Wine Australia invites rising hospitality stars to apply for Pontifex Scholarship

The Daniel Pontifex Memorial Trust, with the support of Wine Australia, is now accepting applications for the 2016 Daniel Pontifex Scholarship, which offers a rising star of hospitality professional placements in some of London’s finest restaurants as well as the opportunity to visit wine regions to further their career and knowledge.

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. Alessandro Marchesan, a previous UK winner, described the scholarship as ‘one of the greatest experiences of my life’.

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 2014 scholarship winner Alexander Kirkwood, now Assistant Head Sommelier at Quay in Sydney said, ‘The scholarship had an immediate impact on my career. My London experience was both inspiring and educational, and the networking opportunities have proved invaluable.’

The winner of the 2016 scholarship will be selected by a panel of judges including Aaron Brasher, David LeMire MW and Michael Hill Smith AM MW. The winner will receive funding towards travel, insurance, accommodation and expenses.

To enter, applicants must submit a short essay (500 words) explaining why they are a suitable candidate, together with an abridged biography by Friday 29 July 2016. Applicants are expected to have a strong interest in wine and may work in any area of hospitality. 

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place in September and October.