Gérard Basset Foundation funding available for places at Future Consumer Trends masterclasses in Australia
Sommeliers Australia is excited to share that The Gérard Basset Foundation has announced the funding of 4 places for the upcoming masterclasses Future Consumer Trends – Strategic Opportunities in Wine to 2030, which are being hosted in Melbourne and Sydney on 20 and 22 February 2024 respectively. This masterclass series, sponsored by the award-winning Denomination design agency, is being led by Lulie Halstead who, in addition to her experience in global wine business strategy and marketing, is the CEO of The Gérard Basset Foundation.
The mission of The Gérard Basset Foundation is to empower diversity, equity, and inclusion across the wine, spirits, and hospitality sectors by funding educational and professional development programmes worldwide. Since 2022, the Foundation has pledged over US$2 million supporting 66 Scholars based in 23 countries, and 30 Grantee organisations working in 15 countries. These programmes combined have benefitted over 1,200 individuals in developing their careers through education and training
The upcoming masterclasses in Australia follow a successful session hosted in St. Helena, CA on 16 January. Angela McCrae from the Association of African American Vintners, who attended the US masterclass via a Gérard Basset Foundation funded place, said: “The masterclass was insightful and very helpful in understanding wine trends and how to approach the changing wine consumer.” She continued by noting that “Attendees will learn how to become authentic and intentional in your wine marketing efforts”
The Gérard Basset Foundation is funding two places at each of the Sydney and Melbourne masterclasses, to support its mission of diversity and inclusivity in the wine industry by funding places to broaden access to individuals who may otherwise have financial constraints in attending and benefiting from this learning opportunity.
For those interested in applying for a funded place, please email enquiries@theGérardbassetfoundation.org, including both a short introduction of yourself and a brief summary of why you would like to attend (ideally in no more than 300 words).
The deadline for applications is Friday 9 February and applicants will be notified on Monday 12 February.
For further information about the masterclasses, please follow these links:
Melbourne Tuesday 20 February 2024
Sydney Thursday 22 February 2024
