Not everyone who could become a fine sommelier can pay for the training. The Court’s website recognises this, and it describes two kinds of support for people who might otherwise be left out.
The first is the Court’s own set of global scholarships at Introductory and Certified level. The second is the Taylor’s Port Golden Vines Diversity Scholarship, announced by a company co-founded by the late Gerard Basset MS, MW, OBE and aimed at the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier programmes.
01Why the Court offers scholarships
The Court’s scholarship page begins with values. As Sommeliers, it says, our principles lie in the hospitality industry as much as in wine, if not more. Those principles include modesty, integrity and humility, as exemplified by the Court’s late president, Gerard Basset MS, MW, OBE.
The Court currently runs courses in Europe, Asia and Oceania and admits students with no stereotyping, bias or prejudice. It also says it can and should do more to increase diversity among Sommeliers. It wants to help those who feel overlooked, and those who feel excluded by gender, race, colour or low income.
02The Court’s global scholarships
The Court offers 12 global scholarships each year for BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of colour) or low-income candidates who wish to enter the Sommelier profession. They are open to anyone who wishes to apply at Introductory and Certified level.
Here is how they are shared and what they cover:
