Temecula Valley Wine Society

Scholarship Report 2009

We’ve accomplished another goal! Our first year offering Scholarship Applications online proved successful, with more applicants than last year—and very worthy ones, at that.  We selected the following four:

• John Ritchey is a graduate student in Enology at California State University at Fresno. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, he managed an international grant project that increased Moldovan farmers’ harvests by 400%. He comes with extensive experience in both winemaking and tasting room management and is currently the Assistant at Fresno’s Viticulture & Enology Research Center. John was awarded $5,000.

• Brodie McCarthy completed his Bachelor’s degree and is beginning Graduate School at California State University at Fresno. He is already accrued student loans; our award helps him fund his Viticulture Research Project as he pursues his Masters Degree. His Professor says, “Brodie has…demonstrated strong interest and commitment and in a very short period [become] one of the best..” Brodie was awarded $4,000.

• Christopher Wheeler earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences at Pitzer College, Claremont, CA. He is presently working toward a Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology. “I intend to use my research on the attractant and aggregative qualities of ladybeetle pheromones to develop a lure…naturally removing ladybeetle infestations…” Christopher was awarded $4,000.

• Benjamin Leachman is finishing his second Bachelor’s Degree in Viticulture and Enology at the University of California at Davis and plans to continue for his Masters degree. Benjamin earned a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Occidental College.  While working at Domaine Chandon, he learned sparkling wine production. “Ben interned and worked part-time at RH Phillips Winery [until] Constellation shut it down,” said his Professor. Now he’ll work fewer hours while in school. Benjamin was awarded $3,000.

Thank you, everyone, for helping us raise these funds. Our recipients are furthering their education and California’s wine industry because of you!

Carolyn Straub

TVWS Scholarship Chair