Geneva, NY – February 15, 2024 – The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, premier trade association for wines in the region, announces new travel scholarships to Riesling Camp in service of the organization’s goals to promote diversity and inclusivity in the wine industry.

Riesling Camp, the FLWA’s signature annual event, is an immersive multi-day educational visit for the wine trade and media to learn about the Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area and the key varietal of the region, Riesling. The FLWA believes that fostering increased access to industry resources, and advancing the presence of diversity and inclusion in the wine workforce, will enhance and further a more sustainable and equitable future in Finger Lakes wine.

“By aligning Riesling Camp with our renewed Strategic Plan, we are thrilled to announce the travel scholarship for one or more individuals in 2024,” says Kyle Pallischeck, Executive Director of the FLWA. “The scholarship assists recipients with the program tenet of self-funded travel to the region for Riesling Camp, and will prioritize the empowerment of underrepresented communities in the wine industry.”

The FLWA will work with Maryam + Company, a collaborative consulting firm that develops brand extension programs and educational experiences for purpose-driven clients that love food and wine, to develop a renewed Code of Conduct and strategy for the travel scholarship program for Riesling Camp in 2024 and 2025. And as an extension of the close relationship established during Maryam + Company’s Field Blends: Finger Lakes where the FLWA was a scholarship partner in 2023, Riesling Camp will welcome one scholarship candidate that applied for Field Blends: Finger Lakes in 2023.  

Maryam Ahmed, founder and CEO of Maryam + Company notes, “Supporting and building on our connections with Field Blends partners is part of our longstanding commitment to creating additional opportunities for a diverse community in wine.” She adds, “Every agricultural area has its champions of change, but they are most effective when they have this kind of support at the regional level. I’m proud to work with Finger Lakes Wine Alliance to carry out their commitment to the wine world and the many people that choose to visit, support, or work in the area.”

The Riesling Camp application period is open February 8-22, 2024. Twenty four applicants will be selected to attend this year’s Camp, and scholarship recipients will be chosen based on personal statements of why they are applying for the scholarship. Attendees and scholarship recipients will be announced mid-March. 

To learn more, visit www.fingerlakeswinealliance.com

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About the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance 
Founded in 2004, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to increase the visibility and prominence of the Finger Lakes region, its wineries, and wines. The FLWA strives to be the preeminent voice and champion for the region on a global scale. Our wineries are recognized as leaders in the industry dedicated to moving the wine region forward, together.