Get ready to become a grape tasting expert with WSET

By Lindsay Trivers October, 08 2017

‘The Tasting Class’ becomes the first approved provider of accredited wine and spirit qualifications in the UAE

  Middle East drinks enthusiasts will now be able to enhance their knowledge with accredited qualifications from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), as The Tasting Class becomes the first approved programme provider to offer its prestigious courses to consumers in the region.   WSET is the largest international provider of beverage qualifications, offering globally-recognised qualifications through 750 approved programme providers across the world. With a record 85,487 candidates enrolling on WSET courses in 2016/17, Dubai-born business The Tasting Class has decided now is the time to cultivate the undeniably strong demand for knowledge of premium beverages on its doorstep.   Led by international industry expert and experienced sommelier, Lindsay Trivers, The Tasting Class offers a broad range of tasting events. They include social blind tastings with games and prizes, to cheese pairings, fine dining and classroom-style lessons, which attract a broad clientele – including friends looking for a fun group activity, through to hospitality professionals keen to progress their own F&B career.   It was important to Lindsay that the opportunity to achieve a WSET qualification was open to the public, rather than limited to the trade sector, as has been the case to date. However, the training The Tasting Class now offers remains highly beneficial for the hospitality sector. Previous studies have shown that hotels, restaurants and bars that have trained their teams through WSET saw significant return on investment, with increased profits, thanks to staff’s new confidence in upselling to premium product ranges.
The Tasting Class will offer WSET’s Level 1 and 2 Awards from Friday, October 20 2017. The courses are designed to give a hands-on introduction to these beverage in an interactive, relaxed atmosphere.The WSET Level 1 Award covers the basics of grape types and styles through sight, smell, and taste, as well as how to store and serve wine and pairing food with wine.   The WSET Level 2 Award digs deeper, exploring the major grape varieties and the styles they produce, as well as important wine regions. You’ll also learn about key classifications and labelling terminology, and get a basic overview of grain-based drinks.   Ian Harris, WSET Chief Executive, says: “We strive to offer qualifications through approved programme providers in every market that shows potential and desire for further knowledge. The thriving hospitality sector and strength of the ex-pat community in the UAE offers a wealth of opportunity.”   In addition to WSET courses, The Tasting Class offers training, consultancy and private and public tasting events throughout the UAE, with regular scheduled events at a host of popular venues – including Jones The Grocer, BOCA and Sofitel Dubai.   Visit TheTastingClass.com for more information. One day courses start at AED1600   First posted at thegreatfoodclub.com.

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