Fellowship returns for third year, offering recipients an immersive trip and stipend
May 5, 2026 (Seattle, WA) — Applications are open for the 2026 Allen Shoup Memorial Fellowship for writers and communicators. Now in its third year, the fellowship will award up to two recipients with an immersive trip to Washington’s vineyards and wineries, along with a stipend.
The Fellowship was established in memory of Allen Shoup, who passed away in 2022. Shoup played a pioneering role in developing Washington’s wine industry as the longtime head of the state’s largest winery, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, and later as the owner of his own acclaimed winery, Long Shadows Vintners.
“My father was passionate about sharing the story of Washington wine and helping others find their voice within it,” said Ryan Shoup. “He believed the best way to do that was to bring writers here to connect with the people who grow the grapes and make the wine. This fellowship carries that vision forward, and it’s meaningful to see it continue in this way.”
To honor Allen’s legacy, the industry created a fellowship for writers and communicators interested in learning more about Washington wine. The goal is to grow consumer awareness and perception by identifying and elevating emerging wine writers and communicators and making these new voices part of a community of lifelong ambassadors. An emerging applicant may be toward the beginning of their career, or be a more established writer or communicator who is relatively new to wine.
An expert panel will choose the fellowship recipients, with input from an industry advisory committee. The 2026 selection panel includes:
- National wine writer seat: Patrick Comiskey, Writer and Editor
- PNW-based wine writer seat: Sean P. Sullivan, Northwest Wine Report
- Wine professional at large seat: Kristin Bacon, Sip Magazine
- WA Wine industry seat: Freddy Arredondo, Cave B Winery
- Shoup family representative: Ryan Shoup
As part of the application process, the writers will be required to submit three published pieces, a 500-word essay detailing why they are interested in learning about Washington wine, and solid story ideas.
“In the first two years of the Shoup Memorial Fellowship, we’ve received applications from writers and communicators from all over the world,” said Sean Sullivan, editor and publisher of Northwest Wine Report. “It’s been an honor to work with the selection panel and advisory committee to carry on Allen’s legacy.”
The fellowship is an industry-wide collaboration for Washington wine, bringing together the Washington State Wine Commission, Auction of Washington Wines, Washington Winegrowers Association, Washington Wine Industry Foundation, individuals, wineries and growers. It is funded entirely through donations.
Applications are now open for interested writers and communicators. The deadline to apply is May 26, 2026.
About the Washington State Wine Commission
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington state. Guided by an appointed board, the mission of the WSWC is to drive growth of Washington wine through Marketing, Communications, and Viticulture & Enology Research. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwine.org.
About the Auction of Washington Wines
The Northwest Wine Benefit Foundation, DBA Auction of Washington Wines, is committed to supporting the growth and awareness of the Washington state wine industry through a series of celebrated events benefiting the community. They have raised nearly $72 million since its inception in 1988.To learn more, visit auctionofwawines.org.
About Washington Winegrowers Association
Founded in 1983, the Washington Winegrowers Association supports winegrape growers, vintners, and allied members by addressing industry needs and collaborating to enhance the Washington wine industry. Washington Winegrowers Association provides state and federal advocacy and education on industry matters, serving as a unifying voice and stewarding relationships across the wine industry, with its members, growers, vintners, policymakers, educational institutions, and other industry partners. To learn more, visit www.wawinegrowers.org.
About Washington Wine Industry Foundation
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation is a dynamic network of wine industry professionals united by a common vision: to foster a thriving Washington wine industry. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation facilitates, manages, and distributes funding to confront challenges and invest in solutions including scholarships, industry events, and sustainability such as pest control, clean plants, risk management, safety, and more. Through collaboration and partnerships, the Foundation honors the industry’s heritage while forging a path to a flourishing future for Washington wine. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwinefoundation.org.
