Announcing 2025 Barca-Velha Golden Vines® MW Scholarships
Sogrape is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Barca-Velha Golden Vines® MW Scholarships, in partnership with Liquid Icons and the Gérard Basset Foundation.
This initiative offers two aspiring wine professionals the opportunity to support their Master of Wine (MW) studies through a unique programme that combines financial support and hands-on experience.
Each scholar will receive £35,000 to contribute towards their MW studies and a bespoke internship programme with some of the world’s most iconic fine wine and rare spirits estates.
The experience also includes an immersive visit to Portugal, with exclusive access to Sogrape’s vineyards and wineries across the Douro Valley, Porto, and beyond.
Scholar selection will take place in two rounds, with a distinguished judging panel composed of:
- Richard Bampfield MW
- Nina Basset FIH, Gérard Basset Foundation
- Joana Pais, Head of Prestige, SOGRAPE
- Clement Robert MS, Liquid Icons
- Jancis Robinson OBE MW
- Luis Sottomayor, Head Winemaker, Casa Ferreirinha
- Neil Tully MW, The Institute of Masters of Wine
Applications are now open and will close on 4th July 2025.
"At Sogrape, we believe in collaboration and innovation as drivers of change. Supporting this initiative reaffirms our commitment to sustainability, education, and the celebration of wine culture. We are proud to join the Gérard Basset Foundation and Liquid Icons in contributing to a more forward-thinking and skilled future for the wine sector, as this support also reinforces Portugal’s position on the global Fine Wines landscape.", said Fernando da Cunha Guedes, President of Sogrape and 3rd generation of the Guedes Family.
In addition to the two main scholarships, applicants may also be considered for the Golden Vines® Wine Scholar Guild Scholarships, which award 10 winners with access to one of the Wine Scholar Guild’s specialised programmes focusing on key wine regions around the world.
These scholars will also benefit from a one-year WSG membership, gaining access to expert-led content and a global community of wine professionals.
These additional scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the judging panel to outstanding candidates who show great potential but are not yet ready for the MW path.
This initiative reinforces Sogrape’s long-term commitment to sustainability, education, and the promotion of wine culture on a global stage.
