Stage two MW student Alessandra Esteves awarded Merendino Foundation scholarship
Stage two MW student Alessandra Esteves has been awarded the Merendino Foundation scholarship.
Based in Jacksonville, the Merendino Foundation financially assists Florida residents who seek education or professional certification in fine wine, or other craft spirits. The Foundation was set up in memory of the late Robert D. Merendino, a fine wine and spirits merchant based in Florida.
Mostly covering WSET, Wine Scholar Guild and Court of Sommelier courses, this is the first time the Merendino Foundation has been awarded to an MW student.
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants were asked to submit a series of documents, including recommendation letters and an essay in response to the following: ‘Describe how your prior industry service has shaped who you are today, what aspirations you now have and what your experiences have taught you. Also, discuss why you believe the assistance requested will help you advance your future career within the industry.’
Alessandra Esteves is the director of wine education for Florida Wine Academy in Miami and co-founder of 305 Wines, VinoSummit and Miami Champagne Week. Previously she worked for 10 years as an attorney in Brazil, Germany and Switzerland. Alessandra receives USD $13,110 to be put towards MW study programme fees between stage one and stage two.