Scholarships available to local wine employees’ kids

KENwood - The record-breaking success of the 2014 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend will translate into a record-breaking dollar amount of college scholarships for high school seniors with family members affiliated with the local wine industry.

The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance will award $100,000 in merit scholarships this year, in part from the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction. It raised more than $4 million for charities last summer at Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood, more than doubling its 2013 record of ?$1.5 million.

This marks the 14th year of the scholarship program. The alliance has awarded more than $115,000 in scholarships since 2001.

The alliance comprises hundreds of member wineries, grape growers and associate members who work together to promote Sonoma Valley and the wines produced in the region.

High school seniors have until April 10 to apply for the alliance scholarships.

Applicants must be the child of an active alliance-member employee, grower or vintner. Their affiliation must include at least six months from the past ?12 months.

Students must be headed to a two- or four-year college or university in the fall.

Scholarships are based on academic records, school of choice, financial need, a letter of recommendation, a written essay and a personal interview.

Applications are available in Spanish and English. For more information, email info@sonomavalleywine.com or call 935-0803.

- Dianne Reber Hart