News From the Foundation
March 10, 2025
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Expands to Become National Scholarship Organization
New partnerships with International Wine Center, American Wine School, and Association of African American Vintners broaden wine education opportunities across the US
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 2025 - The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) is proud to announce its expansion to become a national scholarship organization through strategic partnerships with the International Wine Center in New York, the American Wine School in the Midwest, and the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV). Combined with the foundation's existing partnership with the San Francisco Wine School, these collaborations significantly extend GWEF's geographic reach, enabling more aspiring wine professionals across the United States access to high-quality wine education.
The Foundation's new alliance with the International Wine Center brings GWEF scholarship opportunities to New York, while the partnership with American Wine School extends access to virtual and in-person classes across multiple Midwestern cities including Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Additionally, following the January 2025 launch of GWEF's collaboration with the Association of African American Vintners, AAAV members now have enhanced access to professional wine education through GWEF scholarships.
"These partnerships mark a significant milestone in our mission to make wine education more accessible to underserved communities nationwide," said Ana Keller, President of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation. "By expanding our reach from coast to coast, we can now help a much broader range of students develop their careers through professional wine certifications."
The expansion builds on GWEF's strong foundation of educational support. Since its establishment in 2020, inspired by the vision of San Francisco Wine School co-owners, Master Sommelier David Glancy and COO, Kristin Campbell, the Foundation has focused on providing scholarships to underserved and minority communities to further their professional wine education, increase diversity in the industry, and raise earning potential.
Glancy notes, "The pandemic magnified areas where the wine industry needed to develop opportunities for educational support. Many communities in our industry were lacking access to the educational programs needed to advance their careers, and the Foundation was conceived to address that issue. It’s exciting to see that original vision expanded to operate on a national scale."
"The wine industry benefits tremendously from diverse perspectives and backgrounds," said Alder Yarrow, Vice President of GWEF. "These new partnerships mean we can now support aspiring professionals from many more communities across America."
Scholarship recipients will have access to prestigious wine education programs through GWEF's educational partners, including Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications, Society of Wine Educators certifications, Wine Scholar Guild programs, as well as other proprietary courses and certifications.
Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.org. Awards are made monthly.
About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education in the hopes of increasing diversity, raising earning power, and growing the knowledge base of tomorrow's wine professionals. The foundation earned a Platinum Transparency certification from Candid's GuideStar Charity Ratings system and a four-star, 97% rating from Charity Navigator reflecting its commitment to transparency and efficient use of donor funds. Find out more at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.org. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
About International Wine Center Founded in 1982, International Wine Center (IWC) is America's oldest independent wine school. Led by Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW, who introduced Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) programs to the U.S., IWC was the country's first WSET provider and remains one of the few offering the WSET Diploma in Wines, WSET's highest qualification. Committed to independent-minded wine study for trade and consumers, IWC delivers a world-class education without promotional influence. Located in the heart of New York City, learn more at internationalwinecenter.com.
About the American Wine School Founded in 2001 by Marianne Frantz, American Wine School has educated more than 30,000 wine enthusiasts across seven states. The school offers internationally recognized programs through its affiliation with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), including Levels 1-4 Awards in Wine. As the only Approved Program Provider for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines in the Midwest, American Wine School operates in Chicago with satellite locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Detroit. Learn more at americanwineschool.com.
About the Association of African American Vintners Founded in 2002, the Association of African American Vintners stands as the go-to resource for advancing equity in the wine industry. AAAV's mission is to provide comprehensive education, advocacy, and community support not only for Black vintners but also for wine brands and industry professionals. Visit aaavintners.org for more information, to donate and to purchase many AAAV member wines.
About the San Francisco Wine School Founded in 2011, San Francisco Wine School strives to open the world of wine to serious students and enthusiasts everywhere, helping people of all levels break into the wine industry, advance their career, or simply pursue their passions. Founded by Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator David Glancy, San Francisco Wine School is the largest wine school in the U.S., offering the most thoughtful approach to wine study. Their more than 25 certifications and educational series and over 75 individual classes are taught in their state-of-the-art 4,000 square foot Wine Education and Events Center and their cutting-edge hybrid classrooms by industry-leading instructors from all major educational disciplines. Learn more at sanfranciscowineschool.com.
Media Contacts:
Glancy Wine Education Foundation - Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET kimberly@glancywineeducationfoundation.org
International Wine Center - Amy Mirinov amy@ten27inc.com
American Wine School - Marianne Frantz mfrantz@americanwineschool.com
Association of African American Vintners - Christine Ignacio info@aaavintners.org
San Francisco Wine School - Kristin Campbell kcampbell@sfwineschool.com
December 3, 2024
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Releases Annual Impact Report
SAN FRANCISCO, CA December 3, 2024 — The Glancy Wine Education Foundation today released its first annual impact report outlining its work providing scholarships to underserved wine and hospitality professionals and reaffirming its commitment to investing in the cause of diversity in the wine industry.
October 29, 2024
Association of African American Vintners and Glancy Wine Education Foundation Partner to Expand Scholarship Opportunities
SAN FRANCISCO, CA October 29, 2024 — The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) and The Glancy Wine Education Foundation are pleased to announce a collaboration designed to broaden scholarship opportunities. Starting in January 2025, the new partnership will offer AAAV members increased access to the funds necessary for advancing their professional wine education.
AAAV stands as the leading resource for promoting inclusivity within the wine industry, dedicated to providing comprehensive education, advocacy, and community support for Black vintners, wine brands, and industry professionals. As part of its mission, AAAV offers scholarships to support the next generation of leaders in the wine community.
The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is committed to assisting underserved communities through scholarships, enabling them to further their professional wine education, increase their earning potential, enhancing diversity within the wine industry. By partnering with AAAV, the Foundation will help to expand the reach and impact of its scholarship program, offering more opportunities for AAAV members to excel in their careers.
"AAAV’s new partnership with the Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a significant step forward in our effort to make wine inclusive," said Angela McCrae, Executive Director, Association of African American Vintners. "AAAV has awarded more than 100 scholarships in the last three years to a diverse group of recipients. This collaboration will further enhance our ability to support our members' educational and professional development by ensuring they can choose from a larger pool of wine certifications."
"We share AAAV's commitment to diversity and education," said Ana Keller, President, Glancy Wine Education Foundation. "Through this partnership, we aim to empower more individuals from underserved communities to increase their earning potential, achieve their professional goals and contribute to a more inclusive wine industry."
The expanded scholarship opportunities provided by this partnership will enable AAAV members to access top-tier wine education programs, such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Levels 1, 2 and 3 qualifications, the Society of Wine Educators Certified Specialist of Wine and the Wine Scholar Guild certifications and more. These programs equip aspiring wine professionals and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the wine industry.
The GWEF scholarship application for AAAV members will open in January 2025. For more information about AAAV and the Glancy Wine Education Foundation, and to learn how to apply, please visit aaavintners.org and glancywineeducationfoundation.org.
For media inquiries, please contact:
For AAAV: Tami Kelly, CSW 925-640-9997, tamikellypr@gmail.com
For GWEF: Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET 415-701-9463 kimberly@glancywineeducationfoundation.org
About the Association of African American Vintners
Founded in 2002, the Association of African American Vintners stands as the go-to resource for advancing equity in the wine industry. Our mission is to provide comprehensive education, advocacy, and community support not only for Black vintners but also for wine brands and industry professionals. Visit aaavintners.org for more information, to donate and to purchase many AAAV member wines.
About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation
Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, increase diversity, and raise earning power. The foundation has earned a Platinum Transparency certification from Candid’s GuideStar Charity Ratings system and a four-star, 97% rating from Charity Navigator.
Find out more at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org.
May 16, 2024
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Adds New
Board Members and Achieves Platinum Charity Rating
Experienced wine and hospitality execs join the cause
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 15, 2024 — The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of several new members to its all-volunteer board, as well as its achievement of Platinum Transparency, the highest rating possible from Candid’s Guidestar charity ratings system.
The foundation’s new board members include Andrea Smalling, CMO of Wine Direct; Ryan Williams, Western District Manager for HALL Wines; Tom Lynch, Director of Programs and Development for the Advertising Research Foundation; Tony Lawrence, private chef and wine judge; and Laurie Lindrup, a professionally trained chef and hospitality event director.
Also joining the board is one of the foundation’s former scholarship winners, sommelier Oceano Ordónez. Currently managing the wine program at the Michelin-starred restaurant SPQR, Ordónez will help represent the student voice and point of view in the foundation’s decision-making.
“We just took a major leap forward in the capabilities and commitment of our Board,” said Board President Ana Keller. “I’m very excited to work with the talent, connections, and passion that these new members, together with our current board, represent.”
Lynch is based in New York, and Lawrence in Philadelphia. Their additions give the foundation’s leadership a national footprint to support the organization’s planned future growth.
The foundation also recently achieved Platinum Transparency certification from Candid’s Guidestar Charity Ratings system, America’s most comprehensive and trusted philanthropy ratings organization. This rating puts the Foundation in the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency.
The foundation has also held a four-star, 97% rating from Charity Navigator since last year.
“With these fantastic new board members and validation of our transparency and efficiency as an organization, I feel like we’re poised to take our impact to the next level,” said Board Vice President Alder Yarrow.
Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org. Awards are made monthly.
About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation
Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, increase diversity, and raise earning power. Find out more at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org. Learn more about the foundation’s board at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org/board.
November 18, 2023
Glancy Wine Education Foundation wraps Auction 2023, Seeking Pledges for Giving Tuesday November 28th
Supporting Diversity Through Granting Wine Education Scholarships
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., November 18, 2023 — The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) raised $21,949 at the 12th Anniversary Celebration and Scholarship Auction with the San Francisco Wine School on November 11th. A lively event with a signature Somm Olympics component featuring past scholarship winner Tonya Pitts, Wine Director at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco and Wine Enthusiast's 2022 Wine Star Awards winner of Wine Director of the Year, vs. Cara Patricia, owner of the retail shop and wine bar DecantSF, was the brainchild of SF Wine School owners David Glancy MS and Kristin Campbell. The Silent Auction component was a driver for fundraising for GWEF which helps provide scholarships to wine & hospitality professionals from diverse communities demonstrating financial need.
For #GivingTuesday in 2023, the foundation is seeking additional support for its endeavors.
2023 marks the third year of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation's founding and already it has an impressive report card, and big goals for 2024. The foundation’s mission is to provide wine education scholarships to wine and hospitality professionals in need of assistance, with a focus on BIPOC and female candidates. Since its founding in 2020, the organization has awarded 165 scholarships, with an average grant of $1500, totaling close to a quarter million dollars in grants. Fifty-eight percent of the recipients are female, 42% male and 62% represent the BIPOC community with the balance being Caucasian.
Please consider a donation for Giving Tuesday by clicking here. We are changing the face of the wine industry, one professional at a time and we can't do it without you!
Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/scholarships. Awards are made monthly.
July 10, 2023
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Names Ana Keller as President and Adds New Board Member Peter Andrews
Two experienced leaders added to all-volunteer board
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 10, 2023 — The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonoma vintner Ana Keller as its new board President and the addition of importer Peter Andrews as a new board member. Founding President Cheryl Halloran will remain on the board in her role as Fundraising Chair.
Keller brings more than 12 years of experience working on non-profit boards to the position, having served as President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance, as well as continuing to serve as a board member of the Sonoma County Vintners. For the last 23 years, Keller has helped to run her family’s winery, Keller Estate, where she has served as Estate Director since 1998.
“I’m extremely excited to join a mission-driven organization that has done such great work in furthering wine education for BIPOC and under-represented wine professionals,” said Keller. “I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of what this foundation is capable of, and I look forward to being involved in the next stage of its evolution and growth.”
Wine importer Peter Andrews, DipWSET, CSS, CSW, MBA, has also joined the board, offering his 13 years of experience as a wine educator, sales manager, and operational executive for a wine e-commerce retailer to the organization. Andrews recently launched Culture Wine Co., an importer, wholesaler, e-commerce retailer, and wine club focusing exclusively on the wines of South Africa.
“These are two stellar additions to an already strong volunteer board,” said board Vice President, Alder Yarrow. “The combination of Ana’s leadership track record and Peter’s strong industry and operational experience will be invaluable.”
Both Keller and Andrews have joined on the eve of the foundation’s third anniversary. To date, the organization has provided more than $220,000 in scholarships to more than 140 individuals representing a wide range of experience and backgrounds both inside and outside the wine and hospitality industries.
Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/scholarships. Awards are made monthly.
October 25, 2022
The Glancy Wine Education Foundation announces its Annual Gala Celebration and auction Saturday November 12
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 25, 2022 — The Glancy Wine Education Foundation announces its 11th annual gala celebration event and auction, taking place at the San Francisco Wine School in South San Francisco on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 5-10 p.m.
Eagerly anticipated by wine lovers and collectors, the intimate event will feature the ever-popular San Francisco Wine School Sommelier Olympics, luxury wines from all over the world, and a silent auction with unique wine items and experiences. Part of the evening’s activities include top sommeliers competing in series of challenges designed by Master Sommelier and San Francisco Wine School founder, David Glancy.
The evening kicks off with a bubbles & bites reception. Then this year’s competitors, Paul Carayas, Wine Director for Michelin Star Chez TJ in Mountain View, and Lindsey Young, Lead Sommelier for Michelin Starred Selby’s Restaurant in Atherton, will go head-to-head in the annual blind tasting competition, wine trivia challenge, and wine service race. The evening will culminate with the ultimate food pairing competition – a multi-course tasting dinner presented by the competing sommeliers who have both carefully selected pairings for the meal.
The silent auction will be available both on-site and online for those who can’t attend the event. Highlighted items include: an Oceania Cruise for two to any of 10 different destinations; a chef’s wine pairing dinner for 8 at The Tasting House in Los Gatos; a private home wine tasting experience from Brooks Winery; a 2-night stay in Cuvaison’s vineyard cottage plus a VIP tasting; dinner for 2 at Press Restaurant in Napa; a 24-bottle wine fridge pre-stocked with amazing wines; and more.
An auction preview opens on October 25, 2022. Bidding will open on November 4 and close November 13.
Tickets for the gala are available here.
The foundation’s annual celebration plays a crucial role in raising funds required to provide wine education scholarships to wine and hospitality professionals in need of assistance. Donations of silent auction items are still being sought for this fundraising event through November 4th, and sponsorships of various types are also available. Year-round, the foundation is happy to receive cash donations towards its scholarship program.
Interested parties should contact board President Cheryl Halloran at cheryl@glancywineeducationfoundation.org or 408-806-3757.
Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships online at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org
October 4, 2022
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Announces Addition of New Board Member
Maggie Heile joins as co-chair of fundraising
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 4, 2022 — The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of a new board member, Maggie Heile, joining this month as co-chair of fundraising.
Bringing 30 years of business and wine experience to her role, Maggie has an impressive entrepreneurial and corporate resume, and is an interdisciplinary leader who has helped brands and organizations achieve high standards of excellence and success. With diverse experience as brand manager, marketing director, and general manager she has worked with household names such as Costco, Target, Walmart, and Eukanuba, driving sales and innovation as well as consumer loyalty.
Passionate about wine, she currently owns a wine brokerage in Utah called Vin 7000, named for the elevation of the highest peak in the state, where she brokers luxury, family-owned producers.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Maggie join our group of dedicated volunteers,” said board Vice President, Alder Yarrow. “Her skill sets, emotional intelligence and drive will help take our organization to the next level.”
Heile joins just before the foundation’s annual gala celebration, which plays a crucial role in raising the funds required to provide wine education scholarships to wine and hospitality professionals in need of assistance. The event will be held on Saturday November 12, 2022, featuring a silent auction and gala, with early-bird tickets available for sale starting September 26th. Donations of silent auction items, ranging from wine to services to experiences are being sought for this fundraising event and sponsorships of various types are also available.
Interested parties should contact board President Cheryl Halloran at cheryl@glancywineeducationfoundation.org or 408-806-3757.
Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org.
December 14, 2021
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Offers Scholarship Opportunities with More Than $100k in Funding
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 14, 2021) – The Glancy Wine Education Foundation, on the heels of its fall fundraiser, announces that it has more than $100k in funding available for wine and hospitality professionals seeking certification in wine studies. Wrapping up a successful year, the organization awarded 79 scholarships since November 2020 to the tune of $149,000.
The wine and hospitality industries have had both challenges and opportunities during the last two years with the pandemic affecting employment and opportunities dramatically. The hospitality sector, which accounts for 25% of the entire U.S. work force, has been hit the hardest due to the pandemic. Many professionals have had to pivot to find new roles within the industry, start new endeavors, or up their game with improved credentials. GWEF scholarships for wine classes offer a great pathway for advancement of knowledge, making job candidates more competitive and better informed.
The foundation’s mission is to provide wine education scholarships to wine and hospitality professionals in need of assistance, with a focus on BIPOC and female candidates. The average scholarship awarded is $1800. Fifty-seven percent of the awardees are BIPOC, 60% of which are female, 40% male, with an average age of 40. More than half of the candidates are currently unemployed. For those who have lost hours or their entire jobs, using the downtime to advance their careers makes a lot of sense. It’s a great time to apply!
Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org. Those interested in supporting the organization with a year-end tax deductible donation, can contribute here.
January 20, 2021
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Announces Game-changing Donation from Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation
The $100,000 contribution will fund scholarships for more than 30 students in need.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 20, 2021) – The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce a charitable contribution in the amount of $100,000 from the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation to provide financial aid to disadvantaged and minority workers seeking wine education as a means of increasing their earning potential.
The donated funds provide a significant boost to the foundation, allowing it to support more than 30 students in need of financial aid, especially those from disadvantaged and minority communities, during the most difficult time facing the hospitality industry in decades.
“We are positively thrilled at the generosity shown by Wine Spectator’s Scholarship Foundation in this donation,” said Glancy Wine Education Foundation CEO Cheryl Halloran. “Support from industry leaders like this has never been more crucial to this industry.”
Funds from this donation will be combined with the more than $50,000 the foundation raised at its annual San Francisco Wine School Anniversary Celebration and Auction to support students seeking to improve their job prospects through wine education.
More than 97% of the hospitality professionals applying to the San Francisco Wine School for financial aid earn less than a “living wage.” The Glancy Wine Education Foundation believes that every motivated and engaged student should have access to high-quality, professional education in his or her trade.
Scholarship applications are accepted year-round at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.org.
October 13, 2020
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Announces Formation And Virtual Scholarship Fundraising Event
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation announces its launch, board of directors, and a scholarship fundraising event.
The Glancy Wine Education Foundation was established in July 2020 to continue the wine education scholarship and fundraising work initiated by the San Francisco Wine School through Scholarship America in 2016.
The foundation is dedicated to assisting disadvantaged and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education and raise their earning power. Every motivated and engaged student should have access to high quality, professional education in his or her trade but sadly, many jobs in hospitality and the wine industry pay well below equivalent positions in other industries.
"The average hospitality professional still struggles to make a living wage. We believe wine education is a powerful way to change those prospects," says Cheryl Halloran, President of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation. "Given the realities of the Coronavirus pandemic, the need for scholarships has never been greater."
The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is led by Halloran and managed by a diverse, volunteer board of directors consisting of Alder Yarrow, Randall Bertao, Peggy Cramer, Susan Freeman, Kenny Gold, Christine Ridout and Lise Glancy.
As an independent entity with a year-round presence the foundation will award educational scholarships for any certification program offered at San Francisco Wine School to students demonstrating financial need and relevant educational and professional goals in the wine and hospitality industry.
To fund these much-needed scholarships, San Francisco Wine School is holding their annual Anniversary Celebration and Scholarship Auction, presented by Ron Rubin Winery and California Wineries & Vineyard - Tobias Glen Vineyard, on Saturday, November 14th from 6-8 PM. The public is invited to attend.
Oliver McCrum Wine & Spirits, Cardinale, Hindsight Winery, and Bottle Cru Incorporated are also event sponsors. All event and auction profits will go directly to the Glancy Wine Education Foundation.
This year's Celebration is going virtual with a live online event that features the ever popular Sommelier Olympics and a silent auction full of extraordinary wine items and experiences. Guests will be entertained watching today's top sommeliers going head to head in Blind Tasting Competitions, Wine Trivia Challenges, and Wine Service Races.
To experience the fun right along with the sommeliers, guests will receive their own Wine Tasting Party Kit available for delivery in 43 states.