2025 Scholarship

The 2025 Scholarship Program Awards totaling $11,000 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.

“We are excited about the quality of the applications we continue to receive. The WST is proud to have now provided scholarships of over $137,000 in the last 23 years through our Scholarship Program.”

— Shirley Choate, State President of the WST

Recipients

Holly Ollis

Antoinette Landragin

Michael Cook

Daniel Hillin

Courtney Freeman

  • Mr. Cook is a full-time Extension Viticulturist completing his PHD in horticulture at Texas A&M University. It is his goal to ultimately be promoted to viticulture faculty as a full specialist with Texas A&M AgrilLife Extension Service.

    Mr. Cook obtained his BS degree from Texas A&M and his master’s from Fresno State University. With all his duties as a program specialist he continues to maintain a 4.0 GPA. He serves on multiple boards and has written many publications. In addition, he has received numerous awards and honors over the last 10 years from various organizations.

    He recently was awarded the President’s Award in Viticulture from the American Society for Enology and Viticulture. Mr. Cook was a 2023 and 2024 Wine Society of Texas scholarship recipient.

  • Mrs. Ollis is currently working for a Bachelor of Science Degree: Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University, concentrating on Viticulture and Enology. In addition to her studies at Tech she currently works as a Tasting Room Ambassador at Pedernales Cellars.

    Her goal is to become an assistant winemaker immediately after graduation at one of the Texas wineries and to help champion Texas wines on the national and international stage. She has recently obtained her WSET Level 2 Certification, with goals to also obtain CSW and CWE certifications. She is targeted to graduate in December 2025.

    Mrs. Ollis was the Wine Society of Texas 2024 James F. Whitley Scholarship Recipient.

  • Mr. Hillin is currently a Viticulture Extension Specialist and a PHD student specializing in viticulture at Texas A&M University. Daniel received a double  Bachelor of Science degree in Plant and Environmental Soil Sciences and Animal Science and Master of Science in Horticulture from Texas A&M. He is committed to advancing the Texas wine industry by building innovative research programs, expanding educational outreach, and supporting best practices in vineyard management.

    Mr. Hillin served in the U.S Marine Corp before pursuing his advanced education. He has also served as vineyard manager for the Texas A&M research vineyard for three years. He was also a Wine Society of Texas 2024 Scholarship recipient.

  • Ms. Landragin is currently enrolled in the online Viticulture Certification Program at Texas Tech. She is the CEO at Cork and Fork Fine Wine Merchants in Washington, DC. After 20 years in the retail business, Ms. Landragin plans to focus on viticulture in Texas. Long term, she sees opportunities for more vineyards in the Texas Hill Country.

    As a wine retailer, Ms. Landragin represented Texas wines for over 10 years through her relationship with Kim McPherson. She has also accumulated various industry certifications and is a Stage 1 student in the Masters of Wine Program. Additionally, her immediate plans include the Enology Certificate Program at Texas Tech.

    Ms. Landragin was a 2024 Wine Society of Texas scholarship recipient.

  • Ms. Freeman is currently enrolled at Texas Tech University Winemaking Certificate Program. Her goal is to work in various Texas  wineries on the production side to get a well-rounded view and experience before becoming a winemaker in Texas.

    Ms. Freeman is currently Director of Hospitality at Duchman Family Winery.