A South African has been named as one of the recipients of only two scholarships for BAME/BIPOC students studying for the most prestigious wine qualifications worldwide.
Dr Erna Blancquaert (nee Witbooi) is a lecturer and researcher in viticulture at the Department of Viticulture and Oenology and the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute at Stellenbosch University.
She holds three degrees from Stellenbosch, including a PhD in viticulture and was the first BIPOC female to obtain a PhD in viticulture on the African continent. Understanding the grapevine is what excites her. She constantly pursues knowledge while at the same time seeking to share knowledge through her teaching and her interactions with students and mentees.
The 2021 Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships were awarded to Dr Blancquaert and Angela Elizabeth Scott at a ceremony and dinner held at Annabel’s Private Members Club, London, earlier this month.
Forty-two aspiring Black and ethnic minority students from 23 countries wishing to undertake the Masters of Wine (MW) and Master Sommelier (MS) programmes applied for the two scholarships covering course and exam costs, as well as loss of earnings during their work placement internships organised by Liquid Icons with some of the world’s top wine domaines.
“I am honoured and humbled. This Golden Vines Diversity Scholarship will enable me to expand my knowledge on the entire wine value chain, implement it in my teaching, and address global viti-viniculture problems through my research,” explained Dr Blancquaert.
On behalf of the judging panel Jancis Robinson MW stated: “Erna could provide inspiration for more than 50 million South Africans as the first wine academic of colour there. Her achievements are dazzling already, and that in a part of the world where it can be extremely difficult to get to grips with the rest of the wine world. She is a natural leader and a stickler for truth. I wish her every success.”
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The 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 exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, 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 419 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, academics, educators and more. There are 376 students from 41 countries in the 2020-2021 MW study programme.
About the Gérard Basset Foundation
Set up to honour the legacy and memory of Gérard Basset OBE MW MS by addressing the wine industry’s most pressing issues through education, training and mentorship, the Gérard Basset Foundation comprises a multidisciplinary team of industry-leading professionals as its Trustees: Nina Basset FIH, Romané Basset, Lewis Chester DipWSET, Ian Harris MBE DipWSET, and Jancis Robinson OBE MW.
About the 2021 Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships
42 aspiring Black and ethnic minority students from 23 countries wishing to undertake the Masters of Wine (MW) and Master Sommelier (MS) programmes applied for the scholarships. These scholarships cover the entirety of the scholars’ course and exam costs, as well as loss of earnings during their work placement internships. The internship programme includes a set of diversified work experiences with some of the world’s top wine domaines including Château Cheval Blanc, Liber Pater, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, and Château d’Yquem in Bordeaux; Dom Pérignon and Ruinart in Champagne; Domaine Baron Thenard, Domaine des Lambrays and Domaine Laroche in Burgundy; Weingut Egon Müller in Germany; Symington Family Estates and Taylor’s Port in Portugal; Colgin Cellars, Lawrence Wine Estates (Heitz Wine Cellars, Stony Hill Vineyard, Ink Grade Estate & Burgess Cellars) and Opus One in California; Klein Constantia and Vilafonté in South Africa; Bodega Catena Zapata in Argentina; Lapostolle Clos Apalta and Vina Vik in Chile; and The Macallan distillery in Scotland. The programme also includes a Masterclass with Marc Almert (the 2019 ASI Best Sommelier of the World), a 2-day specialist cork course at Amorim, work placement at Annabel’s Private Members Club & The Birley Clubs, as well as academic courses at UC Davis Department of Enology & Viticulture, the WOW Wine School (Porto), the Kedge Wine School, and the OIV. The judging panel for The Taylor’s Port Golden Vines Diversity Scholarships was comprised of Nina Basset FIH, Rajat Parr (Sandhi Wines), Carlton McCoy MS (Heitz Cellar), Clement Robert MS (The Birley Clubs / Annabel’s) and, lead judge, Jancis Robinson OBE MW. The judges will also provide ongoing mentorship to The Golden Vines Diversity Scholars during their academic journey.