2016 Daniel Pontifex Scholarship awarded to Stephanie Jacob
The Daniel Pontifex Memorial Trust, with the support of Wine Australia, has awarded the 2016 Daniel Pontifex Scholarship to Stephanie Jacob, assistant wine buyer at Supernormal in Melbourne.
Ms Jacob will travel to Europe in 2017 to gain valuable experience in some of Europe’s finest restaurants and visit some of its wine regions, with the scholarship covering all associated costs.
On being awarded the scholarship, Ms Jacob said, ‘I'm thrilled to be awarded this travelling scholarship, it is really tailored to the needs of the individual, and recognises the invaluable knowledge that comes from travel and experiencing the culture of a place first hand.
‘I look forward to returning to Australia inspired!’, she said.
The scholarship is offered to a recipient based in Australia and the UK in alternate years so each may learn more about the food and wine culture in the other market.
Daniel Pontifex, whom the scholarship commemorates, tragically died in a car accident during his employment at Kensington Place Restaurant in London. Daniel had previously worked in Adelaide with Michael Hill Smith AM MW who, along with Daniel’s family, went on to initiate the scholarship in his name in 1998.
The winner of the 2016 scholarship was selected by a panel of judges including Aaron Brasher, David LeMire MW and Michael Hill Smith AM MW.
‘The quality of the applicants was impressive but Stephanie’s application was a standout,’ said Mr Hill Smith.
‘A South Australian local, born near the Barossa Valley, Stephanie has experience working in restaurants in SA, has worked a number of vintages across different regions and now lives in Melbourne where she works at the acclaimed Supernormal, under the tutelage of Leanne Altman, a past Pontifex recipient herself.
‘I believe this scholarship will open up exciting opportunities for Stephanie and further her rising career in hospitality.’
The last person in Australia to be awarded the scholarship was Alexander Kirkwood, now Assistant Head Sommelier at Quay, in Sydney.
Daniel Pontifex Scholarship
The Daniel Pontifex Scholarship was established in 1998 to celebrate the life of young Australian Daniel Pontifex who died in a car accident while working at Kensington Place Restaurant in London.
The Daniel Pontifex Memorial Trust was set up by the Pontifex family in memory of Daniel. The Trust contributes funds toward the cost of flights, travel insurance, accommodation and expenses for the winner of the Daniel Pontifex Scholarship.