2008 Recipients
Jerry Spoto - Soter Vineyards (2 weeks)
Southern Wine & Spirits, Transatlantic Wine & Spirits Devision, Distribution in Orlando hotels. Preparing for the Wine & Spirits Education Trust Diploma exam in September.
Katie Dandridge - Tandem Winery (3 months)
Sommelier at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Newport Beach, Ca. Studying for Advanced Sommelier exam.
2009 Recipients
Emily Rodewald - Au Bon Climat Winery (3 months): view Emily’s experience
Started an educational blog called, TASTE OF ENGEDI.
"I thrive on sharing my passion for wine that was developed through my education and my experience in the wine field, but most importantl my time spent at ABC and Qupe. The JMMS was a dream come true for me. From the very first class I took at FIU to working the SOBE and eventuall my internship, I had a deep desire to learn more about wine. However the most impacting experience to date, was actually taking part in creating/producing wine at ABC/QUPE. That is what the JMMSF has allowed me, the hands on experience which has taken me to the next level. What road my passion for wine will have me travel within the next few years I do not know. There is one thing for certain, my experience at ABC/Qupe was only attainable through being an honored rcipient of the JMMSF and for that I am forever grateful."
Richard Cronkhite - Vinecliff (3 months)
Assistant Manager at Aria Resort and Casino, Las Vegas. BS in Viticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
"The JMMS firmly wedged my foot into the wine industry's door. Working at Vine Cliff winery showed me the painstaking lengths which a winery must employ in order to become truly world class. The level of MOG separation and care that was put into ensuring their crop was free of contaminated berries was inspiring. I worked my hands to the bone and loved every day of it. I’m currently employed in a more administrative position right now and am focusing on my sommelier studies but I am enthusiastically awaiting the next vintage that I can go back to making wine. My resume and knowledge has significantly benefited from my experience with the JMMS and without this award I may not be in a leadership position for a five diamond, four star resort. I am exceptionally grateful for the opportunities I've had thanks to JMMS and for those in the future I am certain to find."
Sandra Wauquier - Soter Vineyards (1 week)
Southern Wine & Spirit of Florida; Studying for the Master Sommelier Exam with the Court of Master Sommelier Program.
"This week at Soter Vineyards in Oregon meant a lot to me for a lot of different reasons. First of all it was the first time I went to a vineyard. It was my first harvest/crush season and it was my first time to be in Oregon. So I was absolutely thrilled and excited to be there as everything was new for me. Soter could not have been a better match for me. I started to work pretty much as I arrived on the first day. The grapes had already started to come in and we had to destem them and put them in various tanks. From that point on it was all about taking care of them to make sure they will be producing the best wine possible. I saw all the steps from delicious sweet grapes juice to fully fermented juice. Unfortunately, I left too early to see how they will put the wines in barrels. However, I still got to accomplish and learn a lot in a week. I did a lot of pump over, punch down, racking and return, learn how to use various tools like the Anton Paar especially to measure brix and temperature. I also tasted the juice, must, and wine. To feel the transition on the palate is truly remarkable."
2010 Recipients
Erwin Tejos - Au Bon Climat Winery (3 months)
Eric White - Heitz Cellars (3 months)
Associate Winemaker at Heitz Cellars.
"As you know I was hired on after harvest as a fulltime employee where I mostly worked in the cellar. Do to recent changes at the winery, hard work, and a slight bit of luck, I have been promoted to Associate Winemaker at Heitz Wine Cellars. Never did I imagine working at such a prestine winery so early in my career but to be the Associate Winemaker is a whole nother story. Words cannot describe the gratitude I have for you, the Jimmy Mancbach Scholarship, my education and teachers, my parents and all the people that have helped me get to where I am today. I can truely say that your help and the Jimmy Mancbach has given me a once in a lifetime opportunity and has allowed me to gain practical hands on experience in the wine industry. A degree in Enology from the University of San Luis Obispo in combination with my harvest experience through the Jimmy Mancbach Memorial Scholarship has put me one step ahead and has allowed me to begin a career in the wine industry.
As of now I plan to continue working in the wine industry with the hopes of someday working my way up to head winemaker somewhere in the Napa Valley. Prior to receiving my job I was comtemplating attendting the University of Adelaide in Australia to receive my Masters Degree in Enology. Those plans remain in the back of my mind and will depend where my career takes me."
Roxanne Shafer-Moghadam - Hanzell Winery (1 week)
Service Director at Restaurant Jean-George, New York.
"My fortuitous time at Hanzell was comprised of long, beautiful days. The kinds of days that built themselves upon family and good, strong work, lack of ego, and rather, a sense of pride, not in oneself but, in the collective work. ‘At times I do not know where my hands end and those of Hanzell begin...’ Bob Sessions said as he pieced together the 2010 harvest, inches away from me at the sorting table.
And yes, years that that job would beacon one towards that sentiment. In here, at this place, is a a timelessness that speaks only of the yearning to be more clear, more close to the articulation of harvest, of season, of a distinct moment in time - one that might be passed down from one generation to the next.
That is what the Jimmy Mancbach Scholarship meant to me, and what, I believe it was intended for. Wine, wine-making, in its absolute hedonism, in its individuality, in its purity and lack of abstraction, represents how moments live and form a timelines that define who we are more clearly than we could record ourselves. My lucky space at Hanzell, as aforded to me by this scholarship, was absolutely, indescribably beautiful and formativ in my life. And yet, I don’t know where it became in me or where it ended. I am solely impressed by its power in my life."
2011 Recipients
Daniel Chaviano - Hanzell Winery (2 months)
Prior to internship, Prep-Chef at The Inn of Little Washington.
"Last year, the main highlight in my professional life was my three-month internship at an extraordinary and historical winery, Hanzell Vineyards. The Jimmy Mancbach Memorial Scholarship Foundation provided a magnificent experience that helped me gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of wine. Most importantly, the purpose behind this special scholarship helped motivate me to better educate others about fine wines.I am currently searching for the right opportunity, one that will expose me to unique wines from different parts of the world. I would love to be in a position where I may share the endless and ever-surprising stories behind these wines. Working at the winery was no doubt really physical and hard but I have now a better understanding of winemaking, how it is done and what it takes. After what I saw and did during this week, I will definitely appreciate wine even more. It was fascinating listening to James and Tony talk about their work and see their passion.
I will never forget this unique experience in such a beautiful vineyard and winery, along with the people I meet there and the wonderful dinners and work we shared all together. I would recommend this experience to anyone and will cherish Soter’s wines forever. I can’t wait to return, or see them again down the road when they visit South Florida. I am looking forward as well to taste in about 2 years from now, the 2009 vintage which I worked on."
Christpher Birnie-Visscher - Vine Cliff Winery (2 months)
Currently Assistant Sommelier at Cafe Boulud, Palm Beach.
"I am preparing for the Court of Masters Sommeliers’ Advanced Exam for the upcoming months of April/August 2012. This internship has shown me the hard work and love that goes into making wine. Having the opportunity to work with some of the finest people in the wine making business is a dream come true. The terminology you read in books, you actually get to perform yourself! The education and experiences I have learned from the Jimmy Mancbach Scholarship will always be with me. Now I can share these experiences with my guests, friends, and anyone who has a passion for wine!"
Elizabeth Collichio - Au Bon Climat Winery (3 months)
Currently working at Zachy’s Fine Wine, NYC.
"The JMMS firmly wedged my foot into the wine industry’s door. Working at Vine Cliff winery showed me the painstaking lengths which a winery must employ in order to become truly world class. The level of MOG separation and care that was put into ensuring their crop was free of contaminated berries was inspiring. I worked my hands to the bone and loved every day of it. I’m currently employed in a more administrative position right now and am focusing on my sommelier studies but I am enthusiastically awaiting the next vintage that I can go back to making wine. My resume and knowledge has significantly benefited from my experience with the JMMS and without this award I may not be in a leadership position for a five diamond, four star resort. I am exceptionally grateful for the opportunities I’ve had thanks to JMMS and for those in the future I am certain to find."
Adam Obregon - Glen Lyon Winery (2 months)
Employed at The Wine Place, a wine bar in Pembroke Pines, Florida and will be graduation with a Bachelors in Hospitality Management in the spring 2012. Will be working again at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival this year pouring wine, etc.
"The internship and this whole experience has been the best thing I've done in my life. It has opened doors for me and I know it will help lead me to success."
