March 3, 2025 (London, UK) — Champagne Laurent-Perrier has teamed up with the Gérard Basset Foundation to create the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Scholarships to develop future young talent and support further inclusion and accessibility within the UK wine trade. The partnership sees the coming together of two family-led companies with the shared objective to mentor the next generation of wine professionals.
Applications are officially open as of today and will remain open until 25th April 2025.
The new partnership between the Gérard Basset Foundation and Champagne Laurent-Perrier will offer the chance for 10 individuals to undertake the renowned Wine Scholar Guild Champagne Masters course, the most up-to-date and comprehensive certification available on the wines of Champagne, taught by renowned experts Peter Liem, Essi Avellan MW, Steve Charters MW and Charles Curtis MW: https://www.winescholarguild.com/certifications/masters-programs/champagne-masters
The scholarship winners will also take part in two days of masterclasses in negotiation and sales at special sessions held in London which will help them develop and refine essential skills for working in both the on- and off-trade. In addition, Laurent-Perrier will host a tutored tasting session with the winners to fully immerse them in the Champagne category and allow them to improve their tasting techniques.
“The Gérard Basset Foundation has one clear mission: to use the wine, spirits and hospitality industries as a vehicle for change, helping to foster, encourage, promote and assist a new generation of talent into the drinks and hospitality industries,” says Romané Basset, co-founding trustee of and head of operations at the Gérard Basset Foundation: “We are delighted to work closely with compatible partners like Laurent-Perrier who share many of our values and convictions.”
Adam Guy, manager director for Laurent-Perrier UK, adds: “We are honoured to partner with the Gérard Basset Foundation on the new Laurent-Perrier Champagne Scholarships to support further inclusion and accessibility in the wine industry. Like the Basset family, Laurent-Perrier’s heritage is rooted in the wine industry and together we are proud to support future generations.”
The Laurent-Perrier Champagne Scholarships are open to UK-based applicants working in the wine and hospitality industries. All applicants are welcome. As one of the aims of these scholarships is to support and further inclusion and accessibility in the wine industry, candidates will be asked to explain in their own words what winning a scholarship would mean to them and enable them to achieve.
The judging panel will be composed of Nina Basset FIH, co-founding trustee and team leader of the Gérard Basset Foundation, Romané Basset, Christian Holthausen, head of communications for the Gérard Basset Foundation, and Preston Mohr, managing director of the Wine Scholar Guild.
Applications are now open and remain open until April 25. For further information and to apply directly please visit this webpage: https://gerardbassetfoundation.org/scholarships/the-laurent-perrier-champagne-scholarships
About The Gérard Basset Foundation
The Gérard Basset Foundation is the world’s leading charitable foundation dedicated to using the wine, spirits and hospitality industries as a global vehicle for change by funding education, training and mentorship programmes which focus on opening up these sectors to passionate and talented individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. Gérard Basset (7th March 1957 – 16th January 2019) OBE MS MW MBA OIV MSc ASI World’s Best Sommelier 2010 was without question one of the greatest wine professionals of his era. During his lifetime, Gérard mentored and trained a generation of young sommeliers who sought out his expertise and guidance to launch their own successful careers. Many of those protégés are now connected with the Foundation and remain instrumental in keeping Gerard’s legacy alive and flourishing. The Gérard Basset Foundation was co-founded in 2021 by Gérard’s wife Nina and their son Romané who also serve as trustees alongside Jancis Robinson OBE MW and Ian Harris. https://gerardbassetfoundation.org
About Champagne Laurent-Perrier
Founded in 1812, the House of Laurent-Perrier has been defined by its pioneering role in innovating champagne throughout its history. Its innovation is rooted in unique savoir-faire, passed down through generations. Internationally recognised as one of the foremost names in Champagne, its success can be attributed to a deliberate policy of challenging conventional techniques while honouring traditional values, a passion for quality and, above all, respect for nature and the terroir (the natural environment in which the grapes are grown).
The Laurent-Perrier portfolio is built around three distinct expressions of its unique savoir-faire. The first is the art of assemblage of reserve vines, exemplified by Grand Siècle – a prestige cuvée crafted from three exceptional vintages to recreate the perfect year. The second is the mastery of maceration, an innovative winemaking technique that led to the creation of Cuvée Rosé in 1968. Finally, the House pioneered the non-dosé (zero dosage) style with the launch of Ultra Brut in 1981, a visionary approach that continues today with Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature.
The success of this independent family-led House is attributed to the energy of the de Nonancourt family, headed by the late Bernard de Nonancourt, who assumed control in 1948. Bernard preserved the independence of his champagne House and its values. These same principles guide the current management team led by his daughters Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt and Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt and his granddaughter Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt.
In 2024 Laurent-Perrier was the first champagne House to be bestowed the prestigious Royal Warrant by His Majesty The King Charles III, signifying the brand’s esteemed status as a purveyor of champagne to the Royal Household.
