AIWF Scholarships

The American Institute of Wine & Food (AIWF) is a national non-profit educational organization established in 1981 by Robert Mondavi, Julia Child, Richard Graff and others to promote a forum for the study and enjoyment of gastronomy. The AIWF is dedicated to advancing the understanding, appreciation, and quality of wine and food through fun educational experiences in support of its Days of Taste® and Scholarship programs.

The San Diego Chapter of AIWF awards tuition scholarships for the pursuit of culinary arts, enology/viticulture, and beverage studies in full or part-time accredited continuing education programs. The scholarships typically range from $350 to $3,000. All schools must be accredited. All schools must also offer continuous relevant hands-on, in-person experience rather than online studies.

Since the money for the scholarships is raised by the San Diego Chapter, scholarships are only awarded to current or prospective students who are connected to San Diego County by school, work, or recent involvement in food or beverage in the area. The scholarship money may be used for study within or outside of San Diego County.

The scholarship award is not transferable without the written permission of the Scholarship Committee, and permission may be denied at the discretion of the Committee. The San Diego Chapter expects feedback from scholarship winners about their achievements, experiences and future goals before graduation, and again, six months after the end of their studies.

The scholarship funds will be sent directly to the school the successful applicant will be attending. All applicants are responsible for supplying their contact information at the time they submit the application, and again, after they start school, including addresses, home and cell phone numbers, email addresses, and if required Social Security number.

Successful applicants are also required to promptly supply the coursework dollar amount along with the name, title, and mailing address of the person at the school to whom a check will be sent. The recipient must provide all contact information to the San Diego AIWF Treasurer for timely payment in 2024. If this is not done, there will be a reduction in the scholarship award unless the Scholarship Committee has accepted extenuating circumstances.