3 of 161 New Zealand Sommelier Scholarship: Applications Now Open (Canada)

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New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship Applications
Are Now Open!

The New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship applications are now open for Canada, with a refreshed selection process designed to both educate and identify the top candidate. This year, the goal remains to select one Canadian sommelier to attend the Sommit in New Zealand in February 2027. As part of the process, twenty applicants, ten from the East Coast and ten from the West Coast, will first be invited to participate in a one day “Somewhat Sommit” immersive learning experience led by Sommit alumnus Christopher Sealy and Master of Wine Jacky Blisson.

These sessions, taking place in Toronto on June 8 and Vancouver on September 14, are designed to deepen knowledge of New Zealand wine and will serve as the final evaluation stage, from which one successful candidate will be chosen.

Applicants must be:

Be a working sommelier*

Be available to participate in a full-day New Zealand wine education session:
– East Coast (Ontario and east): Toronto, Monday June 8
– West Coast (Manitoba and west): Vancouver, Monday September 14

The top 10 applicants from each coast will be invited to attend. One successful candidate will be selected from these 20 participants.

Be available to travel to New Zealand from January 21 to February 5, 2027

Be able to present a New Zealand wine session (organized by New Zealand Winegrowers) upon return

The Sommit scholarship (if selected) includes:

Attendance at Sommit™ in Waitaki Valley (January 22–23, 2027)

Attendance at Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand in Wairau, Marlborough (February 2–4, 2027)

Curated wine experiences and tastings across New Zealand

International and domestic flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, and all event registrations

APPLY NOW

For any questions regarding the scholarship in Canada, please contact Melissa Stunden, Canada Market Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers.

For the purposes of this scholarship and Sommit™, a “working sommelier” is defined as:

  • A professional responsible for or contributing to on-premise wine lists, either at their place of employment or on a consultancy basis

  • A sommelier actively working service on the floor

  • Individuals working in other areas of the wine trade or media are also eligible

  • One scholarship is available for Canada

 

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