The Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Foundation has been named a semifinalist for the Community Impact Award at the SommCon 2026 Imprint Awards. Public voting to determine finalists is open through Monday, August 31.
The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Women of the Vine & Spirits global membership organization, registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in New York.
The Community Impact Award recognizes an individual or non-profit whose service bridges the beverage industry and the community it serves.
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As a semifinalist, the Foundation is now eligible to advance to the finalist round through public voting.
The organization is encouraging industry supporters, colleagues, and members of the beverage alcohol community to cast their votes.
“Being recognized as a semifinalist for the Community Impact Award is a tremendous honor and a meaningful reflection of the work of the WOTVS Foundation, providing global scholarships to women in the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries,” said Deborah Brenner, president of the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation.
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READ THE STORYBrenner added: “Our mission is rooted in the support of our incredible Board of Directors, Foundation Committee, and the ongoing generosity of our Donors. This recognition is on behalf of your commitment, and we can’t thank you enough.”
The Foundation launched in 2017. It provides annual scholarships to support women’s continued education and professional development in the beer, wine, spirits, beverage alcohol, and hospitality industries.
To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 407 recipients across the globe. Recipients for 2026 are currently being selected and will be announced this fall.
The Foundation is seeking donations to fund scholarships in 2026 and 2027.
Its 2026 donors include Suntory Global Spirits as an Advocate. Benefactor-level donors are the Gérard Basset Foundation and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
Affiliate donors include Breakthru Beverage Group, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and The Wine Group.
Supporter and Friend donors include Craft & Cluster, GrayRobinson, Rémy Cointreau/Westland Distillery, and Tonya Rawe.
The recognition arrives as the industry navigates significant marketplace changes. The Foundation said investing in people and supporting the next generation of leaders remains essential to building a stronger future for beverage alcohol.
Voting is available via the SommCon Imprint Awards website. Further information on scholarships can be found at the WOTVS Foundation site.
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