Sonoma State University
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Wine Industry Excellence Scholarship


Wine Business Institute (WBI) Inclusive Excellence Scholarships

Academic Year 2024 - 2025

The Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Program is committed to fostering a more diverse and inclusive wine industry by supporting a broad range of scholars, including women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. Current and incoming students are encouraged to apply for the current scholarship opportunities. Read the scholarship criteria carefully and apply for those where you feel the best fit and qualifications.

Application requirements:

  • Students who are currently in or planning a wine industry career.
  • Students who will be pursuing their studies during the 24-25 academic year.

To apply:

  • Submit a current resume.
  • Submit an essay of one to three paragraphs describing yourself as a deserving candidate of the award for which you are applying. If you apply for more than one award, tailor each essay accordingly.
  • On the essay, note your name and the month/year in which you began (will begin) your studies and the month/year in which your studies are planned to conclude.
  • Send both documents in one email to Nigeria Cole, the Business Operations Manager of the WBI: winebiz@sonoma.edu. In the subject line, please note the scholarship for which you are applying.
  • No other application materials are necessary.
  • Deadline to receive applications is Tuesday, April 30, 2024.  
  • Awards will be announced on May 3, 2024.

Kistler Inclusive Excellence Program (KIEP) 

The Kistler Inclusive Excellence Program Fund (“Fund”) is intended to build diversity in the wine industry, bringing awareness and providing financial assistance to students from underrepresented populations who are pursuing or planning to pursue a career in the wine industry.

Applicants for this scholarship will demonstrate through their essay recent achievements or professional goals related to any of the following values and priorities of the School of Business: 

  • Diversity and Social Justice
  • Sustainability and Environmental Inquiry
  • Connectivity and Community Engagement
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Scholarships will provide up to $5,000 annually for up to four years (up to $20,000 total).

Fourth-year scholars will complete an internship with Kistler Vineyards (or other firm pertinent to the wine industry as agreed upon by SSU/Kistler).

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students must be at the undergraduate level and enrolled full time at Sonoma State University
  • Applicants must have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA in their last 60 units of coursework. (GPA will be verified through Sonoma State University's Admissions and Records Office.)
  • Applicants are required to submit an essay and a resume.
  • Formal admission to SSU is not required to apply however all applicants must submit their online university application via Cal State Apply before applying for scholarships.

The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program

The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program is intended to build diversity in the wine industry, bringing awareness and providing financial assistance to students from underrepresented populations who are pursuing or planning to pursue a career in the wine industry.

  • Scholarships will provide up to $15,000 annually for up to four years (up to $60,000 total).
  • Scholars will take advantage of at least one wine industry internship experience.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Transfer students are also eligible.
  • Students must be enrolled full-time at Sonoma State University and taking coursework in SSU’s graduate or undergraduate Wine Business programs. Students must demonstrate an academic focus on preparing for a career in the wine industry.
  • Scholars must maintain a four-year graduation track at a minimum 2.5 GPA (GPA will be verified through Sonoma State University's Admissions and Records Office.
  • Formal admission to SSU is not required to apply however all applicants must submit their online university application via Cal State Apply before applying for scholarships.

The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) Wine Business Scholarship

The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) Wine Business Scholarship serves to build diversity in the wine industry, bring awareness to present-day Black winemakers, and provide financial assistance to students from an underrepresented population pursuing a career in the wine industry.

Applicants through their essay will demonstrate professional goals in the wine industry, how they will improve diversity in the wine industry, and a desire to help others reach their goals as they advance their own careers.

The amount of the scholarship award will be up to $5,000 to pay for tuition

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a junior or senior or graduate student at Sonoma State University pursuing a B.S. or MBA degree in Business Administration with a concentration in wine business.
  • Applicants must participate in one of the Black Student Success Initiatives at Sonoma State, such as the Black Student Union or the Male Success Initiative.
  • Must possess a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0.
  • Must be a member of an underrepresented population.
  • Must demonstrate an interest in the wine industry as a career.

The Charles Woodson & O'Neill Family Wine Scholarship Award 

The Charles Woodson & O’Neill Family Wine Scholarship aims to recruit and retain high-achieving underrepresented students interested in pursuing a career in the wine industry. The scholarship will be available to a student enrolled at or accepted at Sonoma State.

Applicants for this scholarship will demonstrate through their essay thoughtful professional goals in the wine industry, challenges that they have faced as a member of an underrepresented population, insight into the challenges of underrepresented populations in the wine industry, and a desire to help others reach their goals as they advance in their career.

Formal admission to SSU is not required to apply. The scholarship will cover up to 100% of the tuition and room and board to support the recipient over their entire college career. O’Neill Vintners & Distillers will provide internships and mentoring to offer hands-on learning opportunities for scholarship recipients to enhance their college experience in the wine industry.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be a continuing student or a new degree-seeking undergraduate student who has applied for admission and is planning to attend SSU full-time.
  • Applicants must participate in one of the Black Student Success Initiatives at Sonoma State, such as the Black Student Union or the Male Success Initiative. Incoming freshmen must currently be participating in similar programs at their high school.
  • Applicants must have a minimum overall 2.5 GPA in his/her/their high school (if a first-time freshman) or college-level coursework (if a current college student). (GPA will be verified through Sonoma State University's Admissions and Records Office.)
  • Applicants will only be considered whose demonstrated intent is to earn a B.S. degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Wine Business Strategies in the School of Business.
  • Applicants are required to submit an essay and a resume.

Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Graduate Scholarship

Debbie was the eldest of four daughters. She grew up in California’s Central Valley, spending childhood summers at the family ranch, where they grew Bartlett pears and row crops. She eventually took over management of the ranch, worked as a kindergarten teacher, got into retail sales and then co-managed the oldest wine bar in San Francisco, The London Wine Bar. In the late 1970’s Debbie met Randy Lewis at a wine tasting and they eventually married. In 1992, she and Randy co-founded Lewis Cellars. Together they built a legacy and in 2016, the Lewis 2013 Napa Cabernet was named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator.

Debbie was the rock of her family and provided the steady hand that built Lewis Cellars. She was involved in every aspect of vineyard management, winemaking, sales, distribution, and she spent many days on the road, building relationships all over the country. Debbie had a life-long passion for mastering the business of wine and set an inspiring example of dedication and hard work to all those around her.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be accepted or currently enrolled in the Wine MBA program.
  • Applicants must have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA in their last 60 units of completed coursework.

All eligible students are encouraged to apply. The Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Scholarship does not consider (give preference to or discriminate based on) sex, gender or any other protected status as part of the application and selection process.