Three students from the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) have been awarded scholarships by Constellation Brands to support their studies. The 2024 recipients include Greg Miller, a stage two student from the United States, alongside stage one students Aurelia Badiur-Anii of Moldova and Kyung Eun Aum, also from the U.S. This year marks a significant milestone as the scholarship program, previously limited to North America, expanded to include European candidates for the first time.
The scholarships, open to stage one and stage two students, were awarded based on the strength of their responses to a series of essay questions. Each recipient demonstrated exceptional insight into pressing issues facing the global wine industry.
Greg Miller: Tackling Challenges in the U.S. Wine Industry
Greg Miller, a Cleveland-based marketing professional with expertise in events, digital media, and broadcasting, received $2,000 USD and a mixed case of 12 Constellation Brands wines. His winning essay addressed the question: “The U.S. wine industry is facing the most challenging business environment since Prohibition. What are the causes, and how should the industry respond?”
Currently employed by Ohio-based European Wine Imports and multimedia company EW Scripps, Miller expressed his gratitude for the scholarship, stating, “I feel honored to receive the Constellation Brands 2025 scholarship. This came as a welcome surprise as we head into the new year, and I appreciate the generous support.” He humorously added, “Since I received the news, the only thing in my refrigerator is Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.”
Aurelia Badiur-Anii: Advocating for Sustainability
Aurelia Badiur-Anii, a Moldovan student with a strong academic background in oenology, was awarded €1,000 EUR for her essay response to the question: “Is it better to be organic or sustainable?” Badiur-Anii holds a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne and a Diploma in Oenology from ISVV Bordeaux. Her professional experience includes roles at Château Montrose and Domaine Dumetrier.
Committed to promoting Moldova’s winemaking heritage, Badiur-Anii shared her thoughts on the scholarship: “Every journey begins with a dream, but it’s courage and hard work that turn it into reality.”
Kyung Eun Aum: Exploring the Future of Low-Alcohol Wines
Kyung Eun Aum, also known as Jasmine Aum, received $1,000 USD and a mixed case of Constellation Brands wines for her essay addressing the question: “Are lower-alcohol wines a passing trend or the future of the industry?” Aum, who holds a WSET Diploma and works as a wine instructor and columnist in San Jose, California, reflected on the significance of her award.
“Writing this essay allowed me to reflect thoughtfully on the low-alcohol wine trend and its future, providing a valuable opportunity to revisit the true essence of wine,” Aum said. “While the wine market and its trends continue to evolve, I aspire to be a wine professional who preserves the timeless values that wine represents, just as IMW and Constellation Brands do.”
Industry Leaders Praise the Initiative
Brie Guist, Constellation Brands’ director of brand excellence and education, emphasized the importance of supporting future wine leaders. “We are proud to support the next generation of wine professionals through these scholarships,” Guist said. “Investing in their education helps strengthen the future of the wine industry and reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation.”
Julian Gore-Booth, IMW’s executive director, also expressed gratitude for Constellation Brands’ ongoing support. “We are hugely grateful to Constellation Brands for their generosity and continuing support of MW students,” Gore-Booth said. “These awards will make a real difference in their journeys toward becoming Masters of Wine. This year’s essay topics challenged students to apply critical thinking to three very current issues, resulting in some truly special entries.”
The scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also highlight the importance of addressing critical issues shaping the future of the global wine industry. Aspiring Masters of Wine like Miller, Badiur-Anii, and Aum are poised to make significant contributions to the field, thanks to the support of initiatives like this.
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