Bordeaux Mentor Week, an initiative to promote equity, inclusion and access in the global wine industry, wrapped up its fourth edition with expanded industry backing from Penfolds and 67 Pall Mall Bordeaux.
Founded in 2022 by wine writer Jane Anson and Chinedu Rita-Rosa, the program hosted eight scholars from around the world for a weeklong immersion in Bordeaux from Sept. 22–28. Participants took part in harvest visits, blending and terroir classes, tastings of mature vintages, and meetings with négociants, wineries and wine tourism professionals. All were housed at Château Bellefont Belcier in Saint-Émilion.
More than 200 applications from 40 countries were received this year. The final selection came from eight countries: Gaius Yerima (Rwanda), Kevin Dias (Brazil), Mohan Vasudevan (Mauritius), Asieh Hagh Shenas (Iran), Phuziro “Trent” Jannah (Malawi), Raul Toscano (USA), Roxanne D’Souza (India), and Yang “Eden” Zhang (China).
Anson said the week underscored the importance of creating pathways in a challenging market. “With today’s market challenges, it is more vital than ever that programs like this open doors, build bridges, and give hands-on experiences that can change a career,” she said.
The program’s long-standing sponsors — the Gérard Basset Foundation, Wine Scholar Guild and Académie du Vin Library — were joined for the first time by Penfolds and 67 Pall Mall. The additions strengthen opportunities for scholars, with 67 Pall Mall planning to offer a placement within its sommelier team at its Bordeaux club, set to open in 2026.
“The Mentor Week is a fantastic initiative, that also embodies everything that we stand for at 67 Pall Mall: excellence, education, and the unwavering belief in nurturing the next generation of talent,” said Lorraine Carrigan, the group’s commercial director.
Penfolds, which is restoring Château Lanessan and running its French Winemaking Trial program, said its support aligns with efforts to create more inclusive pathways in wine. “Bordeaux Mentor Week is a meaningful way to help open up the industry, build stronger networks, and create more equitable opportunities for those looking to grow in the world of wine,” said Kristy Keyte, chief marketing officer.
The week concluded with a dinner at Château Bellefont Belcier hosted by owner Howard Kwok and general manager Jean-Christophe Meyrou, joined by sponsors and partners from Bordeaux and abroad.
Organizers said the 2025 edition sets the stage for further growth next year as the program aims to welcome more scholars from underrepresented backgrounds and continue broadening access to the fine wine industry.
Discover more from Vino Joy News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
