Essential Funding to Support Next Generation of Wine Scholars
OAKVILLE, Calif. (April 2, 2018) – Napa Valley icon Robert Mondavi Winery, in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, has created a five-year scholarship for the advancement of wine education in the U.S. From 2018 to 2022, the James Beard Foundation Robert Mondavi Memorial Scholarship will award $10,000 annually to an aspiring culinary or wine professional to further their wine education at a licensed or accredited culinary school, hospitality institution, college or university of their choice.
In addition to providing the award for tuition expenses, Robert Mondavi Winery will also provide each of the five annual winners the opportunity for experiential learning through a visit to the celebrated Napa Valley winery and immersion in activities around the historic estate.
Michelle Perry, Vice President of Marketing, Hospitality and DTC at Robert Mondavi Winery says, “Robert Mondavi was a generous teacher throughout his life, mentoring many young winemakers and sharing winemaking learnings with his Napa Valley colleagues for the greater good of the industry. It was a natural fit, then, for us to partner with such an esteemed culinary organization as the James Beard Foundation, with whom we’ve enjoyed a close relationship over the years, to support the next generation of wine scholars and innovators. We’re excited to help the best and the brightest in advancing their wine careers.”
“We are grateful for the benevolent support the Foundation continues to receive from the Robert Mondavi Winery for our educational programming,” adds Michelle Santoro, Senior Manager, Scholarships, James Beard Foundation. “Whether it is for the Robert Mondavi Winery Memorial Scholarship for a deserving candidate pursuing beverage or wine studies or as a supporting sponsor of our national Taste America culinary tour, their generosity allows us to expand our mission to make America’s wine and beverage culture more diverse and sustainable for everyone.”
The 2018 James Beard Foundation Robert Mondavi Memorial Scholarship application period runs from April 1, 2018 through May 15, 2018. To be eligible, candidates must be U.S. residents, age 21 or older and have a high school diploma or GED. They must also be enrolling in or enrolled at a beverage, wine studies or hospitality management program or a Master Sommelier program at an accredited culinary school or institution. For more information on how to apply for the James Beard Foundation Robert Mondavi Memorial Scholarship, visit: www.jamesbeard.org/scholarships. The 2018 winner will be notified in August 2018.
About Robert Mondavi Winery
Robert Mondavi Winery was founded in 1966 by winemaking pioneer and icon Robert Mondavi. It is home to the historic To Kalon Vineyard, a 440-acre parcel of exceptional provenance that contributes to the winery’s Napa Valley, Oakville, Reserve, and To Kalon vineyard-designated wine programs. Robert Mondavi Winery’s love of craftsmanship went beyond winemaking to include art, music and food, elements of which are woven throughout the winery and visitor experience. For additional information about Robert Mondavi Winery, visit: www.robertmondaviwinery.com
About the James Beard Foundation
Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation celebrates, nurtures, and honors chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, the late James Beard was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, instilling in them the value of wholesome, healthful, and delicious food. Today JBF continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships for culinary students, publications, chef advocacy training, and thought-leader convening. The Foundation also maintains the historic James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village as a “performance space” for visiting chefs. For more information, please visit jamesbeard.org.
