Bordeaux Index Continues Support for the Curious Vines 'Road to MW' Education Award

Applications are now open for the Curious Vines 2026 Education Support Awards, and Bordeaux Index is proud to continue sponsoring this initiative for the second year running. 

Curious Vines provides a supportive network and community for women in wine, offering mentorship, workshops, masterclasses, and, every year, the Education Support Awards. These awards are central to Curious Vines’ mission of advancing equity and opportunity through education and professional development, helping pave the way for the next generation of leaders in the industry. 

As a dedicated sponsor, we are particularly excited to once again champion The Road to MW (Master of Wine) Exam Support Awards, an extensive programme designed to support candidates through these challenging qualifications, deepen their knowledge, and help them become influential voices in the sector. Last year, we supported the programme and delivered 'The Road to MW' interview series, featuring in-depth conversations with three award winners, which generated strong engagement across the industry. The awards continue to play a transformative role in the careers of women working in wine and we're delighted to offer our support once again.  

"Supporting the education and progression of talented individuals is critical to ensuring the wine industry thrives and adapts to a changing world. At Bordeaux Index, we are committed to ensuring that women working in the wine sector achieve their maximum potential and are appropriately represented in the next generation of leadership. Sponsoring the MW programme within the 2026 Education Support Awards allows us to directly contribute to the development of future leaders, strengthening not only their careers but the wine industry as a whole." Matthew O'Connell, CEO of Bordeaux Index's trading platform, LiveTrade

CURIOUS VINES EDUCATION SUPPORT AWARDS

Since its inception, the annual Curious Vines Education Support Awards have supported nearly 80 talented women in achieving prestigious qualifications across the Master of Wine, Master Sommelier, Court of Master Sommelier Advanced, and WSET Diploma programmes. New for 2026, five award recipients from across all programmes will be offered a fully paid educational trip to Avignonesi in Tuscany, giving them first-hand experience of world-class wine production.

Created in response to the UK Women in Wine Survey 2023, which highlighted underrepresentation in leadership, the Awards aim to equip women working in gender-biased environments with the tools, networks, and confidence to succeed. From expert insights on exam strategies and blind tasting to high-impact group sessions fostering collaboration and connection, the awards have a measurable impact: nurturing ambition, enhancing career progression, and securing the retention of experienced talent - ultimately strengthening diversity and representation at leadership levels across the wine industry.

Applications are now open. 

Key Dates:

• Applications close: Monday 8th December 2025, 11:59 pm GMT

• Award winners notified: Tuesday 23rd December 2025

Apply here or for more information contact Queena Wong at [email protected].