Equal Measures is the UK’s leading non-profit dedicated to driving intersectional inclusion in the drinks and hospitality spaces. Since its formation in 2020, it has supported beneficiaries from marginalised backgrounds who work within the spirits and cocktail spaces, providing fully funded WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Spirits, BIIAB Level 2 Personal Licences, mentorships with key figures in the global industry, community days, upskilling and more. Now, it is expanding its reach to support underrepresented people working within the UK wine industry.
As part of its growth into wine, Equal Measures UK will be working alongside the prominent UK wine collector, connector and champion, Queena Wong (Founder of Curious Vines; No. 5 in Drinks
Retailing’s Top 100 Most Influential in Drinks). WSET will also continue as Equal Measures’ Education Partner in 2026, expanding the collaboration to support the non-profit’s beneficiaries with WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wine.
Vicky Ilankovan, Executive Director of Equal Measures UK states, “It has always been important to us to grow in a way that ensures longevity and allows us to support the needs of our industry in the best way possible. Over the last four years, Equal Measures has solidified its reputation as a strong advocate for education, safeguarding, and inclusion in the spirits and cocktail scenes within the industry. Now, as we are entering our fifth year, we believe it is the right time to expand into wine. We are doing so gradually, backed by knowledge, experience, and an award-winning approach made stronger by deep connections within the sector.
“We believe profoundly in the power of collaboration, which is why we will be working with the inimitable Queena Wong to ensure we are stepping into wine with due care, responsibility, and awareness. Queena’s fierce commitment to education and safeguarding mirror ours, making her the perfect partner, and we are thrilled to work with her more. In the same vein, WSET’s continued support allows us to provide underrepresented people with the qualifications, knowledge and confidence to achieve their goals in this industry – invaluable resources to our beneficiaries.”
Queena Wong, Founder of Curious Vines states, “An exciting new chapter as I step into the role of the first Equal Measures UK wine mentor, joining a remarkable group already shaping this successful mentorship programme. With my own Curious Vines project founded on the core pillars of Community and Education, our missions align seamlessly. I look forward to connecting my mentees with the heart of the wine industry — to support, inspire, challenge and walk alongside them. Together, Equal Measures UK and I aim to ensure that individuals from marginalised backgrounds not only enter into the world of wine but are equipped to thrive.”
Equal Measures UK will begin accepting 2026 beneficiary applications from those working in wine who meet the eligibility criteria from 3rd November 2025. Those eligible can apply via the application form located on the website: https://bit.ly/em-application-form
Equal Measures UK will also be expanding its mentor pool to include leading global wine industry experts. To apply, please email vicky@equalmeasuresuk.org .