L'Erudito Program 2012

The Scholarship Process

Now in its fourth year, the programme is open to wine and hospitality professionals or enthusiasts. Previous scholars have included wine students, sommeliers, winemakers, retailers, food and wine consultants, distributors and marketers.

To gain entry into the program, successful applicants need to compose a small, simple essay on a given wine topic. Scholar convenors Jane Faulkner and Michael Trembath review these essays anonymously and select examples that best address the topic (please note that addressing the subject is judged more important than writing ability).

Please refer to this example which was awarded the 2010 'Best Written Essay' sponsored by Hardie Grant. (click here to view award winning Essay example)

A selection of candidates who best address the essay topic then attend a two-day masterclass in Plumpton at Galli Estate involving a comprehensive, rigorous blind tasting of around 150 top wines that will be assessed, discussed (and thoroughly enjoyed!). The Lorenzo Galli Wine Scholarship masterclass is led by Italian wine importer, Michael Trembath, wine writer Jane Faulkner and wine consultant Dan Sims. Plus some of the most respected winemakers such as Stephen Pannell, Sandro Mosele and Briony Hoare, viticulturists and consultants such as Mark Walpole and wine writers including Max Allen have contributed to the erudite teaching panel.

On the evening after the second masterclass, a dinner will be held and the scholar with the most points (as scored throughout the masterclass sessions) will be announced and awarded dux, winning a trip to Italy valued at $10,000.