Tony Ryan
Legacy Scholarship

The BC Hospitality Foundation and the Ryan/Grant Family are pleased to offer TWO annual $4,000 scholarships.

This scholarship is open ONLY to BC residents wishing to upgrade their wine education.

BIOGRAPHY

Tony was born in London, England, to parents who were more knowledgeable of the wine world than most of their Canadian counterparts.



He spent his early drinking years in California, close to the burgeoning Napa/Sonoma wineries, and developed a keen interest in wine touring. This interest continued throughout his life, and took him to wine regions in France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Argentina and Chile, often on a bicycle.


When Tony moved to British Columbia in 1974 he became an enthusiastic follower of developments in the Okanagan and then Similkameen valleys.


Unfortunately the demands of his busy corporate law practice ultimately dashed his dream of owning a winery. The closest he came was to invest in Black Hills Estate Winery as a limited partner.

He is remembered at the law firm partly for starting an annual tradition of presenting a box of carefully chosen wines to each of the firm’s lawyers.


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.


In 2005 Tony joined the board of the Vancouver International Wine Festival and was its chair from 2008 to 2011. He was instrumental in incorporating the Festival as a separate not-for-profit society to better ensure its continuance.


Tony died of complications resulting from Parkinson’s Disease in 2022. He donated some of his extensive wine collection to charitable auctions and some to grateful family and friends!


IMPORTANT DATES


APLICATIONS OPEN:  December through mid January every year

REWIEWING PERIOD:  2-3 weeks after review by the selection committee

CHEQUE PRESENTATION:   Cheque to be presented at the Vancouver International Wine Festival awards luncheon. Winners will be invited to attend to the event in person.

VALUE OF SCHOLARSHIP


$4,000

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS


Winners are expected to work in British Columbia in the wine, hospitality and tourism industry sector for at least 2 years after receiving the scholarship

You are NOT eligible to receive this scholarship two consecutive years

You can apply to other relevant scholarships of the BCHF Scholarship Program

CRITERIA

Background

Students that are pursuing further education in wine knowledge at an eligible BC post-secondary institution

Why are you applying?

Prepare a 500-word essay on why you need and deserve a $4,000 scholarship

Name or description of the course (s) you have applied for

Fill out the application form


Academic Information

Provide copies of transcripts and any any wine studies diplomas

References

Two (2) reference letters from non-family members

Apply Now

Should you receive an award from the BC Hospitality Foundation, as a condition to your acceptance of this award, you agree that neither the BC Hospitality Foundation nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible for any and all costs and expenses (other than, but not specifically limited to, tuition and other items identified in writing by the grantor of this scholarship). Should you receive an award from the BC Hospitality Foundation, permission is granted to use your name for publicity purposes.

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