The Debbie Lewis Scholarship for Women in Wine

Debbie was the eldest of four daughters. She grew up in California’s Central Valley, spending childhood summers at the family ranch, where they grew Bartlett pears and row crops. She eventually took over management of the ranch, worked as a kindergarten teacher, got into retail sales and then co-managed the oldest wine bar in San Francisco, The London Wine Bar. In the late 1970’s Debbie met Randy Lewis at a wine tasting and they eventually married. In 1992, she and Randy co-founded Lewis Cellars. Together they built a legacy and in 2016, the Lewis 2013 Napa Cabernet was named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator.

Debbie was the rock of her family and provided the steady hand that built Lewis Cellars. She was involved in every aspect of vineyard management, winemaking, sales, distribution, and she spent many days on the road, building relationships all over the country. Debbie had a life-long passion for mastering the business of wine and set an inspiring example of dedication and hard work to all those around her.

The 2024 Application is now open, submissions close on June 15th, 2024.

THIS SCHOLARSHIP WAS CREATED TO HONOR THE LIFE OF DEBBIE LEWIS

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

This scholarship is to assist with expenses related to upper-level professional wine studies. Scholarship amount is $5000.

We encourage applications from students in the following programs, but will consider applications from all wine study fields. Our 2023 Application is open until July 15th.

  • Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced or Master Sommelier Candidates

  • WSET Diploma or Master of Wine Candidate

  • Undergraduate or Graduate Wine Business University Courses (or UC Davis degree)

  • Must be pursuing education and/or certification in wine-related fields

Additional Requirements:

  • This scholarship is for women only

  • Must work/attend school and reside in the USA

  • Must be pursuing wine education/certification in wine-related fields.

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About Lewis Cellars:

Lewis Cellars is hands-on in every aspect of vineyard management, winemaking, sales and distribution, and they thrive on these challenges and the relationships cultivated in the process. It is their continuing goal to create world-class wines. Total production is approximately 10,000 cases annually of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.