Foley Family Wines & Spirits launched a $10,000 scholarship fund for women sommeliers, awarding 10 recipients at the Women’s Sommelier Symposium this week in Sonoma Valley.
Foley Family Wines & Spirits has launched the FFWS Women in Wine Scholarship Fund in partnership with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.
The announcement Wednesday came the last day of the court’s Women’s Sommelier Symposium, held April 6–9 at Chateau St. Jean winery in Sonoma Valley.
The $10,000 scholarship fund supported 10 female sommeliers selected to attend the symposium. Each recipient received a $1,000 scholarship to cover the cost of the court’s Advanced Sommelier practical and tasting examination or one part of the three-part Master Sommelier examination.
The recipients were Angie Cediel Cardenas, Carolina Cruz, Emily Blackman, Ermoni Best, Gia Bivens, Jennifer Anderson, Justyna Brewczyk, Katelyn Claunch, Mercedes Cowper, and Yetem Nicodimos.
On April 8, the wine company hosted the group at Chateau St. Jean winery for an educational workshop led by winemaker Lisa Evich. Women make up 50% of the company’s winemaking team, exceeding the industry average of 14%.
“The scholarship is particularly impactful,” said Julie Cohen Theobald, court executive director. “We are proud to partner with Foley Family Wines & Spirits and thankful for their generosity to help these talented women further their career journeys.”
In addition to the scholarships, Foley donated $10,000 to support the Women’s Sommelier Symposium.
“We are proud to support the talents of women in our industry,” said Courtney Foley, executive vice president and second-generation vintner Foley Family Wines & Spirits.

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