BWB 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.

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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 $799.

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 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

  • Show financial need to take the next step

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 - Coming Fall 2026

Applications will open soon (Fall 2026) - stay tuned for official dates. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

  1. Complete the online application form (link coming soon).

  2. Submit a short essay or video sharing your passion for wine, your professional goals, and how earning the Certified Sommelier designation will help you reach them.

  3. Demonstrate financial need to be considered.


Follow @BottlesWithBabbitt and check this page for updates on when the application window officially opens.

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 $799 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 do not need to be currently working in a restaurant to qualify.

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

About the Scholarship

  • Application dates will be announced soon (Fall 2026) - check back here or follow @BottlesWithBabbitt on Instagram for application dates.

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

  • The annual recipient will be announced following the close of the review period each year.

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 are placed directly into the scholarship fund and used exclusively to cover Certified Sommelier exam fees for selected recipients.

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