Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire professional growth and empower women and minorities in the hospitality industry in an aim to diversify leadership roles in the industry. To advance our mission, we provide tuition-free wine education, mentoring services, and access to a wider network of sommeliers and hospitality professionals. We believe education not only qualifies an individual for higher levels of employment, it empowers one to pursue endless opportunities for advancement.
We welcome applicants who fit the below criteria to apply for Wine Empowered’s tuition-free wine education program.
(1) Applicant must be a woman and/or belong to the following definition of a minority as established by the federal Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC): Black (all persons having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa), Hispanic (all persons of Mexico, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture of origin regardless of race), Asian or Pacific Islander (all persons having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent or the Pacific Islands. This area includes, for example, China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines Islands, and Samoa), American Indian or Alaskan Native (all persons have origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintain cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.
(2) Applicants must be currently employed, full-time, in the hospitality industry in a service, culinary, or support role in an on-premise food service establishment (defined as: a restaurant, hotel, city or country club, events venue, or airline. We currently do not accept applicants in the retail or distribution industries).
(3) Applicant must be able to provide a letter of recommendation from their direct supervisor affirming applicant’s good employment standing, and willingness of the employer to allow applicant to attend all scheduled classes with no conflict to their work schedule.
(4) Applicants must be based in the NY-Metro area.
Application for Wine Empowered 2027
Directions: Please fill out this form digitally. All questions must be answered in full. We are only accepting complete applications including the letter of recommendation. All materials must be submitted together by the application deadline.
Name
First Name
Last Name
Date of Birth
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Day
Year
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Date
Gender Identity
Female
Male
Non-Binary
Other
Current Address
Street Address
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Postal / Zip Code
Email Address
Phone Number
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Area Code
Phone Number
Racial Identity
Asian
Hispanic
Caucasian
Black/African
Native American
Pacific Islander
Other
How did you learn about the tuition-free wine program through Wine Empowered?
Professional Background
Are you currently employed?
Yes, Full Time
Yes, Part Time
No
Current Employer
Position/Title
Dates Employed
Employment History
Employer
Position/Title
Dates Employed
Employer
Position/Title
Dates Employed
Employer
Position/Title
Dates Employed
Employer
Position/Title
Dates Employed
Tell Us About Yourself
Why are you applying for a free wine education through Wine Empowered?
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How would you describe your current level of wine knowledge, and service capability?
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What is your current “favorite” wine or wines from any grape, style, place, or producer?
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Where do you see yourself in ten years? How will Wine Empowered’s program support this?
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What are three things in life that you are passionate about?
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Tell us about someone who inspires you, and why.
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Describe a challenge that you have overcome in your life, and how you overcame this obstacle.
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Additional Materials
Please include in your application one professional letter of recommendation from your current supervisor who can confirm that you will be able to attend all classes below with no conflict to your work schedule, and speak to your level of commitment and curiosity. Wine Empowered is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and its program is 100% tuition free. You must be able to attend all classes in order to qualify for placement.
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Program Dates
The 2027 schedule is as follows:
January 11, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Orientation
January 25, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Viticulture & Vinification
February 1, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Bordeaux
February 8, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Burgundy
February 22 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Rhône Valley, Southern France and Corsica
March 1, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Northern Italy
March 8, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Central, Southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia
March 15, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Spain and Portugal
March 22, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Review
March 29, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Midterm Exam
April 12, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - USA
April 19, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Chile & Argentina
April 26, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Germany & Austria
May 3, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Loire Valley, Alsace, Savoie and Jura
May 10, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - South Africa, Australia and New Zealand
May 17, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Champagne and Sparkling
May 24, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Review
June 7, 2027 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Final Exam
By signing below, I acknowledge that I fully understand the program dates for 2027 and affirm that I can attend all classes. I also affirm that I have fully and truthfully completed my application.
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