Constellation Brands awards MW scholarship to student Lauren McPhate
The Institute of Masters of Wine is pleased to announce that Constellation Brands has awarded the first of two MW student scholarships to Lauren McPhate.
Constellation Brands, a Major Supporter of the Institute, has introduced two annual MW Study Programme scholarships for students based in North America. The first of the scholarships has been awarded to MW student Lauren McPhate, for achieving the highest overall score of a North American student in the stage 1 assessment. The assessment is the exam taken at the end of stage 1 and involves a 12-wine blind tasting paper and two theory essays.
Lauren, a Fine Wine Specialist based in New York, sat the stage 1 assessment in June this year and will now progress to stage 2 of the MW Study Programme. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship award sponsored by from Constellation Brands to help on her MW study journey. She will also be invited to visit the Robert Mondavi Winery for a tour of the vineyards and winery, and to taste some special wines. Lauren will be welcomed and hosted on the visit by two Masters of Wine and Constellation Brands employees, Mark de Vere MW and Peter Marks MW.
After several years working abroad in the wine trade, mainly in Asia, Lauren (pictured) decided to return home to the US to pursue her goal of becoming a Master of Wine. On hearing the news of her scholarship Lauren said, “Over the past year and a half I have put in a lot of time reading, researching and studying, and truly feel I have learned so much more than I thought possible. Passing the stage 1 assessment is a massive accomplishment, but there is still so much more to learn and master. Only one year in, and I’ve already gained so much. I love this journey and can’t wait to see what the rest of the process unfolds. Thank you for this incredible scholarship and acknowledgment.”
Constellation Brands has supported the Institute 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 our first scholarship, and congratulate Lauren 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 please 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 355 Masters of Wine working in 29 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 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. 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, Franciscan Estate, 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 9,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised.
www.cbrands.com