Gérard Basset Foundation Named Two MW Scholars
Christy Fuhrman and Loreto Pancorbo received scholarships to support their Master of Wine studies.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Gérard Basset Foundation selected wine educator Christy Fuhrman and technical director Loreto Pancorbo as the new Barca-Velha Golden Vines Master of Wine scholars. Each recipient will receive £35,000 in funding to support their wine education pursuits.
Why it matters
The program provides essential financial support and professional guidance to help these scholars advance their careers and create more accessible paths for others in the wine industry.
Each scholar receives £35,000 to fund their Master of Wine studies. The award was granted to 2 individuals for the current cycle.
The players
Gérard Basset Foundation
This organization promotes excellence in the hospitality and wine sectors through various educational programs and financial support.
Christy Fuhrman
She is a wine educator based in Chicago who aims to open a school focused on making wine education more accessible and affordable.
Loreto Pancorbo
Based in the Canary Islands, she serves as a winery technical director and plans to create a mentorship initiative for women and young professionals.
The details
The scholarship includes a tailored internship program and mentorship provided by a panel to aid in the professional growth of the recipients. As part of their development, Fuhrman and Pancorbo will visit Sogrape estates in Portugal, such as Casa Ferreirinha.
Timeline
The foundation announced the two scholarship recipients on October 7, 2026.
Culture Shift
The scholarship reflects a growing movement within the wine industry to prioritize diversity and inclusivity in professional education. By funding experts from varied professional backgrounds, the program challenges the traditional exclusivity associated with the Master of Wine program.
For aspiring wine professionals, these grants provide a tangible roadmap for offsetting the high costs of advanced certifications. Scholars utilize this support to launch their own educational initiatives, eventually expanding learning opportunities for local students.
The takeaway
Advancing as a professional in the wine industry often requires both mentorship and significant financial backing to overcome educational barriers. Pursuing similar industry-specific grants can provide the necessary resources to transition from student to established expert.
Further reading
Learn more about financial aid and professional development opportunities in our Scholarships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Harpers.
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