American Wine School Establishes Scholarship to Honor Deborah O’Brien

The American Wine School has launched the **Deborah O’Brien Women in Wine Scholarship** to honor the memory of **Deborah O’Brien**, a valued team member who passed away from brain cancer in **2022**. This initiative aims to support women pursuing education in the wine industry, reflecting O’Brien’s passion for wine and her dedication to sharing knowledge.

O’Brien, who lived in **Broadview Heights**, Ohio, was **54** years old at the time of her passing. Her dedication to the wine world was evident through her achievements, which included earning a Level 3 certification from the **Wine & Spirit Education Trust** and becoming a certified specialist in wine through the **Society of Wine Educators**. **Marianne Frantz**, a sommelier and the founder and president of the American Wine School, expressed her admiration for O’Brien, stating, “Her curiosity, her love of life and its simple pleasures, led her to pursue a deep knowledge of the wine world. Deb’s professionalism and enthusiasm made her a trusted voice in the industry.”

Frantz recalled her first encounter with O’Brien while they collaborated on the wine component of the **Fabulous Food Show** at the **International Exposition Center**. “She was very passionate about wine education,” Frantz shared in a press release.

The scholarship will provide financial assistance to women who share O’Brien’s enthusiasm for wine and desire to contribute to the industry. The **Glancy Wine Education Foundation**, established by Master Sommelier **Dave Glancy**, will be responsible for distributing the scholarship funds. This foundation aims to assist individuals in need who wish to further their education in wine.

To kick off the scholarship fund, a fundraiser was held on **October 5, 2023**, at **Dante** in Cleveland’s **Tremont** neighborhood, raising a remarkable **$10,750**. This initial amount will help ensure that O’Brien’s legacy continues by supporting the next generation of female wine professionals.

The establishment of the Deborah O’Brien Women in Wine Scholarship not only honors a beloved figure in the wine community but also serves to empower women seeking to make their mark in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. Through this initiative, O’Brien’s passion for education and her love of wine will impact aspiring sommeliers and wine educators for years to come.