Funding to complete WSET Level 1 - 3 in Spirits Certifications
A 5-Day Immersion at Camus Cognac
For 5 Scholars from diverse backgrounds
The Scholarships
The winners of the Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholarships in Spirits will each receive funding to complete their WSET Level 1 - 3 in Spirits Certifications. These courses will give Scholars a firm and deep knowledge base to progress with a career in the Spirits Industry.
The winners will also be invited to attend a 5-day Immersion with Camus Cognac at their Distillery, taking place around late January - early February 2025, during which they will meet with and learn from Camus’ Heads of Department, experiencing first-hand what it takes to run a world-class Cognac producer and developing their knowledge and competencies necessary to thrive in the Spirits sector, combining real-world experience alongside their academic learning.
NB: Candidates need to have intermediate French conversational capability, and therefore French language lessons may be required before joining (the costs of which will be included as part of the funding scheme).
About the WSET Spirits Qualifications
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust provides globally recognised education and qualifications in wines, spirits and sake, for professionals and enthusiasts. Its Spirits courses allow students to progress from the entry- to advanced-levels of knowledge and competency - perfect for building a career in the Spirits industry.
The Judges
Alexa Camus DipWSET
James Nisbet
Ian Harris MBE DipWSET
Romané Basset
Application Process, Terms & Conditions
Who is providing the Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholarships?
The Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholarships are jointly funded by Camus Cognac and funds raised for the Gérard Basset Foundation by Liquid Icons through the Golden Vines® Auctions. The Scholarships are administered by the Gérard Basset Foundation.
Who can apply?
The Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholarships in Spirits (hereafter ‘Alexa Camus Scholar or Scholarship’) welcome applications from individuals coming from a wide range of communities, including but not limited to those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, all ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, and individuals affected by conflict. The Alexa Camus Scholars may be located anywhere in the world, but must be willing and able to travel to France for their Immersion. The Alexa Camus Scholars may already be enrolled in WSET Spirits courses, or may not yet have started these courses.
Who will award the Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholarships?
The Judging Panel for the Alexa Camus Scholarships (hereafter ‘the Judges’) are:
Alexa Camus, DipWSET, Head Judge
James Nisbet, General Manager - Luxury Division, Camus Wines & Spirits
Ian Harris MBE DipWSET, Trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation and CEO of the WSET 2002 - 2022
Romané Basset, Co-Founding Trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation
How do I apply?
Please apply by completing The Alexa Camus Scholarship Application Form here >>
Along with the application form, applicants need to submit one signed letter of reference and recommendation provided by a relevant industry professional. The letter of reference and recommendation should detail why the referee thinks the applicant should be awarded an Alexa Camus Scholarship and would benefit from the Alexa Camus Scholarships’ Educational Grants and Immersion.
What is the deadline for applications for 2023?
12 July 2024
What is the process after I apply within the deadline?
The Judges will prepare a shortlist of candidates, who will be invited to interview. Interviews will then be conducted, with the applicants being informed of the Judges’ decision by 29 July, 2024
What criteria do the Judges apply in awarding the Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholarships?
The Judges will award the Alexa Camus Scholarships on the basis of:
Ability
Likelihood of successfully completing the WSET in Spirits courses
Candidates’ potential contribution to promoting diversity, excellence, interaction and learning in the global spirits community, as well as the applicant’s interest level and time availability to participate in the Immersion at Camus
Financial needs
Visa requirements to partake of the Internship programme
What do the Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholarships comprise?
An in-depth 5-day Immersion at Camus Cognac, taking place around late January - early February 2024, which will comprise meeting Camus’ Heads of Department and learning what it takes to direct a global spirits enterprise day-to-day. The Scholarship will cover the Scholars’ reasonable travel costs to attend the Immersion.
Funding for each Scholar’s WSET in Spirits Courses, Levels 1 - 3.
Funding for a French Language course to develop the prerequisite linguistic skills for your internship (if necessary).
Further components of the Alexa Camus Scholarships include:
Associated press commitments related to the award of their Alexa Camus Scholarship
The Scholar will be required to make their own travel and/or work visa arrangements in respect of any countries that they are visiting during their Scholarship programme.
If an applicant wants to speak to us before making their application for the Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Scholarships, who should they speak with?
Please email: romane@gerardbassetfoundation.org detailing your name and contact phone number and we will give you a call within 48 hours of receipt.
