In 2021, DeLille Cellars partnered with Woodinville Wine Country and Chateau Ste. Michelle to create the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship supporting Washington State University School of Viticulture and Enology. The scholarship supports minority and under-represented students within the program who demonstrate passion and dedication to the winemaking craft.
“This is a small but important step to creating more inclusivity and diversity within our wine community,” said Tom Dugan, CEO of DeLille Cellars. “WSU has a world-class viticulture and enology program, and we’re honored to partner with Chateau Ste. Michelle and Woodinville Wine Country in creating this scholarship. It reflects the great collaboration and community of Washington wine.”
Brittany Lopez is a senior at Washington State University’s School of Viticulture and Enology. Continue reading to hear from Brittany as to how this scholarship has benefitted her educational progress, and her professional and personal goals.
“Dear Judi Beck, Chateau Ste. Michelle, DeLille Cellars, and Woodinville Wine Country,
My name is Brittany Lopez, and I am a transfer student from Santa Barbara, California. I am majoring in Viticulture and Enology and am a senior in the fall. I am extremely grateful for the Woodinville Wine Country Scholarship in Diversity in Viticulture and Enology. This award has made a big impact on my finances for schooling, and I am so appreciative of it.
My future plans are to become a winemaker or even open up my own wine bar in Washington or California. I have had internships with a few wineries, and I am extremely passionate about the wine industry and look forward to continuing to learn more about wine while continuing my education at WSU. Your support has helped me to continue to accomplish my future endeavors in the wine industry.
Thank you so much!
Go Cougs!”
Brittany Lopez
The scholarship endowment for WSU’s Viticulture and Enology program is a “small step towards solving a bigger issue,” said Amber Schmitt, former Marketing Director of Woodinville Wine Country. The scholarship is the perfect way to support diversity and inclusion among future winemakers and industry professionals throughout Washington State.
DeLille Cellars D2 “Heart” Label is specifically designed for our support of various non-profits, and we label a limited quantity with this special red label each year. September 14th through September 30th, we will donate 50% of D2 Heart sales to the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship supporting WSU School of Viticulture & Enology. Purchasing a bottle of our 2019 D2 Heart Magnum (2019 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wine), or our 2020 D2 Heart 750ml is a great step towards supporting this scholarship.
The Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship supports minority and under-represented students in the Enology & Viticultural program, with the goal of fostering diversity and inclusion within the wine industry. Community members who would like to make a donation to grow the endowment fund for the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Fund can donate here.
