Washington Wine Industry Looks To Promote Diversity

Three of the biggest players in the Washington wine industry, Woodinville Wine Country, Chateau Ste. Michelle, and DeLille Cellars, are working together in an effort to recruit students from diverse backgrounds for Washington State University's wine science program. Lauren Paterson, said the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship Fund was prompted by the racial justice protests that occurred over the course of summer 2020.

"They wanted to see how they could use their resources for greater inclusivity and diversity for the Washington wine industry.”

Paterson said students who have overcome socioeconomic obstacles, educational disadvantages or disabilities, or are the first in their family to attend college will be prioritized for the scholarships. Paterson added another great thing about the Diversity Scholarship Fund, it bridges the world of Washington wine with the viticulture and enology program.

"The program is continuing to grow and there's a lot of collaboration between the wine industry and the students, faculty and staff part of the wine research. The more we can connect industry partners with students studying the subject, we can create those opportunities.”

She noted the first scholarship will most likely be awarded for the 2022 academic year.

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