Wine Ambassador

R4,790.00

Course information

Aimed at building confidence, efficiency, and improving customer service levels, this course focuses on the soft skills needed to optimise wine service and satisfy patrons’ expectations. Through lectures, role play, and practical cases, students will learn how to properly present and serve wines, manage glassware and temperatures, understand food pairing, and address clients’ expectations. These skills will be validated by an exam at the end of the two intense days of learning.

It is important to understand this course is focusing of practical competencies, and that no wine theory or wine tasting will be covered beside what is required by the food pairing module.

Previous knowledge required

While extensive wine knowledge is not mandatory, it is advisable for applicants to possess basic knowledge of wines, such as WSET Level 1, CWA SA Wines Introduction, or Sommeliers Academy South African Wine Level 1 (can be done online). Additionally, applicants should have some experience as a waiter in the hospitality industry or its equivalent to fully benefit from the course.

Syllabus

  • Overview of the Sommelier Career Path.
  • Wine rules for effective hospitality service.
  • Service preparation, glassware, and temperature management.
  • Wine service techniques, including bottle and glass handling.
  • Customer service skills, covering wine language, etiquette, and handling complaints.
  • Guidance on effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal.
  • Understanding food pairing principles.
  • Strategies for guiding patrons to optimize sales

Outcome

At the conclusion of the training, students’ competencies will be assessed through a written exam. Graduates will be awarded a Wine Ambassador pin, symbolizing their accomplishment, to proudly display on the floor. The Wine Ambassador Certification marks the initial phase in the journey toward becoming a Sommelier.

Price:

R4790 (R4165 excluding) for the full two days at our Cape Town campus.  Harare, Durban or Johannesburg campus on request. Please note that we offer this course online on sommellerie.co.za for R1990

DAY ONE

Session One

  • Brief introductions
  • Alcohol awareness
  • What is a wine ambassador
  • History of the sommelier

Session Two

  • The wine trade
  • Hospitality industry
  • Team etiquette

Session Three

  • Mise en place

Session Four

  • Polishing glasses practical

Session Five

  • Service etiquette
  • Tray service

Session Six

  • Efficient service

DAY TWO

Session One

  • Recap of previous day
  • Basic cellar management
  • Storing open wine

Session Two

  • Wine order of service

Session Three

  • Wine order of service 2
  • Sparkling wine service

Session Four

  • Decanting wine
  • Aeration of wine

Session Five

  • Food and wine pairing

Session Six

  • Recap
  • Q&A
  • Final exam