The bronze patron agreement will include a trip for two WSET graduates, one based in the UK and one from the WSET's international student base, to learn about the cork industry.

Students will learn about the traditional cork harvest in the Alentejo forests, and will visit Amorim's production units and R&D laboratories in their Porto HQ.

Chief executive of the WSET, Ian Harris, said: "The WSET welcomes Amorim into our wide-ranging portfolio of patrons. We aim to give our students the opportunity to learn about every aspect of the wine trade – and closures are no exception. These scholarships will offer a valuable insight into the natural cork industry."

Carlos de Jesus, Amorim's head of marketing & communication, said:  "This will be a unique opportunity for two holders of the WSET Level 3 qualification to learn first hand about cork stoppers, and the unrivalled performance and environmental benefits offered by this 100% sustainable, natural material."

"We are delighted to be supporting the excellent educational work that the WSET carries out at all levels and we appreciate the importance of encouraging the next generation of the international wine trade."

The winners of the first Amorim scholarships will be selected in November, during the WSET's Viva Voce day, and announced at the WSET Awards & Graduation Ceremony on January 21, 2013.