2022 Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) Wine Business Scholarship Application

Priority DEADLINE: March 15, 2022


Thank you for your interest in applying for a Wine Scholarship from the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. Contact Ray Johnson with any questions. johnsray@sonoma.edu

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The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) Wine Business Scholarship Award
– Wine Business Undergraduate or Graduate Student 

  • The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) Wine Business Scholarship serves to build diversity in the wine industry, bring awareness to present day Black winemakers, and provide financial assistance to students from underrepresented minorities pursuing a career in the wine industry. 

  • Applicants through their essay will demonstrate professional goals in the wine industry, how they will improve diversity in the wine industry, and a desire to help others reach their goals as they advance their own career. 

  • The amount of the scholarship award will be $5,000 to pay for tuition.


Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a junior or senior or graduate student at Sonoma State University during the fall 2022 semester pursuing a B.S. or MBA degree in Business Administration with a concentration in the wine business. 

  • Applicants must participate in one of the Black Student Success Initiatives at Sonoma State, such as Black Student Union or the Male Success Initiative.  

  • Must demonstrate interest in the wine industry as a career.

  • Must be a member of an underrepresented minority.

  • Must possess a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0.



Application Process: 

  • Applicants are required to submit an essay or letter describing their professional goals in the wine industry and their desire as an underrepresented minority to help others reach their goals as they advance their own career.

  • Selected applicants will be interviewed by the scholarship committee of the SSU's Center for Academic Access and members of the AAAV’s Education and Scholarship Committee who will make a selection and inform the stewards of the scholarship fund of their choice. 

  • Within 21 days of the close of the academic year covered by the award, the recipient will send a letter to the stewards of the Fund identifying key lessons learned during the award academic year and explaining their impact and value for the student recipient.


Funding: 

  • The award will be distributed in two installments. 

  • In the event that the awardee fails to remain in the program, all undistributed funds will be forfeited.


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