We proudly announced the recipients of the inaugural WISE Rising Stars Scholarships during a live presentation at the DTC Wine Symposium last week, celebrating the next generation of DTC wine industry leaders in front of more than 500 winery professionals.

As one of the event’s original sponsors, WISE continues to invest in the Symposium’s mission of education, collaboration, and forward‑thinking leadership. The Rising Stars Scholarships extend that commitment—supporting people, developing leadership, and strengthening the DTC community across the industry.

The Rising Stars Scholarships received an overwhelming response from across the country. The strength of applications prompted Commerce7 to step in and match one of the scholarships, allowing WISE to expand the program and support additional recipients.

Join us as we raise a glass towards this year's recipients!

Kelsey Gomes is the DTC Marketing Manager at Lange Twins Family Winery & Vineyards. Upon receiving the WISE Rising Manager Scholarship, she noted she is proud of the work she does at LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, building a successful wine club and DTC business while connecting customers with the stories behind the wines they love. Through the industry-specific education and mentorship offered by WISE and the Rising Star Manager Scholarship, she hopes to accelerate her development as a leader so she can empower her team, create meaningful experiences for customers, and help shape a strong future for the business and the industry.

Ivy Thompson is the DTC Manager at Center of Effort Winery in Arroyo Grande, and is also earning her MBA at Cal Poly. She told us her career has been shaped by strong mentorship, community, and a passion for hospitality. Through WISE, she looks forward to expanding her strategic impact by strengthening her data-driven and marketing skill set in an ever-evolving industry.

Giselle (Gigi) Panaigua is the Sales and Engagement lead at Emeritus Vineyards in Sebastopol. She is quoted as saying:
"My approach to winery DTC blends thoughtful strategy with authentic guest connection—because great wine experiences should feel as good as they taste. WISE represents the next step in growing as a leader and contributing to the future of the wine industry"

Zoe Lucas is the DTC Manager at Black Ankle Vineyards, located in Frederick Maryland. She shared "I am incredibly excited to have received this scholarship and am looking forward to all that WISE has to offer, and can't wait to bring what I learn back to Maryland!"

In addition, earlier this month, we were pleased to announce a special WISE Scholarship in partnership with the Texas Hill Country Wineries. Awarded to Michelle Padilla, a Global Hospitality Leadership student at the University of Houston, she was bit by the wine bug at her Wine Appreciation course with Dr. Taylor. She reflected that she became "Much more interested in learning about wine and how it reflects the people and culture behind it...my eyes were opened to the growing potential of the Texas wine industry and made me want to be a part of its future."  

To our five scholarship recipients Kelsey, Ivy, Gigi, Zoe and Michelle: we see you. We celebrate you. And we can’t wait to see where your paths lead next!