Constellation Brands awards MW student scholarship to Kathryn House McClaskey
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is pleased to announce that Constellation Brands has awarded the first of two MW student scholarships this year to Kathryn House McClaskey.
Constellation Brands is a Principal Supporter of the IMW and offers two annual MW study programme scholarships for students based in North America. Kathryn House McClaskey achieved the highest overall score of a North American student in the stage 1 assessment.
Kathryn, a winemaker, viticulturist and wine educator behind House of Wine based in Idaho, sat for the stage 1 assessment in June of this year and will now progress to stage 2 of the MW study programme. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship award sponsored by Constellation Brands to help on her MW study journey. Kathryn will also be invited to visit the Robert Mondavi Winery for a tour of the vineyards and winery, and to taste some special wines. Kathryn will be welcomed and hosted on the visit by three Masters of Wine and Constellation Brands employees, Nova Cadamatre MW, Mark de Vere MW and Peter Marks MW.
Kathryn is the founder of House of Wine; a wine education laboratory located in Boise, Idaho. She received her Master of Science degree in horticulture with an emphasis in viticulture and enology from Washington State University and worked for wineries throughout the state of Washington.However, it was her love of learning and teaching that led her to embark on her Master of Wine journey through working for Bob Betz, MW.She relocated to Boise, Idaho in 2010 after noting the demand for wine production assistance and education in the growing region.
Upon hearing the news, Kathryn said, “I am honored and humbled to be selected for the Constellation Brands Master of Wine scholarship. Throughout my journey in the Master of Wine program, what I have learned about wine, my colleagues, and myself has far surpassed my expectations.The stage 1 assessment was a wonderful opportunity to put into practice my wine knowledge and skills gained thus far.I look forward to continuing my MW journey and the many experiences that are sure to follow.”
Constellation Brands has supported the IMW and its mission of excellence, interaction and learning across the global wine community for many years. Masters of Wine work in their wine and spirits division and they also have employees currently studying to achieve the Master of Wine title.
Peter Marks MW, vice president of wine education said, “Constellation Brands is committed to educating and developing the next generation of Masters of Wine – individuals who will go on to advocate and promote their understanding of all aspects of wine. We are excited to work with the Institute to offer this scholarship and congratulate Kathryn on her impressive score on the stage 1 assessment. We look forward to continuing our partnership and offering more scholarships over the coming years to support the MW study programme, a wonderful resource which aims to assist and advise students as they prepare themselves to take the MW examination.”
The second Constellation Brands scholarship will be announced later this year, an opportunity for stage 2 North American MW students.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Marketing and Communications Manager
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9131
skirkpatrick@mastersofwine.org
Notes to Editors:
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The Institute of Masters of Wine (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 examination, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the examination, 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 380 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, academics, educators and more. There are over 340 students in the MW study programme from over 40 countries.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Canada. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The company’s beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S., and Funky Buddha Brewery. In addition, Constellation is the world leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Black Box, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The company’s premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey. Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio; about 40 wineries, breweries and distilleries; and approximately 10,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised.
www.cbrands.com