WINDSOR, Calif., July 14, 2022 – Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards is proud to announce the seven new recipients of this year’s SommFoundation Scholarship. Sonoma-Cutrer has once again collaborated 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 scholarships were awarded to: Jessica Beres (Parma, OH), Shenrui Deng (Pullman, WA), Joshua Hernandez (Mammoth Lakes, CA), Jamie Knee (Santa Barbara, CA), Francies Kulga (Walla Walla, WA), Alexandra Lesnak (Bar Harbor, ME), and Jaryd Spann (Washington, D.C.).
In total, Sonoma-Cutrer has sponsored over $27,200 in scholarships through SommFoundation, aiding sommeliers working to complete The Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Exam, Advanced Course and Advanced Sommelier 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 continue its partnership with the SommFoundation to further wine education for individuals seeking to grow professionally. Our wines have long been a favorite in the restaurant industry and we value the role sommeliers play in advancing the hospitality industry.”
SommFoundation provides $100,000 in scholarship funds annually through eighteen programs with awards ranging from $500 to $5,000. 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 Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Sommelier Exam, and numerous online competitions based on SommFoundation educational webinars.
“It is an absolutely wonderful feeling to fund someone who is working hard toward an aspirational and educational goal,” said Thomas Price, Chairman of the Board at 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.
https://www.sommfoundation.
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/
About SommFoundation
SommFoundation is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, committed to assisting beverage professionals to achieve their full potential.
