FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9 APRIL 2009
Organizational
Contact: Mr. Doug Scheiding
The Wine Society of Texas
1009 South CR 1110, Midland, Texas 79706
Tele: 210-863-3684 / email dss@winesocietyoftexas.org
www.WineSocietyofTexas.org
The Wine Society of Texas Announces Scholarship Grant Program Awards totaling $4,000 for assistance in education and promotion of the Texas Wine Industry.
Houston, Texas (9 APRIL 2009) - The Wine Society of Texas (WST), a 501c3 non-profit educational organization, announced that it will award five grants totaling $4,000 in support of educational conferences for the Texas Wine Industry, a new book on Texas Wine Industry, and three individuals studying viticulture at higher education institutions.
This scholarship assistance program is consistent with the founding ideas of WST and its continued mission to enhance the appreciation of wines, foster the knowledge of enology and viticulture, support charitable activities, and educate wine consumers throughout the State of Texas. The funding for the WST Scholarship program is provided from charitable donations, local WST Chapter fund raising events, and annual statewide wine events/competitions.
Following is a summary of this year’s award recipients:
$1250 is awarded to Dr. Russell Kane in Houston for an upcoming book project on the Texas Wine Industry. Dr. Kane has been very active in the Texas Wine industry having served on the WST BOD in the past, at large board position with TWGGA, and done presentations for the Texas Department of Agriculture.
$750 is awarded to Rebecca Robinson of the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas. Ms. Robinson will use the money to help sponsor several wine classes and symposiums. The foundation’s mission is to connect their members and the general public with the value, creativity and craftsmanship inherently present in the culinary and viticulture arts
$750 is awarded to Jarratt Irwin who is attending Texas A&M University studying Horticulture/Viticulture as part of a Masters of Agriculture. Mr. Irwin plans to use the grant to help cover his expenses during the summer when he will be interning at a Texas Winery. Mr. Irwin hopes to start a vineyard/winery and specialty cut flower farm in West Texas.
$750 is awarded to Robert Nida who is attending the Montpellier Sup Agro school in France. The school’s main focus is trying to solve problems that come with making wine from grapes grown in warm climates. After graduating, Mr. Nida plans to go back to Fredericksburg to hopefully continue to improve Texas wines.
$500 is awarded to Michael Jason Charles who is attending Grayson County College for an Associate Degree in Viticulture and Enology. Mr. Charles will use the grant funds to help with tuition and also to take the second level sommelier certification. Mr. Charles long term goals include starting a winery in the Dallas area.
This is the eighth consecutive year that the WST has provided grant assistance through the Scholarship Grant Program. “Even this year in an economic downturn, the Wine Society of Texas has continued its support for persons involved in promoting Texas wine and grape growing. All of these persons are the future of Texas wine and we will continue to invest in the future by offering scholarships regardless of the economy” said Ms. Elizabeth Lutton, State President of the WST.
For more information about the scholarship program or the WST please visit the website at www.winesocietyoftexas.org or contact WST by phone (210-863-3684).