Tennessee Wines, in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s (UTK) Herbert College of Agriculture, is proud to support the next generation of winemakers and agricultural tourism leaders through the Peter Howard Wine and Ag Tourism Scholarship Program. This growing initiative directly invests in the future of Tennessee winemaking, vineyard operations, and agri-tourism businesses across the state.

The scholarship provides $3,000–$5,000 per semester to UTK students who intern at participating Tennessee wineries, vineyards, or agri-tourism operations. Launched in Fall 2024, the program has already awarded $45,000 in scholarships and placed ten interns with local businesses, including:

Funded through the Peter Howard Endowment, this scholarship honors the legacy of Peter Howard, a life-long friend of the Herbert family, and champions hands-on learning for students pursuing careers in Tennessee agriculture and wine tourism.

“This scholarship not only supports students financially—it provides them with valuable industry experience and builds a stronger future for Tennessee’s farm wineries and tourism sector,” said Karen DeLong, PhD, scholarship coordinator and professor at UTK. “We’re excited to grow this program and invite more wineries and vineyards across the state to participate.”

The Peter Howard Scholarship is currently open to Herbert College of Agriculture students, with limited availability for other UTK students until the program reaches its capacity. Participating businesses benefit from the energy and perspective of trained student interns while contributing to the development of Tennessee’s growing wine and agricultural tourism industry.

Interested in hiring an intern?

Wineries and agri-tourism operators across the state can reach out to Karen DeLong at kdelong39@utk.edu to participate in the program and support Tennessee-grown talent.

To learn more, visit the Peter Howard Wine and Ag Tourism Scholarship Program website.

About Tennessee Wines

Tennessee Wines supports the growth and visibility of Tennessee farm wineries, promotes local winemaking, and connects wine lovers to the rich heritage of Tennessee vineyards. Through education, tourism partnerships, and industry development, Tennessee Wines helps showcase the unique flavors and stories behind wines made in the Volunteer State.