Home Industry News Releases Sonoma-Cutrer Announces Recipients of SommFoundation Scholarships for Aspiring Sommeliers 

Sonoma-Cutrer Announces Recipients of SommFoundation Scholarships for Aspiring Sommeliers 

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Hugo Arias Sanchez

WINDSOR, Calif., August 24, 2020 – Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards is proud to announce the seven recipients of this year’s SommFoundation Scholarship. Sonoma-Cutrer has partnered with SommFoundation to sponsor scholarships targeted to passionate beverage industry professionals who are seeking to expand their wine knowledge and earn industry certifications. 

This year, the recipients of the scholarships include: Derek Baker (Snackbar in Oxford, Mississippi), Jacqueline Brown (Fuse Bistro in Methuen, Massachusetts), Emerson Ewald (The Dewberry in Charlston, South Carolina), John Lorimer (Red Mountain Brewing in Ouray, Colorado), and Hugo Arias Sanchez (The Grill in Washington DC). 

In total, Sonoma-Cutrer has sponsored over $20,000 in scholarships through SommFoundation, aiding 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 Somm Camp Enrichment Trip, an intensive four-day program for top professionals wishing to further their knowledge of Napa and Sonoma. 

Tracy Thornsberry, Senior Brand Manager said, “Sonoma-Cutrer is honored to work with 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.” 

Emerson Ewald

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. 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. 

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 numerous online competitions linked with Sommfoundation’s SommGeo virtual enrichment trips.

“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 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 over 30 years has dominated the Most Popular Chardonnay Wine & Spirits Annual Restaurant Poll.  Our winemaking process, led by a female-driven team, is designed specifically to preserve the highest quality grapes, and the wines are aged in barrels made of specific French oak trees that are selected to fit the winemakers’ needs. Sonoma County is the first wine region in the world to be 99% sustainable. As a leader in this initiative, Sonoma-Cutrer prioritizes protecting the environment in all viticultural and winemaking processes. 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: 

The SommFoundation (The Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation) is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, committed to assisting beverage professionals to achieve their full potential.

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