MW student Sandeep Ghaey awarded Constellation Brands stage two scholarship
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to announce that Master of Wine student Sandeep Ghaey has been awarded a Constellation Brands scholarship.
A principal supporter of the IMW, Constellation Brands offers two scholarships a year to North America-based students in the MW study programme. Sandeep is a stage two student in the programme and will receive $2,000 to support his preparation for the MW examination next year.
He will also spend a day visiting Constellation Brands in Napa with crucial personnel from winery production and marketing, and meet the Constellation Brands’ MWs – Nova Cadamatre MW and Mark de Vere MW – who selected Sandeep as the recipient of the scholarship.
Sandeep achieved his CMS Advanced Sommelier certification in 2016 and has more than 15 years’ experience working in the wine and hospitality industries. After spending time in restaurants and distribution, he established Vinic Wine, a wine bar and education hub in Chicago.
All North America-based stage two students in the MW study programme were given the opportunity to apply for the scholarship, by submitting an essay on the question: In a world of consumers looking for healthier options, what advantages and disadvantages does wine have to other beverages?
On receiving the scholarship, Sandeep said, “I am thrilled to be selected as the winner of the 2019 Constellation stage two scholarship. It is wonderful to have Constellation Brands as such a great supporter of the IMW, and students. They are a tremendous organisation that has left an indelible mark on the wine world. Constellation Brands continue to refine our thinking about the wine industry through a consumer-focused lens, including this year’s essay on wine healthfulness. For me, the purse will ease some financial pressure of the MW studies, and more excitingly will offer an opportunity to engage with experts across fields from this industry leader. It will be sure to add depth and texture to what otherwise can be quite siloed studies.”
Vice President, Chief Winemaker Chris Millard said, “Constellation Brands is proud to sponsor the stage two Master of Wine Scholarship and thrilled to see it go to an outstanding student. It is imperative that students are aware of all aspects of the business, and Sandeep showed great understanding of one of the global macro-trends taking place in the industry today. We look forward to hosting him at Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa, CA.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Head of Marketing, Communications and Membership
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 389 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, academics, educators and more. There are 350 students from more than 40 countries in the 2019-2020 MW study programme.
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 beer brands such as the Corona and Modelo brand families and Pacifico. Its high-quality, wine and spirits brands include the Robert Mondavi and The Prisoner Wine Company brand families, Kim Crawford, Ruffino, Meiomi and SVEDKA Vodka. The company’s portfolio also includes a collection of highly-rated, wine brands such as SIMI and Mount Veeder Winery wine brands, High West Whiskey and Casa Noble Tequila, as well as new wine innovations such as Cooper & Thief and Spoken Barrel.
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. Since its founding in 1945, Constellation’s ability to see, meet and stay ahead of shifting consumer preferences and trends across total beverage alcohol has fueled our success and made us the No. 1 growth contributor in beverage alcohol in the U.S.
www.cbrands.com