FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna, BC – June 10, 2026 – The wine industry is thrilled that Vinica Education Society’s Equity in Wine Leadership Program will be offered again in the fall of 2026, following confirmation of funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
The 13-week intensive wine and business training program, which begins in late August 2026, is designed to create pathways into management and leadership roles for aspiring IBPOC (Indigenous, Black and People of Colour) wine professionals across British Columbia. The fully-funded program combines education, mentorship, hands-on internship experience, and professional networking opportunities. Importantly, the program also includes industry-recognized Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 and 3 certifications, as well as BC Wine Ambassador training.
Over the last three cohorts, the Equity in Wine Leadership Program has helped graduates build impactful careers across the wine and hospitality sectors. Alumni include Sisters Neelam Dhaliwal, General Manager, and Manpreet Dhaliwal, Head Winemaker at Kismet Estate Winery in Oliver and recent winner of BC Business’ 30 Under 30 award; and Sydney Cooper, Owner and Restaurateur of Rabbit Rabbit Wine Bar in Victoria, a finalist for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants list in the country.
“Our graduates are proving that when barriers to education and industry access are removed, diverse talent thrives,” said Chris Mann, Past President of Vinica Education Society. “This next cohort will continue building the future leadership pipeline for BC’s wine industry.”
The program responds to ongoing workforce needs identified through Vinica’s recent labour market research, which highlighted growing demand for skilled professionals in wine production, hospitality, marketing, tourism, sustainability, and business operations.
Participants will receive:
- WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 and Level 3 certification
- BC Wine Ambassador training
- Wine industry-specific education and professional development
- Cultural empowerment, DEI, and Indigenous learning opportunities
- Mentorship from experienced wine and hospitality professionals
- Two weeks of internship placements with industry partners across British Columbia
- Access to a growing network of employers, alumni, and industry leaders
- Travel and accommodation subsidies for residency weeks and internship placements.
Online training begins August 30, 2026, and the program ends November 27, 2026. The three immersive residency weeks take place in British Columbia wine regions:
Kelowna: September 14–18, 2026
Naramata: October 19–23, 2026
Osoyoos: November 23–27, 2026
Between residencies, participants will complete online coursework, mentorship activities, and internship placements designed to build both technical knowledge and professional experience.
“Equity in Wine Leadership is about more than training,” said Trina Plamondon, Vice President of Vinica Education Society, and program alumna. “It’s about creating long-term opportunities, building confidence, and ensuring the next generation of wine leaders reflects the diversity of our communities.”
Applications for the fully-funded 2026 Equity in Wine Leadership Program are open now at Vinica.ca/program
Vinica Education Society is offering this training opportunity through funding made available by the B.C. Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and the Community Workforce Response Grant.
About Vinica Education Society
Vinica Education Society is a BC registered not-for-profit dedicated to diversifying and strengthening the wine industry. Through education, mentorship, internships, and leadership development programs, Vinica supports IBPOC professionals in building meaningful and sustainable careers in wine.
Equity in Wine Leadership Grad Quotes and Photos
Sydney Cooper, Owner and Restaurateur of Rabbit Rabbit Wine Bar in Victoria, a finalist for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants list in the country.
Sydney: “My dream of opening a restaurant would not have been possible without Vinica. The practical internship combined with the education opened my eyes to a passion I never knew I had and equipped me with the skillset I needed to ensure success.”
Sisters Neelam Dhaliwal, General Manager, and Manpreet Dhaliwal, Head Winemaker at Kismet Estate Winery in Oliver and recent winner of BC Business’ 30 Under 30 award
Neelam: “Vinica gave me the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, build meaningful connections, and grow with greater confidence in my career path. It helped me recognize my own potential within the wine industry and reminded me that my voice, perspective, and story have a meaningful place in this field.”
Manpreet: “Vinica played a pivotal and foundational role in my journey as a winemaker. The combination of WSET education, mentorship, and a supportive community gave me not only the knowledge and confidence to grow, but also the belief that I truly belonged in the wine industry. As a young South Asian woman entering the wine industry, seeing people who believed in me made all the difference. Vinica gave me the confidence to trust my abilities, pursue my passion, and grow into the winemaker I am today.”
Media Contact
Faye Wai
media@vinica.ca