Masters of Wine scholarships to strengthen future industry

Masters of Wine scholarships to strengthen future industry
Aurelia Badiur-Anii, Kyung eun Aum and Greg Miller. Images courtesy Constellation Brands

Three students at the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) have been awarded scholarships to support their studies, provided by Constellation Brands. Stage two student, Greg Miller of the US, was joined by stage one students Aurelia Badiur-Anii of Moldova and Kyung eun Aum of the US in receiving the 2024 awards.

Open to stage one and stage two students, the scholarships were granted on the strength of the students’ responses to a series of essay questions. Previously exclusive to North America, 2024 marks the first time one of the awards has been open to students from Europe.

Greg Miller (US) was awarded $2,000 USD and (along with a mixed case of 12 Constellation Brands wines) to assist with his stage two exam preparations for his response to the question: The US wine industry is facing the most challenging business environment since Prohibition. What are the causes and how should the industry respond?

A Cleveland-based marketing expert with experience encompassing events, digital and broadcast media, Miller currently works for Ohio-based importer and distributor European Wine Imports, as well as multimedia company EW Scripps.

On being awarded the scholarship, Miller said: “I feel honoured to receive the Constellation Brands 2025 scholarship. This came as a welcome surprise as we head into the new year and I appreciate the generous support… Since I received the news the only thing in my refrigerator is Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.”

Aurelia Badiur-Anii (Moldova) was awarded €1,000 EUR to support her stage one studies for her response to the question: Is it better to be organic or sustainable?

Badiur-Anii has a bachelor’s degree in science, specialising in Oenology from the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, and a Diploma in Oenology from ISVV Bordeaux. Having worked at Château Montrose and Domaine Dumetrier, she is committed to contributing to the wine community while proudly representing Moldova’s winemaking heritage.

Badiur-Anii expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, saying “Every journey begins with a dream, but it’s courage and hard work that turn it into reality”.

Kyung eun Aum (US), also known as Jasmine Aum, secured $1,000 USD and a mixed case of 12 Constellation Brands wines to aid her stage one studies for her response to the question: Are lower alcohol wines a passing trend or the future of the industry?

Aum began a career in the wine industry by gaining experience in brand marketing and leading wine seminars. She earned the WSET Diploma in 2018 and now lives in San Jose, California, working as a wine instructor and columnist.

Aum said she was “deeply honoured” to be awarded the scholarship.

“Writing this essay allowed me to reflect thoughtfully on the low-alcohol wine trend and its future, providing a valuable opportunity to revisit the true essence of wine,” said Aum. “While the wine market and its trends continue to evolve, I aspire to be a wine professional who preserves the timeless values that wine represents, just as IMW and Constellation Brands do.”

“We are proud to support the next generation of wine leaders through these scholarships,” said Brie Guist, Constellation Brands’ director of brand excellence and education. “Investing in their education helps strengthen the future of the wine industry and reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

IMW executive director Julian Gore-Booth remarked: “We are hugely grateful to Constellation Brands for their generosity and continuing support of MW students. These awards will make a real difference in their journeys towards becoming Masters of Wine. This year’s essay topics challenged students to apply critical thinking to three very current issues, resulting in some truly special entries.”

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