Badass Women in Wine Opens Applications for 2027 Heilmann Trophy

Badass Women in Wine (BWW) is now accepting applications for the 2027 Heilmann Trophy for Badass Women in Wine, an award that funds continuing education for women working in the wine industry. Applications are open now and must be submitted by September 1, 2026. Recipients will be announced by December 2026.

The Heilmann Trophy supports women across all areas of the wine industry, including winemaking, sales, hospitality, viticulture, and wine service, in advancing their knowledge and careers through certified education programs, wine travel, and out-of-state or international winery work experience.

The inaugural Heilmann Trophy was awarded in 2025 to the third annual CMS Women's Sommelier Symposium, helping to support ten women in the industry attend the BWW educational weekend that year.

The 2026 trophy supported two recipients. Karina Gallegos, a Production Assistant and up and coming winemaker, is using the funds to take an Enology class at UC Davis.

The Heilmann Trophy is open to women working full time in the U.S. wine industry. Applicants must be employed by a U.S. based company and hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

The application asks candidates to share their professional background, certifications, and career goals, along with a statement on how they support other women in the industry and how the award would help them advance. Applicants must also submit a resume and three professional references.

Recipients receive 70 percent of funds upfront in January 2027, upon proof of enrollment or a confirmed itinerary, with the remaining 30 percent disbursed upon completion of program deliverables. Deliverables include financial documentation, a written reflection, a presentation to BWW membership, and social media updates documenting the funded experience.