Wine Ambassador

Course information

Aimed at building confidence, efficiency, and improving customer service levels, this course focuses on the soft skills needed to optimize 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:

 R5500 (R4782.60 excluding VAT) for the full two days at our Cape Town campus.  Harare, Durban or Johannesburg campus on request. 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