Bottles With Babbitt Foundation Annual Scholarship

Empowering the Next Generation of Wine Professionals

I am proud to announce the launch of the Bottles With Babbitt Foundation and the annual Certified Sommelier Scholarship - created to support aspiring sommeliers in achieving their dreams.

Donate to the Scholarship Here!
Apply for the Scholarship Here!

Why This Scholarship Matters

For those passionate about wine, education is the key to unlocking new opportunities, but it doesn’t come cheap.
The Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) Level 2 “Certified Sommelier” Exam is a major milestone on the sommelier journey, carrying a registration fee of $849.

When I began my own path in wine, I didn’t have a restaurant sponsor or company covering these costs. As a full-time engineer, I fell in love with wine and built Bottles With Babbitt to share that passion.
Now, through the Bottles With Babbitt Foundation, I want to help remove those same financial barriers for others pursuing their wine calling.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Bottles With Babbitt Foundation Annual Scholarship is an $850 scholarship that fully covers the registration fee for the CMS Level 2 “Certified Sommelier” Exam.

But this is about more than an exam; it’s about recognizing people who are ready to make an impact in the world of wine. We’re looking for applicants who:

  • Demonstrate genuine passion for wine

  • Have a clear vision for their growth

Whether you’re working the floor, in distribution, or simply driven by a deep love for wine, we want to hear your story.

How to Apply

Complete the online application form demonstrating your financial need, sommelier background (CMS Level 1), and where you hope to see the wine industry continue to grow and improve.

The 2026 application window is officially open and will remain open until Monday, November 30th, 2026, at midnight PST. 

We will announce the winner by email no later than Friday, December 18th, 2026, at 5 PM PST.


Follow @BottlesWithBabbitt and check this page for scholarship deadline reminders.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 39-3244518) dedicated to empowering future wine professionals by removing financial barriers to education and certification.

  • The full $849 registration fee for the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) Level 2 “Certified Sommelier” Exam.

  • Anyone who has passed the CMS Level 1 “Introductory Sommelier” Exam and plans to take the Level 2 “Certified Sommelier” Exam, demonstrates financial need, and shows evident passion for a future in wine. You don't need to work in a restaurant to qualify, but you must be a United States resident and over 21 years old.

  • No. The Bottles With Babbitt Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides financial support to help individuals take their exam.

  • Age Requirement (21+): Applicants must be at least 21 years old by the application deadline.

    Citizenship / Residency Requirement: Applicants must be citizens of the United States [or lawful permanent residents / authorized to work in the U.S.]. Proof of citizenship or legal status (e.g., U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, or Permanent Resident Card) may be requested prior to awarding scholarship funds.

    Prerequisite: Applicants must have passed the CMS Level 1 Introductory Exam.

    Exclusivity of Funding: Strict prohibition against receiving double funding or financial aid from third parties specifically for the Level 2 exam fee.

    Authorized Proceed Usage: Direct payment/reimbursement policy restricting funds strictly to the Court of Master Sommeliers Level 2 exam fee.

    Non-Discrimination Policy: The Bottles With Babbitt Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all applicants. The Foundation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (subject to the legal minimum age requirement of 21 years), national origin, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic in its evaluation, selection, or administrative processes.

    Announcement: The winner of the Bottles With Babbitt Foundation Scholarship will be notified via email.

About the Scholarship

  • The 2026 application window is officially open and will remain open until Monday, November 30th, 2026, at midnight PST. 

    We will announce the winner by email no later than Friday, December 18th, 2026, at 5 PM PST.

    Follow @BottlesWithBabbitt on Instagram for application reminders.

  • Applications are evaluated based on passion, clarity of goals, demonstrated financial need, and potential impact on the wine community.

  • The 2026 BWB scholarship recipient winner will be announced by email no later than Friday, December 18th, 2026, at 5 PM PST.

Applying & Selection

  • You’ll be able to make a secure, tax-deductible donation directly through the Donate button on this page.

    Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your CPA for further tax-deductible questions.

  • 100% of public donations go directly into the scholarship fund and are used exclusively to cover Certified Sommelier exam fees for selected recipients.

Donating