Wine Spectator's California Scholarship Foundation
A Legacy of Giving
The Wine Spectator California Scholarship Foundation was created to support educational institutions and philanthropic organizations that assist people in becoming part of the wine and hospitality industries. The foundation’s principal source of support is Wine Spectator’s Wine Experience; all net proceeds from this annual event are devoted to the foundation.
Creating a Lasting Impact for Future Generations
As of 2021, over 924 scholarships have been awarded and more than $30 million has been raised, thanks to the generosity of the participating vintners and attendees of the event. Among its donations, the foundation has granted:
Napa Valley College: Expand and update the Viticulture, Wine and Technology program teaching facilities — $10 million
University of California, Davis:
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Scholarships and research grants to students in the Department of Viticulture and Enology — $3.6 million
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Recording interview with winemakers and wine scholars as part of the Bancroft Library’s California Wine Pioneers Oral History Series — $394,000
Sonoma State University of California: Funding for the Wine Spectator Learning Center at the Wine Business Institute —
$3 million
Florida International University: In support of the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Lab at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management — $1 Million
Washington State University Viticulture & Enology Program — $1 million
Other beneficiaries include: Cornell University for a scholarship endowment at the School of Hotel Administration; University of Miami for a wine journalism scholarship at the School of Communication; the Society of Wine Educators; the American Institute of Wine and Food; the James Beard Foundation; the Roots Foundation; José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen; the Emeril Lagasse Foundation; and Johnson and Wales University.
