Lallemand Oenology announces the winners of its 2021 bursary
In its annual bursary for students in the MW study programme, IMW supporter Lallemand Oenology has awarded the first prize to Emily Brighton and offered a second prize to Lenka Davis. Lallemand felt that adding a second prize would be beneficial in these difficult times.
Lallemand Oenology, a leading producer of wine yeast, bacteria and nutrients, first established the bursary in 2010. Lallemand is a privately owned Canadian corporation with a major presence throughout many of the world’s wine-producing countries where the main focus is on research, development and education.
The 2021 bursary was open to all stage one and stage two MW students, who were asked to write an essay in response to: ‘Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of natural wines. Is the natural wine movement a passing trend or something that is here to stay?’
Stage two student Emily Brighton was awarded £1500 to support her MW studies. She said, “I am delighted to win the prestigious and generous Lallemand prize. I very much enjoyed researching and writing on the natural wine debate, especially given it is such a pertinent, contemporary topic. The award is a great support in my progress towards achieving the MW.”
Emily is technical manager at North South Wines, a dynamic, sustainability-focused UK importer and distributor. She is responsible for managing the quality, legality and safety of their products, which are sourced from across the winemaking world. Emily is also involved in bulk shipping and preparing the business for the rigorous BRC Agents & Brokers audit. Originally a law graduate from the University of Bristol, Emily found her way into the wine trade after working at Majestic Wine. She has previously managed an independent fine wine merchant and held various technical roles within the industry, and in 2017 received the Derouet Jameson Award for her outstanding performance in the WSET Diploma.
The second prize of £500 was awarded to stage one student Lenka Davis. Formerly a public radio journalist from Slovakia, Lenka joined the wine industry after moving to California in 2014. She is currently wine director at Barbareño Restaurant and has assisted several Santa Barbara restaurants gradually introduce the local community to the benefits of conscientiously farmed wine made in a transparent fashion. Lenka has also discovered her passion for teaching WSET classes. In the future, she hopes to directly impact climate change solutions for the wine industry.
Ann Dumont, Lallemand communications manager said, “We would like to congratulate Emily on her excellent essay and its content and style on a topic that is not always easy to analyse. Lenka’s essay was very well structured and argued and deserved recognition. We hope that the bursaries will encourage them to continue their studies.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Kara Tonitto
Marketing and Communications Officer
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9139
ktonitto@mastersofwine.org
Notes to Editors:
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The 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 exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, 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 409 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, academics, educators and more. There were 341 students from over 40 countries in the 2019-2020 MW study programme.