The Daniel Pontifex Memorial Trust, with the support of Wine Australia, is now accepting applications for the 2016 Daniel Pontifex Scholarship. The scholarship offers professional placements in some of London’s finest restaurants as well as the opportunity to visit wine regions.
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, died in a car accident during his employment at Kensington Place Restaurant in London. Pontifex had previously worked in Adelaide with Michael Hill Smith who, along with Pontifex’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 and Michael Hill Smith. The winner will receive funding towards travel, insurance, accommodation and expenses.
To enter, applicants must submit a short essay explaining why they are a suitable candidate, together with an abridged biography. Applicants are expected to have a strong interest in wine and may work in any area of hospitality.
