Diversity In Wine Scholarship Program with Josh Hart

Josh Hart Wine Access

Applications Due October 31, 2020

We are excited to have partnered with Wine Access, in our commitment to making the wine industry a vibrant, forward-thinking, and diverse industry. This of course requires the very best people. That’s why we’re teaming up with NBA star and wine lover Josh Hart to offer 100 scholarships to aspiring wine experts in the BIPOC community, with the goal of discovering tomorrow’s wine industry stars.

The Diversity In Wine Scholarship program is open to all members of the BIPOC community who work in or aspire to pursue a career in the wine industry. This fellowship, in partnership with Josh Hart, Wine Access, and Napa Valley Wine Academy, will reward 100 experts-to-be with the chance to learn from top wine industry professionals and become WSET Certified. Top performers can even earn additional opportunities—including a trip to Napa with Josh!

How It Works

Wine Access, in partnership with the Napa Valley Wine Academy, will sponsor Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 certification for 100 people. Anyone can apply, but preference will be given to those already working in the food and wine industry.

Wine Access will then sponsor the WSET Level 2 certification for the top five scorers of the WSET Level 1.

The top three scorers will have their WSET Level 3 sponsored by Wine Access, and travel with Josh to Napa Valley, where they’ll spend three days immersed in the wine business, visiting top wineries, meeting with experts in different disciplines, and meeting potential industry mentors. All expenses—including dinner at some of Josh’s favorite restaurants—will be paid by Wine Access.

Wine Access and Josh Hart are both thrilled to help the wine industries future stars get a foothold in the business. We can’t wait to receive your application!

All applications must be received by October 31, 2020.

To Apply click here

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D.W.S., AIWS, FWS, IWP, WSET-Certified, Chief Educational Officer

Christian Oggenfuss

Christian Oggenfuss the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Napa Valley Wine Academy is a passionate wine industry spokesman, and educator. He holds the dipWSET, the highest certification from the London based Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is an Associate Member of the Institute of Wine & Spirits. Christian also holds the French Wine Scholar (FWS), the Italian Wine Professional (IWP), and the American Wine Expert (AWE), certification. He is also one of only 64 Bourgogne Wine Ambassadors in the world.

He brings 20+ years of wine experience to the wine education arena as a marketer and brand builder for wine brands including Stags’ Leap Winery, Etude, Beringer Vineyards, Benziger Family Winery, PlumpJack Estate Winery, Odette Estate, CADE Estate Winery, St. Clement, and V. Sattui Winery.

Christian is a born entrepreneur and has successfully launched wine-related businesses in Switzerland and traveled extensively to all major wine regions in Europe and North America. He is fluent in Schwiizerdütsch (Swiss-German) and English. Additionally, he is a Certified Champagne Wine Location Specialist (Champagne Bureau) and a Certified Port Wine Location Specialist (Port Wine Institute).