The Wine Society of Texas announces its 2020 Scholarship Grant Program Awards totaling $10,000 to students for assistance in wine and winery education, internship or field study in Texas, research work as it pertains to grape growing, and wine making in the state of Texas.

Midland, Texas (June 8, 2020) - The Wine Society of Texas (WST), a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization, is pleased to announce that it will be awarding grants totaling $10,000 in support of four individuals. These  individuals are: (a) attending institutions in the State of Texas, (b) studying viticulture and oenology, (c) pursuing winery internships in Texas, (d) involved with Texas winemaking or field studies / wine education, or (e) involved in promoting the education of grape growing and wine making in the State of Texas.

This scholarship assistance program is consistent with the founding ideas of WST and its continued mission to enhance the appreciation of wines, foster the knowledge of oenology and viticulture, support charitable activities, and educate wine consumers throughout the State of Texas. The funding for the WST Scholarship Grant Program is provided through charitable donations, local WST Chapter fund raising events, and annual statewide wine events.

$2,500 James F. Whitley Founder’s Grant is awarded to Tiffany Brooke Farrell

 Ms. Farrell is pursuing a winemaking certificate from Texas Tech University. She will also be pursuing a professional certificate in wine business from Tech. She has a Bachelor of Science in Professional Microbiology from Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Master of Science in Hydrologic Services from Boise State. She is currently winemaker/outside sales manager for Haak Winery. She serves as Director at Large for the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.  She wants to continue as a passionate Texas Winemaker and be recognized as a go to professional in the field.

$2,500 Russell Kane Grant is awarded to Sarah Timmons

Ms. Timmons is currently completing her graduate degree in
Interdisciplinary Sciences, focusing on Viticulture, Wine Marketing, and
Business at Texas Tech University. She is also working to obtain her
WSET Level 1 certification. Upon graduation her personal goals are to assist
her parents and co-owners in the growth of their new High Plains, winery,
Adelphos Cellars. She will also be working to form a Wine Society of Texas
chapter in Lubbock.

Mrs. Timmons has a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Horticulture from Texas Tech.

$2,500 Paul and Merill Bonarrigo Grant is awarded to Aaron W. Essary

Mr. Essary is working to complete his graduate study in Enology from Texas A&M University. His research is centered around high pH juice, must and wine. His long-range goal includes obtaining a Ph. D in Enology/Viticulture and continuing his research centered around high pH juice. Ultimately, he plans to own his own vineyard and boutique winery.

Aaron is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Plant Biology.

$2,500 Jim Evans Grant is awarded to Rachel Sampson

Ms. Sampson is working to obtain her Master of Science in Horticulture from Texas A&M University. After obtaining her degree her
immediate plan is to become an AgriLife Viticulture Program Specialist and provide guidance to viticulture professionals and prospective grape growers throughout Texas and neighboring states. After becoming a specialist, she plans to operate an agri-tourism farm with the objective to connect consumers to their food source and to educate emerging farmers on proper vineyard and orchard management techniques.

Rachel is a graduate from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Agriculture.