Golden Vines MW scholarships open for 2026

The Gérard Basset Foundation has opened applications for the 2026 Barca Velha Golden Vines MW Scholarships, offering two candidates £35,000 each to support Master of Wine studies and international internships.

Applications officially opened on Wednesday 6 May for the latest edition of the Barca Velha Golden Vines MW Scholarships, an initiative designed to support aspiring Master of Wine students from a broad range of backgrounds.

Each successful scholar will receive £35,000 in funding, divided between MW-related costs and an individually tailored internship programme. According to the Gérard Basset Foundation, £20,000 may be used specifically for MW expenses such as examination fees and seminar travel, while a further £15,000 can support internship travel, accommodation or additional study costs.

The scholarships are open both to candidates already enrolled on the Institute of Masters of Wine programme and those intending to apply, provided they meet entry requirements and hold the WSET Diploma.

Portugal experience forms part of award

A central element of the scholarship is a dedicated educational visit with Sogrape in Portugal.

Scholars will travel to Porto, the Douro Valley and other vineyard locations to learn directly from the company’s winemaking and viticulture teams. The experience is intended to expose candidates to globally recognised estates and deepen their understanding of fine wine production in practice.

The programme also includes a bespoke internship structure, allowing scholars to propose visits to leading wine and spirits estates around the world in support of their MW studies.

Judging panel combines major industry figures

The judging panel includes several prominent names from the wine trade and wine education sector.

Those assessing applications are:

• Richard Bampfield MW
• Nina Basset FIH
• António Graça
• Joana Pais
• Jancis Robinson OBE MW
• Neil Tully MW

Each scholar will also be assigned a mentor selected from the judging panel to provide guidance throughout the MW programme.

Focus on inclusion and access

According to the Gérard Basset Foundation, the scholarships are intended to encourage wider participation within the global wine industry and are open to applicants from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented communities.

The judges said candidates will be assessed not only on ability and likelihood of completing the MW qualification, but also on their potential contribution to inclusion, learning and interaction across the international wine community.

Deadlines and application process

Applications must be submitted by midnight BST on Sunday 14 June 2026. You can do so here.

Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Friday 26 June, with Zoom interviews taking place between 1 and 3 July. Successful scholars will be notified no later than Friday 31 July.

Applicants are also required to submit a signed letter of recommendation, ideally from a Master of Wine, Master Sommelier or senior wine industry professional.

Continuing Gérard Basset’s legacy

The scholarships form part of the broader mission of the Gérard Basset Foundation, established in honour of the late Gérard Basset, whose influence on wine education and hospitality continues to shape initiatives focused on accessibility and professional development.

For prospective MW candidates facing the considerable financial demands of the qualification, the programme represents one of the wine industry’s most substantial support packages currently available.

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