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Ste. Michelle’s Walter Clore Honored with Scholarship
November 17, 2011
Ste. Michelle’s Walter Clore Honored with Scholarship
$500 to be awarded to top scorer at each Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Exam
The Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation announced the establishment of a new scholarship for sommelier education. The Walter Clore Scholarship, which is sponsored by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, will be awarded to the top scorer at all future Court of Master Sommelier Certified Exams. The Guild estimates that approximately 40 individuals will receive the $500 award on a yearly basis.
“Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has long been committed to educational initiatives,” noted Ted Baseler, the company’s President and CEO. “We are proud to support the Guild of Sommeliers with the creation of the Walter Clore Scholarship to benefit students throughout North America.”
The Clore scholarship will be used by its recipients to continue their coursework within the Court of Master Sommeliers’ esteemed educational program. The Certified Exam is the second of four examinations that make up the Court’s curriculum. Its passers qualify to move on to the Advanced Examination and from there, the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam. Only 186 individuals in the world have successfully made it through the entire Court program.
“We are thrilled that Ste. Michelle Wine Estates recognizes the importance of educating our future industry leaders,” said Master Sommelier Frederick Dame, President of the Guild of Sommeliers. “Their generous commitment will certainly inspire the many recipients of the scholarship, and the nod to the legacy of Walter Clore will remind us all of the power of intellectual curiosity.”
This new scholarship honors Walter Clore, often referred to as the father of the Washington wine industry. Clore grew up in Oklahoma and relocated to Washington State to study horticulture on a $500 scholarship to Washington State University. His viticulture research was instrumental in expanding the region’s grape growing acumen and contributed significantly to the state’s development as the second largest premium wine producer in the country. Late in his career, Clore served as a consultant to Ste. Michelle Vineyards, and the company later honored him by introducing the Walter Clore Private Reserve Bordeaux-style wine to the Columbia Crest portfolio. The Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center in Prosser, Washington continues to educate the public and the industry about the quality and diversity of Washington’s wine and food products.
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