The Gérard Basset Foundation increases the number of grant funding opportunities in 2024
The Gérard Basset Foundation, dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the wine, spirits, and hospitality sectors globally, recently showcased its achievements and future goals at The Direct-to-Consumer Symposium in Concord, CA. CEO Lulie Halstead celebrated the legacy of Gérard on the 5-year anniversary of his passing, emphasising the Foundation's commitment to education and mentorship. "Gérard came from humble beginnings, proving that dedication and learning can lead to extraordinary achievements" she said.
Since 2022, the Foundation has pledged over US$2 million supporting 66 Scholars, based in 23 countries and 30 Grantee organisations working in 15 countries. These programmes combined have benefitted over 1,200 individuals in developing their careers through education and training. Their global reach extends from the Pinotage Youth Development Academy, which supports 16-25 years olds from historically marginalised backgrounds in South Africa to gain experience, skills and personal development support to the Wine & Spirits Professional Centre in Athens, Greece, which supports single mothers to gain qualifications in wine and hospitality. "Our aim is to empower diversity and create career enhancing opportunities in our industry" Lulie stated.
The Foundation announced a significant development with the objective of being more supportive to its Grantees, with the move from one to two grant application rounds per year in 2024. "We're excited to move towards additional grant funding rounds, aligning better with our grantees' financial planning and needs" Lulie revealed.
Highlighting the impact of the Foundation's work, Christopher Renfro and Rita Manzano from the 280 Project based in San Fransisco, shared their journey. The 280 Project offers a paid viticulture apprenticeship programme based at their urban vineyard located in San Fransisco. Their focus is on supporting those from a broader community to build long-term careers in the wine industry. "Our project started in 2019, driven by the need for diversity and accessibility in wine" Christopher explained. He continued “I worked in fine dining, working tableside, pouring wine and making relationships with really amazing winemakers. But, with so much turmoil around racism happening at the time, I wondered what could I do to actually help people? How could I help people that look like me and how could I help make wine more fun and more accessible. So, the 280 Project was born”
The programme, now in its fourth season, offers comprehensive training from viticulture to business management. "We provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and educational visits, preparing our apprentices for various roles in the wine industry" Rita added. As noted by Christopher, “The 280 Project, for which The Gérard Basset Foundation was the founding funder, exemplifies the tangible change that strategic support and mentorship can bring to our industry, which we couldn’t do without supporters who allow us access to their vineyards and the viticulture team from UC Davis”
Success stories from the 280 Project include past apprentices who have secured full-time employment in winemaking and vineyard management roles in Napa and Sonoma. "Our apprentices have gone on to remarkable achievements, including one who has started their own vineyard” Christopher proudly shared.
Both the Gérard Basset Foundation and the 280 Project are committed to empowering inclusivity through training and education, providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. As Lulie concluded "In wine and hospitality, it's about love, time, and care – values that we strive to embody through our work at The Gérard Basset Foundation."