Two Master of Wine students win the 2025 Barca-Velha Golden Vines® MW scholarships
LONDON, UK, 14 OCTOBER 2025 — The Gérard Basset Foundation has awarded two Master of Wine (MW) students, Sera Karamshuk and Leila Killoran, the 2025 Barca-Velha Golden Vines® MW Scholarships.
Selected from 58 applicants, Sera and Leila stood out for their talent, ambition and potential. Each will receive:
£20,000 towards MW-related costs
£15,000 for internships and educational travel
A bespoke SOGRAPE Portugal experience, visiting vineyards and wineries across the Douro and beyond
Their choice of mentor from the judging panel
With diverse backgrounds, both scholars will benefit not only from their mentors and MW studies, but from one another’s perspectives. They will also be welcomed into the GBF alumni community and introduced at the Golden Vines Awards in Miami this November.
Our thanks go to Sogrape and the Golden Vines Awards for making these scholarships possible.
About the Gérard Basset Foundation
We are the world’s leading charitable foundation dedicated to using the wine, spirits and hospitality industries as a vehicle for change. We were founded in honour of the world-renowned sommelier Gérard Basset; whose openness, humour and passion inspires all that we do. We strive to build a future where a career in wine, spirits & hospitality has the potential to change lives and is open to all, irrespective of background or circumstance. We believe that everyone deserves a fair chance. Since our founding, we have directly benefited nearly 1,600 individuals through our funding. We share Gérard’s belief that, with the right support, opportunity and nurturing, lives can be improved.
For more information visit: https://gerardbassetfoundation.org/
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/