Since 2017, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 451 recipients around the world
November 12, 2026 (New York, NY) — The Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Foundation Ltd. 501(c)(3), the charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits global membership organization, received the 2026 Community Impact Award at SommCon’s Annual Imprint Awards on November 5 in San Diego. The award recognizes the Foundation’s work to expand women’s access to education and professional development across the global beverage alcohol and hospitality industries.
The SommCon Imprint Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, organizations and ideas shaping the future of the industry. The Community Impact Award honors non-profits whose dedication to service bridges the beverage industry and the communities it serves, creating meaningful and lasting change beyond the glass.
Since its launch, the WOTVS Foundation has supported hundreds of women in their professional journeys, awarding scholarships to 451 recipients and surpassing $1 million in scholarships awarded since 2017. Their Class of 2026 recipients, made up of 44 women in the beverage alcohol industry, will be announced later this month. By reducing financial barriers to education and industry credentials, the WOTVS Foundation works to expand access to professional advancement and strengthen the pipeline of women leaders throughout the industry.
“This recognition is a meaningful acknowledgment of the impact that continued education can have on women’s careers,” said Deborah Brenner, President of the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation. “We are proud to support women around the world as they pursue their professional goals, deepen their expertise, and shape the future of our industry. We accept the Community Impact Award on behalf of our incredible network of scholarship recipients, and our esteemed Foundation Board, Committee and Donors who make this work possible.”
“Being a part of the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Committee has been an incredibly meaningful part of my career, and I’m so proud of the work we’ve accomplished to empower the next generation of women leaders across the industry.” said Rhonda Motil, Vice President of Marketing, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines and Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Committee Member. “It was an honor to attend the SommCon Imprint Awards and accept the Community Impact Award on behalf of our powerful community of change makers.”
Through the ongoing generosity of its donors, the Foundation continues to connect women with educational resources that support their growth, expand their opportunities, and help them reach their full potential. The next cycle for scholarship applications will open May 2027. The Foundation is currently accepting Donations for the Class of 2027.
For more information about the WOTVS Foundation scholarships, past recipients, and how to donate, please visit wotvsfoundation.org.
Thank you to the WOTVS Foundation 2026/2027 Donors: Advocate: Suntory Global Spirits. Benefactor: The Gérard Basset Foundation; WSET. Affiliate: The Acierno Family Foundation; Dr. Aiping SUI & Dr. Wei XU Foundation; Breakthru Beverage Group; Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Tito’s Handmade Vodka; The Wine Group. Supporter: Craft & Cluster; GrayRobinson; Spencer Fane LLP.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.
