10 JULY 2023 | LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Camus Cognac, the renowned producer which has been guided for five generations by the Camus family since its foundation, is partnering with Liquid Icons and the Gérard Basset Foundation to create The Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholarships in Spirits. Applications open today and will close on 21 August: https://
These Scholarships aim to improve inclusion of historically marginalised communities within the Spirits Industry. 5 Scholars will be funded to undertake their WSET in Spirits certifications from Level 1 to Level 3, before being welcomed by Camus for a 5-day, intensive immersion in Cognac, across many of their departments including the distillery, the vineyards, the cellars and the production. This immersion will allow the Scholars to meet and learn from Camus’ Heads of Department, experiencing first-hand what it takes to run a world-class Cognac producer and developing their knowledge and competencies necessary to thrive in the Spirits sector.
The Scholarship will be judged by an expert panel consisting of: Alexa Camus, Vice President of the Board of Camus Wines & Spirits; James Nisbet, General Manager of the Luxury Division of Camus Wines & Spirits; Ian Harris MBE DipWSET, Trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation and CEO of the WSET 2002-2022; and Romané Basset, Co-Founding Trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation.
Commenting on the launch of this new Scholarship initiative, Alexa Camus remarked: “In my journey, every diploma and certificate has been a stepping stone, affirming that education is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s the key that unlocks potential, shapes leaders, and transforms dreams into realities. In the world of wines and spirits, a WSET diploma is more than a credential; it’s a symbol of expertise and passion. We are excited to offer scholarships to support this pursuit, fostering the next generation of industry innovators.”
About Gérard Basset Foundation
Set up to honour the legacy and memory of Gérard Basset OBE MS MW by addressing the wine industry’s most pressing issues through education, training & mentorship, the Gérard Basset Foundation comprises a multidisciplinary team of industry-leading professionals: Nina Basset FIH, Romané Basset, Lewis Chester DipWSET, Ian Harris MBE DipWSET, Sasha Lushnikov, Jancis Robinson OBE MW: https://
About Liquid Icons
Liquid Icons is a fine wine research and content production company founded by two friends to “do stuff in wine” – the late, great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and Lewis Chester DipWSET. We create first-class original content and research about the world’s greatest fine wines and spirits. Our work encompasses motion picture, industry research, recognition and celebration of wine and spirits excellence, charitable and fundraising activities, as well as educational initiatives: https://liquidicons.com
About Camus Cognac
Celebrating a living tradition five generations strong, CAMUS reflects today over 160 years of family entrepreneurship. Operating independently since 1863 we uphold the same uncompromising philosophy, one of craftsmen of an extraordinary passion, engaged in a relentless quest for the utmost refinement. We embrace our traditions whilst remaining at the forefront of science to consistently achieve new levels of aromatic intensity in our Cognacs. Perfectionists, we seek the utmost refinement with sincerity, passion and determination to produce the best Cognac in the World for the pleasure of those who appreciate the finest things in life.
In 2018, Cyril Camus, family entrepreneur and 5th generation owner of the House of Camus, founded Les Ateliers Camus. Unique in its genre Les Ateliers Camus is the birthplace of Camus’ most exclusive cognacs and the bespoke workshop marrying the finest eaux-de-vie with unique pieces of art designed and created by our craftsmen, innovative creations that relate a unique story and create strong emotions in the heart of those fortunate enough to possess them: www.camus.fr
