SEATTLE (May 8, 2025)—The Washington wine industry has awarded its 2025 Allen Shoup Memorial Fellowship for writers and communicators to Amy Beth Wright. Based in the New York City area, Wright was chosen by a committee composed of writers, industry leaders, and a representative of the Shoup family.
“I’m honored to have been selected for this fellowship, and look forward to immersing in Washington’s wine industry this year,” Wright said.
Now in its second year, the fellowship awards one or two recipients annually with an immersive trip to Washington’s vineyards and wineries, an article placement in Decanter, wine samples, and a $3,000 stipend. Funded entirely through donations, the goal is to grow and to shape media awareness and the perception of Washington wine by identifying and elevating the wine writers and communicators of tomorrow.
“My father believed in the power of storytelling to shape the future of Washington wine,” said Ryan Shoup, Allen’s son and a member of the 2025 selection committee. “Amy Beth’s thoughtful, expressive writing and genuine passion for this region make her an ideal fellowship recipient.”
The fellowship was established in 2024 in memory of Allen Shoup, who played a pioneering role in developing the Washington wine industry as the longtime head of the state’s biggest winery, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. He later became the founder and owner of the acclaimed winery Long Shadows Vintners. Shoup passed away in 2022.
“Allen believed Washington wine could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best—and he spent his life proving it,” Shoup said. “He understood that we need to tell our story with authenticity and heart. This Fellowship allows new writers to experience Washington’s vineyards and wines first-hand, ensuring this important work continues.”
The 2025 fellowship received applications from around the world. Applicants were evaluated based on writing samples, an essay, story pitches, and other factors.
Amy Beth is a journalist and creative nonfiction writer, with a keen interest in domestic wine regions. She contributes regularly to Wine Enthusiast, SevenFifty Daily, The Vintner Project, and other outlets dedicated to food, wine, and travel.
“I’ve been enamored with Washington wine since visiting the Yakima Valley in 2023,” Wright said. “As the second largest wine producing state in the country, Washington presents insight about how a successful wine region defines and upholds regional identity while continuing to grow, informing the greater landscape of U.S. wine as it also evolves in new and progressive ways.”
The Fellowship is an industry-wide collaboration that brings together the Washington State Wine Commission, Auction of Washington Wines, Washington Winegrowers Association, Washington Wine Industry Foundation, individuals, wineries, and growers. An expert panel chose the recipient, with input from an industry advisory committee.
The 2025 selection panel was comprised of Karen MacNeil, Karen MacNeil & Co. (National wine writer seat); Sean Sullivan, Northwest Wine Report (PNW-based wine writer seat); Clive Pursehouse, Decanter, (Wine professional at large seat); Jordan Small, Woodward Canyon (WA Wine industry seat); and Ryan Shoup, Long Shadows Vintners (Shoup family representative).
Applications for next year’s fellowship will open in January 2026 at washingtonwine.org.
About the Washington State Wine Commission:
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, the mission of the WSWC is to drive growth of Washington Wine through Marketing, Communications, and Viticulture & Enology Research. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwine.org.
About the Auction of Washington Wines:
The Northwest Wine Benefit Foundation, DBA Auction of Washington Wines, is committed to supporting the growth and awareness of the Washington state wine industry through a series of celebrated events benefiting our community. We have raised over $63 million since our inception in 1988.To learn more, visit auctionofwawines.org.
About Washington Winegrowers Association
Founded in 1983, the Washington Winegrowers Association supports winegrape growers, vintners, and allied members by addressing industry needs and collaborating to enhance the Washington wine industry. Washington Winegrowers Association provides state and federal advocacy and education on industry matters, serving as a unifying voice and stewarding relationships across the wine industry, with its members, growers, vintners, policymakers, educational institutions, and other industry partners. To learn more, visit www.wawinegrowers.org.
About Washington Wine Industry Foundation
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation is a dynamic network of wine industry professionals united by a common vision: to foster a thriving Washington wine industry. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation facilitates, manages, and distributes funding to confront challenges and invest in solutions including scholarships, industry events, and sustainability such as pest control, clean plants, risk management, safety, and more. Through collaboration and partnerships, the Foundation honors the industry’s heritage while forging a path to a flourishing future for Washington wine. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwinefoundation.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Bradshaw, Communications Director, Washington State Wine Commission
(206) 495-5844 / hbradshaw@washingtonwine.org
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