than ever to share her passion with others who, like her, may not have had a chance to experience the diversity of the world of wine.
— Sharrol Mukendi-Klass, 2023 ASI Gérard Basset Foundation Sommelier Scholar
- Stella Atanasova-Demestiha, a single-mother studying with the Wine & Spirits Professional Centre who was able to undertake WSET Level 1 in Wine & Spirits courses, as well a Barista training course, thanks to Gerard Basset Foundation funding.
“I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Lazarakis, WSPC and the Gérard Basset Foundation for this initiative, giving the opportunity to 25 women from single-parent families to attend the program. Thanks to our teachers, who cleared up uncertainties, the knowledge we gained is so valuable. In addition, my goal is to continue my education in wine, so that I can become a professional in the field in the near future”
- Shane Mumba, South African participant in the 2022 Bordeaux Mentor Week, a project supported from its inception by Gérard Basset Foundation funding.
“The Bordeaux week has given me the opportunity to learn and inspired me to keep pushing the boundaries. Africa needs more people to understand the importance of the African wine and spirit market, through education and dedication we should make sustainable decisions for growth.”
- Ralph Roldan, an apprentice who completed The 280 Project’s Apprenticeship Program, supported by Gérard Basset Foundation funding.