The Wine Society of Texas (WST), a 501c3 non-profit educational organization, is pleased to announce that it will be awarding scholarships totaling $11,000 in support of five students. These students are: (a) attending institutions in the State of Texas, (b) studying viticulture and oenology, (c) seeking an online viticulture or Oenology Certificate, (d) pursuing advanced degrees in Horticulture in Texas, (e) involved with Texas winemaking or field studies / wine education, (f) or involved in promoting the education of grape growing and winemaking 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 Texas 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 Program is provided through charitable donations, local WST Chapter fundraising events, and annual statewide wine events.
“We are excited about the quality of the applications we continue to receive,” said Ms. Shirley Choate, State President of the WST. We are pleased to continue our long tradition of providing meaningful scholarships to these worthy students who have a passion for the Texas wine industry and helping in its growth and recognition nationally. This is our way of “going local” to support Texas talent and invest in the future of the Texas wine industry.
The WST is proud to have now provided scholarships of over $137,000 in the last 23 years through our Scholarship Program. This is all due to the continuous support and efforts of our members, wineries, and individuals who have made donations through the Wine Society of Texas website and fundraisers. We want to thank all of you for your contribution and commitment.”
The following is a summary of this year’s award recipients:
$3,000 James F. Whitley Founders Scholarship is awarded to Michael Cook
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 was recently 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.
Michael Cook
$3,000 Jeff Cope Texas Wine Lover Scholarship is awarded to Holly Ollis
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.
Holly Ollis
$3,000 Raymond Haak Scholarship is awarded to Daniel Hillin
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.
Daniel Hillin
$1,000 is awarded to Antoinette Landragin
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.
Antoinette Landragin
$1,000 is awarded to Courtney Freeman
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.
The Wine Society of Texas (www.winesocietyoftexas.org), headquartered in Midland, Texas, was started in 1996 and received its 501c3 non-profit status in 1999. It has over 180 members in five chapters around the State of Texas. The WST mission is to enhance the appreciation of wine, especially Texas wines; educate the experienced as well as the beginning wine taster; promote the wine makers, and grape growers; foster the knowledge of oenology and viticulture; help in charitable activities throughout the state of Texas; and promote the responsible consumption of wine. The WST organizes events that promote appreciation of wine through education in a comfortable social setting with the aim of building an educated and responsible wine culture in Texas. The WST focuses on consumers of wine in the State of Texas, providing consumer feedback to wineries, and actively works with organizations and wineries in the State on various education programs.
Leave a Reply