Applications are now open for the 2026 Allen Shoup Memorial Fellowship for writers and communicators. The fellowship will award up to two individuals with an immersive experience in Washington wine.

The fellowship was established in memory of Allen Shoup. Shoup was a Washington wine pioneer who helped advance the industry as the long-time head of the state’s largest winery, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Shoup later founded his own, highly regarded winery, Long Shadows Vintners. Shoup passed away in 2022.

Now in its third year, the fellowship was established to carry on Allen’s legacy. It does so by identifying and elevating emerging writers and communicators, with the goal of making them lifelong ambassadors for Washington wine.

An expert industry panel chooses award recipients from the pool of applicants. I am honored to be on that panel for a third year. This year’s panel also includes Patrick Comiskey, Kristin Bacon (Sip Magazine), Freddy Arredondo (Cave B Estate Winery), and Ryan Shoup, who represents the Shoup family. The fellowship also has an industry advisory committee.

The Allen Shoup Memorial Fellowship is an industry-wide collaboration that includes the Washington State Wine Commission, Auction of Washington Wines, Washington Winegrowers Association, Washington Wine Industry Foundation, individuals, wineries, and growers. The fellowship is funded entirely through donations.

The deadline to apply is May 26. Read more about the fellowship or apply here.

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