Gérard Basset Foundation Announces a Visionary Group of Changemakers as Its Next Series of Grantees
On December 9th, 2024, the Gérard Basset Foundation revealed its latest series of grantees, further committing to its mission of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the global wine, spirits, and hospitality industries.
This year’s grants highlight the Foundation’s dedication to providing educational and professional opportunities accessible to all, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Recognized for their impactful programs, six organizations across Brazil, the USA, South Africa, and the UK were honored:
- ENO CULTURA (Brazil) is Brazil’s largest provider of international wine certifications. The Foundation is supporting ‘Wine for Life’, a wine education programme that encourages applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn new skills and deepen their abilities to further their careers in wine and hospitality.
- GLANCY WINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION (USA) offers wine education scholarships to underserved communities in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. We are supporting scholarships for beneficiaries to undertake wine certifications through their programme.
- INSTITUTE OF CAPE WINE MASTERS (South Africa) is one of the highest qualifications attainable in the South African wine industry. We are supporting students with their course fees as they undertake the Cape Wine Master qualification.
- TALES OF THE COCKTAIL FOUNDATION (USA) is a non-profit organisation that seeks to educate and support various communities in the drinks trade. We are supporting students as they undertake the Cocktail Apprenticeship Programme, enabling up-and-coming bartenders to be mentored by and learn from some of the biggest names in the industry.
- DRINKLUSIVE (UK) is the drinks industries’ first Inclusivity Mentorship aimed at increasing the representation of drinks personalities from all diverse communities.
- WOMEN OF THE VINE & SPIRITS FOUNDATION (USA) is a non-profit organisation offering scholarships globally for women to advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer, and hospitality industries through education, leadership, and professional development.
Romané Basset, co-founder and trustee, encapsulates the foundation’s ethos: “We are proud to announce funding to support 6 new grants as part of our mandate to fund educational and professional programmes focused on providing accessibility to people from disadvantaged backgrounds, regardless of what shape or form that might represent for them. We believe very strongly that everyone deserves a fair chance.”
For further details about the foundation’s past beneficiaries and significant contributions to the wine industry this year, visit the Wine Travel Awards platform.
The Gérard Basset Foundation’s Impact on the Wine Travel Awards: The Gérard Basset Foundation has significantly shaped the Wine Travel Awards (WTA), with Nina Basset’s pivotal role as a judge during the 2023-2024 campaign year markedly enhancing the awards’ prestige. The Foundation’s support, particularly evident in the WTA Ambassador nomination, resonates deeply with its commitment to fostering richer dialogue within the wine industry, underscoring its dedication to both tradition and progress in the world of wine. As we reflect on the foundation’s enduring impact on the WTA, we also recognize its ongoing efforts to promote excellence within the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries.
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