Two Master of Wine students win the 2026 Barca-Velha Golden Vines® MW scholarships
LONDON, UK, 6 OCTOBER 2026 — The Gérard Basset Foundation has awarded Master of Wine (MW) students, Loreto Pancorbo and Christy Fuhrman, the 2026 Barca-Velha Golden Vines® MW Scholarships. The winners were selected from 48 applicants based across 22 countries.
The scholarship, operated by the Gerard Basset Foundation in partnership with SOGRAPE, offers two scholars £35,000 each in funding towards their Master of Wine studies, £15,000 of which may be used for bespoke internships and educational wine travels around the world and visits to premium wine estates. Additionally, the scholars are welcomed into the Gerard Basset Foundation community of wine, spirits and hospitality professionals who are eager to learn from and support each other – a great source of motivation to those who live in more isolated areas and don’t have access to study groups or workshops.
Chicago-based wine educator Christy Fuhrman, who teaches at the American Wine School and through her own business, My Somm Sense, already holds the WSET Diploma and the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced qualification. She hopes to use her MW education to support “those coming behind her”, with ambitions to establish a wine school focused on making education more affordable and accessible.
Loreto Pancorbo, raised in Rioja and now technical director of Vinos en Tándem SC in the Canary Islands, combines winemaking with her work as a WSET educator. She hopes to establish a mentorship initiative supporting women in wine and young people.
Both scholars cite their experiences as women in the industry and the challenges they faced as motivation to make wine education more accessible and help the next generation avoid facing similar difficulties alone.
Remarking on the foundation’s new scholars, Nina Basset FIH said: “Christy and Loreto embody the determination, generosity and commitment to education that lie at the heart of the Barca-Velha Golden Vines MW Scholarships. Both have experienced barriers during their careers yet have responded by dedicating themselves not only to their own development but also to supporting others. We are delighted to help them progress towards becoming Masters of Wine and to develop their ambitions to make wine education more accessible.”
Our sincere 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/