Tony Ryan Legacy Scholarship
Overview
- Elevate your knowledge and skills in the world of wine with the Tony Ryan Legacy Scholarship, offered by the BC Hospitality Foundation in partnership with the Ryan/Grant Family. This $4000 award is designed for students and professionals pursuing formal training or certification in wine studies, including sommelier programs, wine appreciation courses, or hospitality-related wine education.
- The scholarship honours the legacy of Tony Ryan, a passionate wine advocate and longtime supporter of the Vancouver International Wine Festival.
- Whether you’re just starting your journey in the wine industry or looking to advance your expertise, this grant provides financial support toward tuition for 2 students each year.
Successful applicants will be:
- Enrolled in a recognized wine education program in BC
- Passionate about wine and the wine industry and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth in hospitality; and
- Willing to work in BC’s wine, hospitality, or tourism sectors for at least 2 years after receiving the award.
Timeline
Applications due:
December through January 31
Review period:
2-3 weeks
Scholarship Presentation:
Awarded at the Vancouver International Wine Festival luncheon, with recipients invited to attend in person
How to apply?
01
Complete the online application form
02
Submit a 500-700 word essay explaining why are pursing wine education, your career goals in the wine or hospitality industries and how this scholarship will help you achieve those goals. *
03
Include the name or description of the course (s) you have applied for.
* Essay specifics: Share your personal connection or passion for wine—what inspires you about the field. Be authentic, clear, and professional in your writing. If you share Tony’s passion for the Vancouver International Wine Festival, make sure you speak to this connection.
The successful applicant will be chosen for their:
- Commitment to a wine-related career in BC
- Academic readiness for advanced wine studies
- Motivation, professionalism, and passion for the industry
- Demonstrated financial need
- Ability to convey their story through the essay
- Strength of reference letters
About Tony Ryan
Tony Ryan was born in London, England, into a family with a deep appreciation for wine. His passion grew during his early years in California, where he explored the emerging Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Throughout his life, Tony pursued wine touring across iconic regions in France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Argentina, and Chile—often by bicycle.
After moving to British Columbia in 1974, Tony became an enthusiastic supporter of the growing wine industries in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. Although a demanding corporate law career prevented him from owning a winery, he invested as a limited partner in Black Hills Estate Winery and became known at his law firm for gifting colleagues thoughtfully curated wines each year.
Tony helped incorporate the California Wine Society (later the Vancouver American Wine Society) and was an active member of Les Chevaliers des Vins de France. His long connection to the Vancouver International Wine Festival began with joining the board in 2005, and he later served as chair from 2008 to 2011. He played a key role in incorporating the festival as a standalone not-for-profit to secure its long-term sustainability.
Tony passed away in 2022 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. True to his generous spirit, he donated much of his extensive wine collection to charitable auctions and shared the rest with loved ones. The scholarship bearing his name continues his legacy by encouraging excellence, curiosity, and community in BC’s wine industry.