Win a
FULLY FUNDED
SCHOLARSHIP
Essay question:
“What opportunities exist as part of the winemaking process for the winemaker to bring complexity to her/his wine?”
Win a Scholarship Place on our Napa Bridging Course
Take your next step towards the MW in Napa
We’re offering one scholarship covering 100% of the course fee for our four-day Bridging Course in Napa at Napa Valley Wine Academy, taking place 26–29 October 2026.
Led by Natasha Hughes MW and Cathy van Zyl MW, the Bridging Course is designed for wine professionals who are considering applying for the Master of Wine study programme and want to start developing the skills required at MW level.
The scholarship covers the full £1,500 course fee. The successful applicant will be responsible for their own travel, accommodation and other expenses associated with attending the course.
Who should apply?
The scholarship is for wine professionals who are seriously considering applying for the MW study programme and would benefit from the opportunity to experience MW-level learning before taking that next step.
You don’t need to have decided that the MW is definitely for you.
The Bridging Course is designed to give you a realistic insight into what the IMW study programme involves, while helping you develop the analytical, critical thinking and communication skills that underpin the programme.
The scholarship challenge
We don’t simply want to know what you know about wine. We want to see how you think.
To apply, submit an essay of 900-1,300 words answering the following question:
“What opportunities exist as part of the winemaking process for the winemaker to bring complexity to his/her wine?”
We’re interested in your ability to explore the question, build an argument and communicate your thinking clearly.
Applications close: 16 September 2026
Scholarship recipient announced: 30 September 2026
What you’ll receive
The successful applicant will receive one scholarship place covering the entire £1,500 teaching fee for the Napa Bridging Course.
Over the course of four days, you’ll work directly with Natasha and Cathy through practical tasting and theory sessions designed to introduce you to the analytical and critical thinking skills required at MW level.
You’ll explore not just what conclusions you reach, but how and why you reach them – and how to communicate those conclusions through evidence-based arguments.
About the Bridging Course
Thinking about becoming a Master of Wine can feel like a significant leap.
The Bridging Course is designed to help bridge that gap.
Over four intensive days, you’ll experience the approaches to tasting, theory and critical thinking that underpin MW study, while working in a small and supportive group.
The aim isn’t simply to give you more wine knowledge. It’s to help you begin thinking differently about the knowledge you already have and give you a clearer understanding of whether the MW is the right next step for you.
Could this be you?
If becoming a Master of Wine is something you’ve been considering, this is an opportunity to experience MW-level learning and challenge yourself alongside other ambitious wine professionals.
Submit your essay by 16 September 2026 for the chance to join us in Napa this October.
APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP:
- Subscribe to our mailing list
- Submit your essay to info@master-classes.org
- The winner is announced on 30 September.
The scholarship covers the full course fee only. Travel, accommodation, meals outside those provided as part of the course, and other expenses associated with attending are the responsibility of the successful applicant.