Applications for the third annual award are due September 1, 2026, with recipients announced in December
August 3, 2026 (San Francisco, CA) — Badass Women in Wine (BWW) is now accepting applications for the 2027 Heilmann Trophy for Badass Women in Wine, an award that funds continuing education for women working in the wine industry. Applications are open now and must be submitted by September 1, 2026. Recipients will be announced by December 2026.
The Heilmann Trophy supports women across all areas of the wine industry, including winemaking, sales, hospitality, viticulture, and wine service, in advancing their knowledge and careers through certified education programs, wine travel, and out-of-state or international winery work experience.
Our “Herstory”
For over 15 years, Badass Women in Wine has brought together a community dedicated to empowering women across all facets of the wine industry. Rooted in leadership, integrity, generosity, and professionalism, the organization provides a platform for women to connect, support, and elevate one another.
In 2024, Badass Women in Wine returned after a hiatus during the Covid pandemic with a renewed mission: to cultivate a community for women in the wine industry who embody leadership, integrity, generosity, and professionalism, and to support them through peer mentorship and scholarship opportunities that nurture both current and future women leaders in wine.
That same year, the organization expanded its mission by establishing a dedicated grant for continuing education. The grant is named for Wendy Heilmann, the former Director of Wine for Pebble Beach, who was known for her leadership, generosity, integrity, and passion for wine.
Past Recipients
The inaugural Heilmann Trophy was awarded in 2025 to the third annual CMS Women’s Sommelier Symposium, helping to support ten women in the industry attend the BWW educational weekend that year.
The 2026 trophy supported two recipients. Karina Gallegos, a Production Assistant and up and coming winemaker, is using the funds to take an Enology class at UC Davis. Jade Palmer, a WSET III sommelier and wine director working toward a career in wine education, is using the funds to travel to Champagne for continuing education this year.
Eligibility and Application
The Heilmann Trophy is open to women working full time in the U.S. wine industry. Applicants must be employed by a U.S. based company and hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
The application asks candidates to share their professional background, certifications, and career goals, along with a statement on how they support other women in the industry and how the award would help them advance. Applicants must also submit a resume and three professional references.
Recipients receive 70 percent of funds upfront in January 2027, upon proof of enrollment or a confirmed itinerary, with the remaining 30 percent disbursed upon completion of program deliverables. Deliverables include financial documentation, a written reflection, a presentation to BWW membership, and social media updates documenting the funded experience.
Interested applicants can request details and an application by sending an email to: info@badasswomeninwine.org
About Badass Women in Wine
Badass Women in Wine is a community of women wine professionals dedicated to leadership, integrity, generosity, and professionalism across the wine industry. Through peer mentorship and grant opportunities, including the Heilmann Trophy, the organization supports current and future women leaders in winemaking, sales, hospitality, and education, with the goal of building a more inclusive industry.
