The Wine Business Institute (WBI) at Sonoma State University (SSU) announced the 2023-2024 scholarship recipients of the Wine Industry Scholars Program (WISP) and the Wine Business Institute Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Program February 26. Recipients are recognized for having outstanding commitment to advancing their knowledge and expertise in the wine business.

The Wine Industry Scholars Program (WISP) supports the access, retention, and graduation of students who are first-generation college students and children of families working in the wine industry. WISP awards approximately $150,000 in scholarships annually.

The Wine Business Institute Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Program aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive wine industry by supporting a broad range of scholars, including women, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds and those requiring financial support for their education.

“This year’s recipients went through a rigorous selection process and have demonstrated exceptional dedication, passion and potential. Their achievements uphold WBI standards and reflect their commitment to furthering the wine industry’s future,” Ray Johnson, Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute said.

The Wine Business Institute scholarship recipients for the 2023-24 academic year are:

Awardees:

Derek Baljeu
Winemaker at Knights Bridge Winery
Graduate Wine MBA scholar
Awarded: The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) Scholarship

Abigail Barnabus
Undergraduate Wine Business Finance scholar
Awarded: The Charles Woodson & O’Neill Family Wine Scholarship

James Bett
Senior National Account Manager at Treasury Wine Estates
Graduate Wine MBA scholar
Awarded: The Donn P. Reisen Scholarship

Callan Durenberger
Undergraduate Wine Business Administration scholar
Awarded: The Liz Thach Wine Industry Scholarship

Ninoska Gonzalez
Undergraduate Wine Business Marketing & Management scholar
Awarded: The Kistler Inclusive Excellence Program

Roberto Alvarez Mozquedo
Undergraduate Wine Business Administration scholar
Awarded: The La Tosh Business Scholarship

Melissa Paris
Assistant Winemaker at Alpha Omega Winery
Graduate Wine MBA scholar
Awarded: The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program Scholarship  

Timmi Pavis
Tasting Room Associate at the Plumjack Group
Graduate Wine MBA scholar
Awarded: The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program Scholarship

Alyssa Ransom
Senior Cost Accountant at Jackson Family Wines
Graduate Wine MBA scholar
Awarded: The Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Scholarship 

Jilberto Reyes
Undergraduate Wine Business Accounting scholar
Awarded: The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program Scholarship

Scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year are open now. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Wine Business Institute's website for more information on eligibility criteria and application details.