Meet the new wave of winemakers sponsored by “Stay Rooted in California” – a scholarship program developed by The Roots Fund and Naked Wines
“Being able to use all of my senses at my job? That never gets boring!”
Robin Nguyen, UC Davis Winemaking student,
Rooted in Education Scholarship Recipient
Naked Wines and The Roots Fund are proud to support Robin Nguyen – one of eight recipients of the “Stay Rooted” Scholarship in 2020-2021.
Growing up in a Vietnamese household in Southern California, Robin never imagined a career in the wine –but getting his undergraduate degree at one of the most famous winemaking universities in the country made it all he could think about.
After being exposed to winemaking while attending UC Davis as a Biochemical Engineering student Robin was hooked. Shortly after graduation, he chased several hands-on internship opportunities at wineries to learn more – including Dana Estates and Crocker & Starr Wines.
“Being able to use all my senses on a job? That never gets boring!” said Nguyen. “I’ve met so many great friends in this industry who have helped me establish a place here.”
With his “Stay Rooted” funding, Robin is going back to his Davis stomping grounds for graduate school to pursue a coveted M.S. in Viticulture and Enology.
About our partner: The Roots Fund was created to empower communities of color by providing resources and financial support through educational scholarships, wine education, mentorship, and job placement. Naked has pledged a 5-year commitment to The Roots Fund and the advancement of the BIPOC community in wine.