Two Master of Wine students awarded Merendino Foundation scholarship
LONDON, UK, 19 MARCH 2026 — The Merendino Foundation has awarded scholarships to two Master of Wine (MW) Students. Megan McDonald and Nicholas Poletto will each receive $2,500 USD to support their studies in recognition of their promising performances in the 2025 MW stage two practical exam.
Each year, with the support of an endowment from the Merendino Foundation, the Masters of Wine Endowment Company provides 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.
IMW executive director, Sarah Harrison, added: “We are incredibly grateful to the Merendino Foundation for its continued dedication to wine education and support of our Master of Wine students. Congratulations Megan and Nicholas on receiving this well-deserved scholarship.”
With a background in geology and geomatics, Megan began her wine career in 2014 with the Raymonds Restaurant Group in St John’s, Newfoundland, where she developed a passion for wine through fine dining and hospitality. She completed the WSET Diploma before joining Iron Gate Wine in 2018, Canada’s only national fine wine and spirits auction house. Megan is now director of client care for Eastern Canada, blending analytical expertise with deep wine knowledge to support collectors and enthusiasts.
Upon receiving the scholarship, Megan commented: “I’m thrilled to be awarded the Merendino Foundation Scholarship and honoured to have my efforts in the programme recognised. This support brings a renewed sense of motivation as I head into the upcoming seminar and prepare for the 2026 exam. My sincere thanks to the Institute of Masters of Wine and the Merendino Foundation for their generosity and encouragement.”
Born in England to an Italian family and raised in the United States, Nick began his wine career with a New York City–based distributor, working with premium on-trade accounts. He later moved to Martinborough, New Zealand, to assist with winemaking at Mebus Estate while completing the WSET Diploma. Returning to the US, Nick joined Kobrand as state manager for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, also teaching WSET at Johnson & Wales University. Promoted to director of education in 2011, he now oversees national education and sales training across Kobrand’s US distributor network.
On hearing the news, Nick commented: “I am honored to receive such a meaningful scholarship. This reward helps validate all the hours of hard work and gives me the encouragement and empowerment to persevere. I am very grateful to the Merendino Foundation.”
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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.
ENDS
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/