Santiago, Chile, November 21, 2019 – VIK announces the VIK Award to support wine professionals’ educational advancement in the Institute of Masters of Wine. The scholarship awards four Masters of Wine candidates, one each from North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, a 1,000 Euro bursary to be applied to IMW educational courses and a celebratory magnum of VIK.
“Achieving the title of Master’s of Wine is a remarkable achievement requiring rigorous study, disciplined application, and sacrifice. I’m continually impressed by the caliber and commitment of Masters of Wine. VIK Award celebrates that singular drive for excellence, a trait that guides us daily at our winery,” said Carrie Vik, co-founder of VIK. Olivier Chapman, the Head of Study Programme and Development at the Institute of Masters of Wine lauded the award, “The Institute is delighted to work with VIK to offer this scholarship to a number of our students this year. Those Masters of Wine who will be traveling to Chile later this year on the IMW trip, will visit VIK and experience first hand VIK’s unique winery. We appreciate their support of the Institute through the establishment of this IMW student scholarship, and I am confident it will be of great interest to the student community.”
The scholarship application period is open from November 1st through January 20th. Essays will be read blind by a selection of judges, including the winery owners, and select Masters of Wine from award markets. Scholarship awardees will be announced on January 13th. Information on how to apply can be found at https://www.mastersofwine.org/.
VIK is proud to work with the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW). In addition to the VIK Award, the winery also annually invites newly awarded Masters of Wine for a two-day complimentary stay at the Vik Retreat in Millahue, Chile.
VIK is changing the world of fine wine. Pioneer of Chile’s Millahue Valley, VIK is one of the most highly-awarded new vineyards in the world. Guided by holism and stewardship of nature, the winery and vineyard employ exclusively sustainable practices. VIK wines are available internationally both through the winery website and through valued trade partners. First planted in 2006, VIK wines have been recognized with critical acclaim and are featured on leading Top 100 lists. To learn more, visit www.VIK.cl
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is a membership organization with an unsurpassed international reputation. Its Members – the Masters of Wine (MWs) – hold the most respected title in the world of wine. The IMW promotes excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs have proved their understanding of all aspects of wine by passing the MW examination, recognized worldwide for its rigor and high standards. In addition to passing the examination, MWs are required to sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. The code of conduct requires MWs to act with honesty and integrity, and use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others. There are currently 390 Masters of Wine today, working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, buyers, journalists, shippers, business owners, consultants, academics, and wine educators. There were 359 students in the 2018-2019 MW study program from over 45 countries. To learn more visit www.mastersofwine.org.
