Information About AIWF 2025 Scholarships for Study in 2026
The American Institute of Wine & Food (AIWF) is a non-profit educational organization established in 1981 by Robert Mondavi, Julia Child, Richard Graff and others to promote a forum for the study and enjoyment of gastronomy. The AIWF is dedicated to advancing the understanding, appreciation, and quality of wine and food through fun educational experiences in support of its Scholarship programs.
The San Diego Chapter of AIWF awards tuition scholarships for the pursuit of culinary arts, enology/viticulture, and beverage studies in full or part-time accredited continuing education programs. The scholarships typically range from $350 to $3,000. All schools must be accredited. All schools must also offer continuous relevant hands-on, in-person experience rather than online studies.
Since the money for the scholarships is raised by the San Diego Chapter, scholarships are only awarded to current or prospective students who are connected to San Diego County by school, work, or recent involvement in food or beverage in the area. The scholarship money may be used for study within or outside of San Diego County.
Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2025.
The scholarship award is not transferable without the written permission of the Scholarship Committee, and permission may be denied at the discretion of the Committee. The San Diego Chapter expects feedback from scholarship winners about their achievements, experiences and future goals before graduation, and again, six months after the end of studies.
The scholarship funds will be sent directly to the school the successful applicant will be attending. All applicants are responsible for supplying their contact information at the time they submit the application, and again, after they start school, including addresses, home and cell phone numbers, email addresses, and if required Social Security number.
Successful applicants are also required to promptly supply the course work dollar amount along with the name, title, and mailing address of the person at the school to whom a check will be sent. The recipient must provide all contact information to the San Diego AIWF Treasurer for timely payment in 2026. If this is not done, there will be a reduction in the scholarship award unless the Scholarship Committee has accepted extenuating circumstances.
This application must be completely filled out, along with the statement, resume, and at least two letters of recommendation in order to be considered.
Please complete this application and attach a brief statement (250 words maximum) explaining why you are an appropriate candidate for this scholarship, as well as at least two letters of recommendation from your teachers, employers, or mentors. Recommendations must be current and have a complete letterhead with the sender’s name, address, telephone number, and email address. All recommendations must have an original signature rather than an electronic signature. Additionally, please include a summary of your academic and work history (resume) that also includes your experiences relating to a career involving food, viticulture, or beverage studies.
The deadline for accepting applications is September 30, 2025.
Please complete and mail the required information to
Send to:
AIWF, San Diego Chapter Scholarship Committee
2683 Via De La Valle #G230
Del Mar, CA 92014
You will be notified if a follow-up interview is requested, during which you will need to present your study plan.