Public Voting to Determine Finalists Open Through August 31
August 26, 2026 (New York, NY) — The Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Foundation Ltd. 501(c)(3), charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits global membership organization, has been named a semifinalist for the “Community Impact Award” as part of the SommCon 2026 Imprint Awards. The Community Impact Award recognizes an individual or non-profit whose dedication to service bridges the beverage industry and the community it serves, creating meaningful and lasting change beyond the glass.
As a semifinalist, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation is now eligible to advance to the finalist round through public voting. Voting is open through Monday, August 31, and the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation is encouraging industry supporters, colleagues, and members of the beverage alcohol community to cast their vote.
Vote for the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation here: https://sommconusa.com/imprint-awards/vote/
“Being recognized as a semifinalist for the Community Impact Award is a tremendous honor and a meaningful reflection of the work of the WOTVS Foundation, providing global scholarships to women in the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries,” said Deborah Brenner, President, Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation. “Our mission is rooted in the support of our incredible Board of Directors, Foundation Committee, and the ongoing generosity of our Donors. This recognition is on behalf of your commitment, and we can’t thank you enough.”
Launched in 2017, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, provides annual scholarships for the purpose of supporting women’s continued education and professional development in the beer, wine, spirits, beverage alcohol and hospitality industries. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to 407 recipients across the globe. 2026 scholarship recipients are currently being selected and will be announced this Fall.
The Foundation’s semifinalist recognition comes at an important moment in the beverage alcohol industry, as companies and communities navigate significant changes in the marketplace. Investing in people, creating pathways for professional development, and supporting the next generation of industry leaders remains essential to building a stronger future for beverage alcohol.
Vote for the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation for the SommCon 2026 Imprint Awards Community Impact Award here: https://sommconusa.com/imprint-awards/vote/
The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is seeking donations to award scholarships in 2026 and 2027. To donate and learn more about donor levels and benefits, visit wotvsfoundation.org or contact the Foundation at foundation@womenofthevine.com.
For more information about the various scholarships awarded, visit wotvsfoundation.org.
Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation 2026 Donors: Advocate: Suntory Global Spirits. Benefactor: Gérard Basset Foundation; Wine & Spirit Education Trust® (WSET).Affiliate: The Acierno Family Foundation, Aiping Sui, MD and Wei Xu, MD: Donation in Honor of Jancis Robinson, an Industry Pioneer, Mentor and Role Model; Breakthru Beverage Group; Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Tito’s Handmade Voda; The Wine Group. Supporter: Craft & Cluster; GrayRobinson;Friend: Remy Cointreau / Westland Distillery; Tonya Rawe.
About the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation
The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is the charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits. The Foundation provides scholarships and awards for the purpose of helping women advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer, and hospitality industries through education, leadership, and professional development. For more information, please visit wotvsfoundation.org.
