MW student Joshua Grainer awarded Constellation Brands stage 2 scholarship
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to announce that MW student Joshua Grainer has been awarded a scholarship from Constellation Brands.
A Principal Supporter of the IMW, Constellation Brands offers two scholarships a year to North America based students in the MW study programme. Joshua, the winemaker and technical director for RdV Vineyards in Virginia, is a stage 2 student in the programme and will receive $2,000 to support his preparation for the MW examination later this year.
He will also spend a day visiting Constellation Brands in Napa with key personnel from winery production and marketing, and meet the Constellation Brands’ MWs – Nova Cadamatre MW, Mark de Vere MW and Peter Marks MW – who selected Joshua as the recipient of the scholarship.
Prior to working in the wine trade Joshua studied geography and environmental sciences, but decided to change his career path and embarked on apprenticeships that have taken him from the cellars of France to the vineyards of Australia. He was drawn to Virginia by the potential to pioneer quality wines in the emerging region. Joshua joined RdV in 2008 with the focus of crafting world-class Bordeaux blends.
All North America based stage 2 students in the MW study programme were given the opportunity to apply for the scholarship, by submitting an essay on the question: Great wine cannot be made on a large scale. To what extend is this true or false?
On receiving the scholarship Joshua said, “I’m elated to have been selected as this year’s recipient of the Constellation Brands stage 2 scholarship. The organisation’s spirit of innovation and developing new frontiers is a philosophy close to my heart and I’m grateful for the recognition. The news is both encouraging and motivating and I greatly appreciate the generosity and support offered by Constellation Brands and their Masters of Wine.”
Peter Marks MW, vice president of wine education said, “Constellation Brands is committed to educating and developing the next generation of Masters of Wine – individuals who will go on to advocate and promote their understanding of all aspects of wine. We are excited to work with the IMW to offer this scholarship and congratulate Joshua on the excellent essay he submitted. We look forward to continuing our partnership and offering more scholarships over the coming years to support the MW study programme, a wonderful resource which aims to assist and advise students as they prepare themselves to take the MW examination.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Head of Marketing, Communications and Membership
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9131
skirkpatrick@mastersofwine.org
Notes to Editors:
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For almost 70 years, its members – the Masters of Wine (MWs) – have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW examination, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the examination, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to act with honesty and integrity, and use every opportunity to share their knowledge of wine with others. Today, there are 378 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, academics, educators and more. There are 360 students in the MW study programme from over 45 countries.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Canada. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The company’s beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S., and Funky Buddha Brewery. In addition, Constellation is the world leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Black Box, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The company’s premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey.
Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio; about 40 wineries, breweries and distilleries; and approximately 10,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, follow on Twitter @cbrands and visit www.cbrands.com