sommelier scholarship fund trips in 2026
Jaime Dutton
January 16, 2026
SOMMELIER SCHOLARSHIP TRIP TO BURGUNDY
Starting off the New Year in Burgundy was a perfect way to take the time to reflect, plan and share. To reflect on the year behind us through discussions with the winemakers about the vintages that they were tending to in their cellars. Planning for the year ahead by taking into account the challenges and perspective that was shared on how the winemakers in Burgundy will manage the minsicule crop of 2024, as they start to bottle those wines and communicate with their clients. Sharring a passion for Burgundy with the four sommelier scholars that joined the trip, highlighted by visits to a selection of domaines where we were welcomed into the serene vineyards, the quiet cellars and their warm homes.
Sommelier Scholarship Fund is a non-profit we started, offering a once in a lifetime experience, hopefully career changing, for sommeliers that have never been to the vineyards in France, and to further their education and fuel their passion. This year we went to Burgundy (Jan 4-9), were in Bordeaux (Jan 11-16) and will head to Champagne in May. Four sommeliers were selected for each region and accomapanied by members of the Paulee/Pressoir team.
If you are interested in learning more about Sommelier Scholarship Fund and supporting this organization, please visit the website or follow along the trips here.
In the vineyards with Lucie and Marie-Andrée of Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg. Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru “Les Chaignots”
