2020 Wine Studies Award Winners
Education. Work Experience. Mentorship.
The Urban Grape Wine Studies Award for Students of Color announced its first two award recipients in September 2020. Meet them below, and apply for the 2021 cohort to join them on their journey!
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Suhayl Ramirez
Suhayl Ramirez learned the language of flavor and palate development during eight years of working for Taza Chocolate in Somerville, Massachusetts, but she traces her love for wine back to a much earlier time in her life. Visiting her family in the Dominican Republic, her first taste of wine was snuck from backyard parties during summers with her grandparents. Caballo Blanco was a sweet red wine that was always served over ice to combat the sweltering heat. Her tastes have evolved from that first syrupy sip, but that swirl of magic and joy shared amongst friends and family stayed with her and inspired her to continue seeking knowledge around all aspects of wine. Today, Suhayl is a partner within TFLUXÈ, an organization focused on creating equity and space for Black consumers and industry professionals. Her natural curiosity for food culture and knowledge, enthusiasm for wine, extensive experience in consumer retail and marketing, and skills in creating cross-industry connections make her the ideal candidate for this program.
Amanda Best
Amanda Best found her way to the wine industry by a matter of necessity. She came to Boston from Baltimore, Maryland to pursue her Masters degree in Broadcast Communications at Emerson College and got two jobs to support herself through school. Balancing her schedule was unsustainable, so she found a part-time job as a delivery driver at Charles Street Liquors. Today, Amanda is the first proud Black woman who has worked in management for the Beacon Hill store. As she was learning, her hunger for wine knowledge was insatiable: she asked questions, watched videos and bought books. But one thing always stood out - she was the only Black person she knew of that worked in wine. What brings her the most joy is when Black and BIPOC come into her shop and feel relieved that they won't be judged by the color of their skin. Her dream is to open her own intersectional and inclusive wine bar or vineyard in Massachusetts where Black and BIPOC can work for a living wage and learn about the industry that has given her so much purpose.
Learn more about our Wine Studies Award