FIU Partners With Penfolds to Launch Wine Studies Scholarship for Aspiring Industry Leaders

Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management has announced a new partnership with Penfolds, one of the world’s leading wine brands, to launch the Penfolds Evermore Wine Studies Scholarship Fund. The initiative aims to support students pursuing careers in the wine industry and marks a significant step in expanding access to wine education.

The scholarship is made possible through a donation from Penfolds, which is part of the Treasury Wine Estates portfolio. The multi-year program will cover in-state Florida tuition and provide funding for an educational study trip to Napa Valley, California. Each year, two high-achieving students enrolled in or accepted to the Chaplin School will be selected for the scholarship. In addition to financial support, Penfolds will offer internship opportunities at its Napa Valley operations.

Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School, said the partnership with Penfolds will help expand hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in wine studies. “We are honored to partner with Penfolds, a leader and one of the most respected names in global winemaking, to expand access and hands-on learning opportunities in the wine industry,” Cheng said.

Kristy Keyte, Chief Marketing Officer at Penfolds, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting future professionals in the field. “Our Evermore program is all about supporting the next generation of bold, curious industry professionals—future winemakers, viticulturists, sommeliers, and hospitality leaders eager to grow, learn, and gain real-world experience,” Keyte said.

The scholarship fund will be managed by the FIU Foundation and overseen by the Chaplin School. It is part of the continued growth of FIU’s Vidal-Duart Wine Studies Program. The program is notable for being the only wine studies program in the United States named by a Hispanic family and has been recognized for its 50-year legacy in wine education.

Since its renaming in 2023, the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies Program has expanded its faculty and curriculum and created numerous experiential learning opportunities. It has also hosted community events and master classes and prepared graduates for careers across various sectors of the wine industry, including distribution, sales, technology, and ownership. The program plays a key role at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival®, which benefits from and is produced by the Chaplin School and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Two FIU hospitality students have already participated in internships as part of this new partnership. Elaine Mena, an FIU hospitality management student who spent ten weeks interning at Penfolds in Napa Valley over the summer, described her experience as transformative for her career.

The Chaplin School has a long history as a pioneer in beverage education. Its wine studies program and undergraduate degree in beverage and spirits management date back to the 1990s. The program was shaped by influential figures such as the late professor Patrick “Chip” Cassidy and industry leaders Harvey Chaplin, Jay Weiss, and Mel Dick.

Penfolds was founded 180 years ago and is known for its commitment to quality winemaking across regions including Australia, California’s Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and China. The company’s Evermore platform focuses on community engagement and sustainability initiatives that support future generations of winemakers and hospitality professionals.

FIU’s Chaplin School is ranked among the top hospitality schools in the United States and serves more than 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. The school offers programs in hotel management, foodservice, beverage management, tourism, event management, and more.

The FIU Foundation was established in 1969 as a nonprofit organization to support scientific, educational, and charitable purposes for Florida International University. Through philanthropy, it helps provide resources that contribute to FIU’s standing as a leading public research university.

This partnership between FIU’s Chaplin School and Penfolds reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in hospitality and wine industries through education, practical experience, and industry collaboration.