Two Master of Wine students awarded Merendino Foundation scholarship
The Merendino Foundation has awarded two Master of Wine (MW) students scholarships worth $2,250 USD each to support their studies. Jane Dunkley and Yoann Canovas were both high performers in stage two of the MW study programme and received the award for showing great potential of progressing to stage three.
Each year, with the support of an endowment from the Merendino Foundation, the Masters of Wine Endowment Company is able to provide between one and four scholarships for students from the USA or Canada. Selected by the Institute of Masters of Wine, these scholarships are awarded to students who have excelled in, but not yet passed, Stage two.
Originating from South-Western Australia, Jane Dunkley got her start in the wine industry as a teenager and never looked back. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Wine Science from Charles Sturt University and won the Commanderie de Bordeaux USA Scholarship for exceptional performance in the stage one Master of Wine exam in 2021. Her quest to craft world-class wine has led her around the globe, with over two-dozen vintages in four different countries. Based in Paso Robles, California she is the Winemaker for Cakebread Cellars’ new Central Coast project, Bezel, making everyday luxury wines from the San Luis Obispo Coast and Paso Robles regions.
Upon receiving the scholarship, Jane commented: “Wow, this truly is a wonderful surprise! I really needed this little extra boost of inspiration now that my vintage is wrapping up and I shift my focus to study. The late Mr. Merendino possessed a joie de vivre and a thirst for knowledge to which I can certainly relate, so I am honored to be a recipient of his foundation’s generosity.
Yoann Canovas was born and raised in the Languedoc, where he studied wine business in Montpellier and further pursued winemaking studies in Beaune. He gained experience working in various regions worldwide, including South Africa, China, Switzerland and the Northern Rhône. In 2020, he relocated to Sonoma County, California, where he now works as a Technical Sales Consultant for DIAM.
On hearing the news, Yoann commented: “I am honoured to receive the Merendino Foundation Scholarship. This award keeps me motivated and allows me to begin the year with renewed determination.” He went on to say, “this scholarship is a valuable source of encouragement and support as I work toward my goals.”
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About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For more than 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 foster 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 uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 421 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There were 367 students from 40 countries in the 2023-24 MW study programme. The IMW works with 37 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group.
About the Merendino Foundation
The Merendino Foundation supports those who seek education or professional certification in fine wine or craft spirits. This is the product of the philanthropic objectives of Mr. Robert D. Merendino, late of Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Merendino was a well-known and respected fine wine and spirits merchant for over 55 years in the 5 Points area. The lifelong passion he possessed was a love of craft alcohol – principally fine wine, for which he was a pioneer advocate in the North Florida area.
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For more information contact:
Laura Coles
Head of Marketing and Engagement
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9136
lcoles@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 more than 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 foster 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 uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 427 Masters of Wine working in 31 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 320 students from 46 countries in the 2025-26 MW study programme. The IMW works with 38 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group. The IMW’s International Symposium is a highlight of the global wine calendar, bringing together leading figures from across the industry. The 11th International Symposium will take place in Adelaide, South Australia, in April 2027, offering four days of world-class tastings, thought-provoking presentations, debate and opportunities to explore Australia’s diverse wine regions. Find out more here: https://imwsymposium.com/