WINDSOR, Calif., August 13, 2020 – Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards has forged a relationship with SommFoundation, with a goal of helping those in the wine industry. This relationship has culminated in the brand’s desire to sponsor scholarships targeted to beverage professionals who are passionate about the industry but also in need of financial assistance as they expand their wine knowledge and earn industry certifications. Ultimately the scholarships create more opportunities for professionals at all levels; sommeliers, winemakers, journalists, bartenders, wine directors, restaurateurs and many others associated with the beverage industry.
It’s not a new idea – SommFoundation currently awards over $150,000 annually by offering fifteen scholarship programs ranging from $500 to $5,000 – but it is needed now more than ever.
Some SommFoundation scholarships are application-based (awarded on need and merit) while others are competition-based. Application-based scholarships assist with costs associated with all levels of the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) exams, the IMW Master of Wine exam, as well as general education. Competition-based scholarships are awarded for the best performance at the CMS Certified and CMS Advanced Exams, TEXSOM Best Sommelier and the Treasury Luxicon Tour competitions.
Sonoma-Cutrer currently provides scholarships for seven sommeliers working to complete The Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Exam, Advanced Course and Advanced Exam. Sonoma-Cutrer is also a sponsor of SommFoundation’s annual SommCamp Enrichment Trip, an intensive four-day program for top professionals wishing to further their knowledge of Napa and Sonoma.
In total, Sonoma-Cutrer has sponsored over $11,000 in scholarships through SommFoundation.
Tracy Thornsberry, Senior Brand Manager said, “Sonoma-Cutrer is honored to work with the SommFoundation to further wine education for individuals seeking to expand their skills. Our wines have long been a favorite in the restaurant industry and we have immense respect for the role sommeliers play in advancing the professionalism of the beverage industry.”
“It is an absolutely wonderful feeling to fund someone who is working hard toward an aspirational and educational goal,” said Thomas Price, Director of Scholarships for SommFoundation. “We want to extend our gratitude to all those who generously donate to make these programs possible. They are vital to our industry, now more than ever.”
For more information on how to apply or donate to the SommFoundation Scholarship Program visit: https://www.sommfoundation.com/scholarships/
https://www.sommfoundation.com/support-us/donate/
About Sonoma-Cutrer:
Sonoma-Cutrer has been crafting wines since 1981 in the esteemed Russian River Valley growing region of Sonoma County, California. Our flagship wine Russian River Ranches was built in the on-premise and for almost 40 years has dominated the Most Popular Chardonnay wine lists. Our winemaking process is designed specifically to preserve the highest quality grapes, and the wines are aged in barrels made of specific French oak trees that are individually-selected to fit the winemakers’ needs. All Sonoma-Cutrer wines can be purchased at the Sonoma-Cutrer winery as well as through the wine club, Club Cutrer. For more information about our wines, how to purchase or to join Club Cutrer, please visit www.sonomacutrer.com or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/sonomacutrervineyards.
About SommFoundation:
