Following a successful debut in 2018, the second edition of Shaw + Smith Scholarship program scheduled for 2020 is now open for entries for wine professionals.
The scholarship is open for people working in the wine trade or hospitality in Hong Kong and Singapore, who would benefit from increasing their knowledge, understanding and love of Australian wine, according to the organiser.
Launched in 2018, the inaugural scholarship was awarded to Alan Tse of Hong Kong and Dexter Foo of Singapore. The two joined the Shaw + Smith team for a week in the Adelaide Hills during harvest in early March 2019 for first-hand experience of working in the winery, vineyards as well as in-depth regional and varietal tastings.
Speaking of the experience, Tse commented, “It was my great honour to participate in the first Shaw + Smith Scholarship this year. It was different to the other winery trips I’ve had, it’s a fantastic program that allows you to have first-hand experience in the winery and vineyard, with lots of tastings.
“In the winery I learned things you can’t get from a book, such as how to handle the pumping over, punching down, recording temperatures and sugar-levels of fermenting juice, sorting grapes, and bâtonnage. In the vineyard the vineyard manager explained in detail how he manages his vineyards, and I was also involved in picking and harvest, it was really fun! The working atmosphere was really impressive, everyone in the winery – no matter full time or part time – were always smiling and willing to teach me, and share their experience with me. To conclude, it’s a great trip that I’ll never forget in my life.”
Alan Tse and Dexter Foo at Shaw + Smith winery
Entries for the 2020 scholarship will open on July 1 this year, which coincides with Shaw + Smith’s Pinot Noir Benchmark Workshops, held in Singapore and Hong Kong on August 26 and 29 respectively.
Successful candidates will receive return airfares to Australia, five nights of accommodation in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, two nights of accommodation in Hobart, Tasmania, and all meals.
To apply, candidates will be asked for an updated CV, along with no more than 200 words, or a short video, outlining why they would like to be selected as a Shaw + Smith Scholar and how they feel the experience would benefit their career in wine.
The winners will be announced November 1, 2019.
For more information please click here or email education@shawandsmith.com.
