Delicato Family Wines announce the first recipients of its winemaker scholarship and mentoring program. The program seeks to encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students to join the wine industry and support them through the academic pipeline to a successful early career placement opportunity.
The two high school graduates will receive a fully paid scholarship, including living expenses, mentorship by a senior executive, professional development, and industry experience through paid summer internships and a guaranteed job upon graduation.
Delicato Family Wines’ Winemaker Scholarship Program is to support diversity efforts within the Wine Industry with a specific focus on supporting BIPOC students in their pursuit of becoming a Winemaker.
Launched earlier this year, the 2021 Winemaker Scholarship was initially slated for a single recipient to receive the scholarship. However, when presented with the final candidates, the review committee was impressed with two inspiring and talented young women – Ariana Godina of Madera South High and Mercy Torres of Carpinteria High School. Each of the recipients will be attending California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo this fall, with a focus on Viticulture and Enology.
“This scholarship program represents Delicato’s continued commitment to helping the next generation of leaders pursue their dreams. We applaud Ariana and Mercy for all of the hard work and dedication that has brought them this far. We are excited to be a part of their bright futures, and we look forward to the innovative contributions these students will make to our industry,” said Chris Indelicato, Chief Executive Officer.