Piedmont Office Realty Trust Supports Ben Oberto Memorial Scholarship for Wine Professionals
- The Ben Oberto Memorial Scholarship honors Ben Oberto's impact on the American wine community and promotes mentorship.
- It provides a U.S. wine professional a trip to the Langhe region for educational opportunities in Barolo and Barbaresco.
- The scholarship reinforces the importance of preserving wine culture and creating pathways for future generations in the industry.
Honoring a Legacy: The Establishment of the Ben Oberto Memorial Scholarship
In a heartfelt tribute to the late Ben Oberto, known affectionately as "The Barolo Guy," Somm.ai, the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani, and Colangelo & Partners launch the Ben Oberto Memorial Scholarship. This initiative seeks to honor Oberto’s profound impact on the American wine community and to foster deeper connections between the Langhe region of Italy and U.S. wine professionals. The scholarship underscores the values Oberto embodied: generosity, humility, and an unwavering passion for wine culture.
The scholarship will grant one U.S. wine professional an all-expenses-paid trip to the Langhe region in January, coinciding with Grandi Langhe, the flagship trade tasting event in Torino. The recipient will also have the opportunity to participate in the Barolo & Barbaresco Academy Langhe Wine School, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and production techniques of Barolo and Barbaresco wines. This experience is designed to connect the winner with esteemed producers and educators, creating a platform for mentorship and learning inspired by Oberto’s own career.
Ben Oberto’s sudden passing in November 2024 left a void in the wine industry, with many colleagues and friends expressing their sorrow and admiration. Industry figures, including Martina and Simone Fiorino of Bruna Grimaldi and Giacomo Conterno of Poderi Aldo Conterno, have shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting Oberto's role as a mentor and his deep-seated passion for wine. The scholarship not only honors his contributions but also aims to cultivate the next generation of wine professionals, ensuring that Oberto's spirit continues to resonate within the community he cherished.
In addition to the scholarship initiative, the collaboration between Somm.ai and the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco underscores a significant commitment to preserving and promoting wine culture. By fostering educational opportunities and industry connections, the scholarship reinforces the importance of mentorship and knowledge-sharing in the wine sector.
This initiative exemplifies how the wine industry cherishes its leaders and their legacies, creating pathways for future generations to thrive and learn from the best. The Ben Oberto Memorial Scholarship stands as a testament to the lasting influence of those who dedicate their lives to the craft of winemaking, ensuring that the traditions of the Piedmont region continue to flourish.