June 2, 2026 (San Francisco, CA) — The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is now accepting applications for its inaugural Wine Studies Grant, a new initiative designed to support Bay Area women advancing their education and careers in the wine industry. The program will award funding to individuals pursuing certification, professional development, and other wine-focused educational opportunities.
The Wine Studies Grant reflects LDEI-SF’s continued commitment to education, advocacy, and philanthropy across food, beverage, and hospitality. Through this new program, the chapter will award two grants of $2,500 each to Bay Area women pursuing wine education and professional development opportunities across industry sectors.
Grant funds may be used to support a wide range of experiences and resources relating to wine education, including: formal certification programs such as WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, and UC Davis; immersion trips; study materials; workshops and seminars; and other wine-related professional development coursework.
“The Wine Studies Grant is an exciting step forward for our chapter as we continue to expand opportunities for women in the beverage industry,” says Wine Studies Committee Co-Chair Emily Wines. “Through this program, we aim to empower both emerging and established professionals to deepen their wine knowledge, advance their careers, and play an active role in shaping a more inclusive and collaborative wine community.”
Open to women residing in the greater Bay Area, the grant is designed to support individuals working across all facets of the wine and hospitality industries, from production and viticulture to sales, marketing, education, and entrepreneurship. Applicants will be evaluated based on their professional goals, commitment to community and mentorship, and alignment with LDEI-SF’s mission to foster leadership and inclusion.
The Wine Studies Grant is led by LDEI-SF’s newly established Wine Studies Committee, marking an important expansion of the chapter’s philanthropic programming. The committee is co-chaired by Emily Wines and Tish Wiggins, with members Katie Canfield and J’nai Gaither, and board liaison Jennifer Pagano.
Applications are open from June 1 through July 31, 2026. Finalists will be selected through a multi-stage review process, with recipients announced in August.
For full application details, eligibility requirements, and to apply, please visit the LDEI-SF website:
https://lesdamessf.org/Wine-Studies-Grant.
About Les Dames d’Escoffier International
LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @lesdamesintl, LinkedIn and Twitter @lesdamesintl. More information on The San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf.
About Les Dames d’Escoffier International – San Francisco Chapter
The San Francisco chapter of LDEI, founded in 1989, celebrates the 35th year since its founding. The chapter provides programs and philanthropy to support its members and nurture the next generation of culinary leaders. More information on the San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf and on Facebook.
