Thw world's leading cork producer Amorim has become the latest wine trade company officially to support the Wine & Spirit Education Trust world-wide.
The Bronze Patron agreement, confirmed today, will include a fascinating expenses-paid study scholarship for two WSET graduates - one based in the UK and the other selected from the WSET's international student base - that takes in the traditional cork harvest by hand in the Alentejo forests, as well as visits to Amorim's state-of-the-art production units and R&D laboratories in their Porto HQ.
Announcing the news, Chief Executive of the WSET, Ian Harris, comments: 'The WSET welcomes Amorim into our wide-ranging portfolio of patrons. We aim to give our students the opportunity to learn about every aspect of the wine trade - and closures are no exception. These scholarships will offer a valuable insight into the natural cork industry'.
This will be a unique opportunity for two holders of the WSET Level 3 qualification to learn at firsthand about cork stoppers and the unrivalled performance and environmental benefits offered by this 100% sustainable , natural material,' explains Carlos de Jesus, Amorim's Head of Marketing & Communication.
'We are delighted to be supporting the excellent educational work that the WSET carries out at all levels - and countries - and we appreciate the importance of encouraging the next generation of the international wine trade'.
The winners of the first Amorim scholarships will be selected in November, during the WSET's Viva Voce day, and announced at the glittering WSET Awards & Graduation Ceremony on January 21st 2013.
