Dan Gulbronsen Memorial Scholarship:
This scholarship is to assist with expenses related to the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Course, The Society of Wine Certified Wine Educator Exam, or the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. Scholarship amount is $2000.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must work and reside in the USA, Canada or Mexico
- Must be currently working the floor of a restaurant/wine bar/on-premise establishment
- Must be 32 years of age or younger at the time of application
- Must have one of the following certifications:
- a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and plan to sit for the Advanced Sommelier Course in 2024
- a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators and plan to take the CWE exam in 2024
- a WSET Level 2 in Award in Wines, and plan to take the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines in 2024
This scholarship was created to commemorate the life of Dan Gulbronsen.
As a founding member of the Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation, Dan was an Old World aficionado with a New World appreciation. His favorite wines were the 3B’s – Barolo, Barbaresco, and Brunello. He toured and explored the wine world with an appreciation of its intricacies and rewards; delighting the senses, stimulating good conversation and inspiring camaraderie. He relished in meeting the growers, sharing their visions and passion for their wines and in celebrating with old and new friends his delight; especially of wine and food and the intricacies of pairings to enhance and challenge the palate. Wine, Dan used to say, engages all of your senses – taste, smell, hearing, and sight. He also said it takes a sense of humor to appreciate wine but not to take it so seriously that one becomes obsessed and loses appreciation of what wine represents.
Dan’s greatest contribution to the wine world was his dedication to enhancing the education of young people as to how to enjoy, understand, and then communicate wine and its nuances. He was a strong proponent of giving back to the sommelier community so that others could benefit just as he and others did before. He celebrated every time someone advanced in their learning and his greatest memorial is that this scholarship program will enable many more to learn about wine and its ability to unite people in the enjoyment of life. He leaves a legacy with the help of SommFoundation, and celebrates your endeavors and life-long learning.
*** This scholarship will be awarded annually in perpetuity. It has been made possible by many generous donors. If you would like to contribute to expand this fund, you may donate online here (Please enter “Dan Gulbronsen Scholarship” in the comment section.) You may also contact us at info@sommfoundation.com.