Money to be used for The Alliance of Women in Washington Wine’s scholarship fund

The Alliance of Women in Washington Wine’s ‘Great Women of Washington Wine’ event last month raised $22,850. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for students in wine business or local viticulture and enology programs.

“Honoring these women is so wonderful,” says Luanne Holden-Boushey, a co-chair of the event and an advisory board member for The Alliance of Women in Washington Wine. “It was a great day of connecting and networking within the industry.”

Seven pioneering women of Washington wine were honored at the event. They were: Connie Crawford, grower, Crawford Farms; Jean Ferguson, co-owner, L’Ecole Winery (represented by Megan Clubb); Darcey Fugman-Small, co-founder, Woodward Canyon Winery; Patricia Gelles, co-owner, Klipsun Vineyards; Julie Grieb, general manager, Treveri Cellars; Lane Hoss, retired vice president of operations, Anthony’s Restaurants; and Peggy Patterson, co-owner, Hoodsport Winery. Author and culinary consultant Cynthia Nims moderated a discussion with the group.

The event took place March 28th at the Walter Clore Center in Prosser, Washington. It included a luncheon, a walk-around tasting, and a panel discussion. A silent auction was held to help raise funds. A welcome reception took place the night before at WIT Cellars.

The Alliance will use the money to award a $5,000 annual scholarship to a female or female-identifying student enrolled in a wine business or viticulture and enology program in Washington. The organization is working toward fully endowing the scholarship. The scholarship is facilitated by the Washington Wine Industry Foundation.

The Alliance of Women in Washington Wine was founded in 2021. The non-profit organization’s mission is to inspire, connect, and advance women in the Washington wine industry. The Alliance offers scholarships, provides a mentorship program, and facilitates social gatherings. The Alliance first offered a scholarship in 2022.

The inaugural event, the ‘First Ladies of Washington Wine,’ took place in 2023. The next event is planned for 2027.

Image copyright Richard Duval. 

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