Hallgarten & Novum Wines has announced the launch of its Empowerment Project, a fully funded nine-month immersive programme. 

Part of Hallgarten’s expanding equity, diversity and inclusivity mission, the project has been designed to create a more diverse industry by creating accessible pathways into a career in wine. 

Led by Hallgarten’s ED&I team, the initiative offers two places for individuals who self-identify as coming from underrepresented backgrounds. This may include, but is not limited to, race, disability, ethnicity and sexuality. 

As part of the programme, candidates will receive first-hand experience of trade tastings, events and education usually reserved for those already working within the trade. 

Through this, candidates can gain a working knowledge of the industry, gain education in wine itself and become comfortable around wine professionals, all of which will aid their professional development. 

The programme also includes an introduction to the business at Hallgarten’s autumn regional tastings in September, alongside work experience at trade and consumer events. 

Plus, participants will be offered the chance to complete the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and take a two-night trip to one of Hallgarten’s European winery partners. 

The latest chapter in Hallgarten’s comprehensive ED&I mission, the news of the project comes shortly after the wholesaler expanded its WSET inclusivity initiative to Scotland. 

Alex Buckley, head of the ED&I team, said: “We are thrilled to be launching this initiative which will help people from under-represented backgrounds. The Empowerment Project is our way of opening doors and sharing the incredible opportunities our industry has to offer.  

“By providing educational opportunities as well as first-hand experience, we hope to inspire a new generation of wine professionals and to foster a more diverse, dynamic future for the trade with fewer barriers to entry.” 

Interested applicants have up until Friday 21 August to apply. They must fill in the application form and email EDIteam@hnwines.co.uk. More information can be found here.