The 2026 Allen Shoup Memorial Fellowship for writers and communicators, now in its third year, will award up to two recipients with an immersive trip to Washington’s vineyards and wineries, along with a stipend.
The Fellowship was established in memory of Allen Shoup, who passed away in 2022. Shoup played a pioneering role in developing Washington’s wine industry as the longtime head of the state’s largest winery, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, and later as the owner of his own acclaimed winery, Long Shadows Vintners.
To honor Allen’s legacy, the industry created a fellowship for writers and communicators interested in learning more about Washington wine. The goal is to grow consumer awareness and perception by identifying and elevating emerging wine writers and communicators and making these new voices part of a community of lifelong ambassadors. An emerging applicant may be toward the beginning of their career, or be a more established writer or communicator who is relatively new to wine.
The fellowship is an industry-wide collaboration for Washington wine, bringing together the Washington State Wine Commission, Auction of Washington Wines, Washington Winegrowers Association, Washington Wine Industry Foundation, individuals, wineries and growers. It is funded entirely through donations.
A expert panel will review applications and select recipients.