The Tasting Class is expanding its F&B trade certification programs by adding the brand-new Wine Scholar Guild’s Spanish Wine Scholar credential program to its growing list of training and development offerings for the GCC F&B trade.
The Spanish Wine Scholar™ education program is the most advanced and comprehensive certification course on the wines of Spain. The syllabus takes a regional approach and discusses all Spanish wine appellations and the factors that shape their identities. What is more, the Spanish Wine Scholar study and certification program confers a post-nominal to wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exam (Ex: John Smith, SWS). With a school network encompassing 30 countries on 5 continents, the SWS credential has true international recognition and is a great addition to the resumé.
This program ads to the suite of qualifications The Tasting Class already provides to the F&B trade in the UAE, including the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Wine Awards, Levels one, two and three, as well as WSET Spirits Awards Levels one and two.
Rick Fisher, Spanish Wine Scholar Education Director, states “The Spanish Wine Scholar program is really the first program of its kind to dig deep into the world of Spanish wine. Students of SWS will study the wine regions of all 17 autonomous communities in Spain and learn about the factors affecting the regions (e.g. climate, soils, and topography), major grape varieties, and wine styles.”
Omar Shihab BOCA’s Chief Sustainability Officer and GM says, “The inclusion of the Spanish Wine Scholar Guild program by The Tasting Class is a great addition to its growing portfolio of internationally recognized qualifications and training programs. In my experience, knowledgeable and well-trained FOH teams play a critical role in a great customer experience, and it is courses like these that will help build expertise to facilitate this, while also allowing staff to specialize or stand out from others.
What’s more. the introduction of this course will only help bring industry and public attention to some great wines. 40 percent of BOCA’s wine cellar contains Spanish wines matching our cuisine and cooking style. We carry bottles from 23 of the country’s 138 official DOs and IGPs with a focus on ‘smaller’ and emerging regions such as Castilla VT & Conca De Barberà, Montsant, Somontano and Toro DOs. And it’s these regions which may even be producing the world’s future stunners.”
Daniel Rosado, Director, Tourism Counsellor, Spain Tourism GCC & Iran says, “Spain has always been known for its gastronomy and wine. From Rioja and Albariño to cava and sherry, it is a wine lover’s paradise. Furthermore, Spain has more land dedicated to wine production than any other country and is the third-largest producer of wine globally. Launching this course in the UAE will surely enhance the understanding of Spain and its amazing regions through its wines and the thoughtfully designed classes.”
Lindsay Trivers, CEO and founder of The Tasting Class said, “With the recent launches of Michelin Guide and Gault Millau, the focus on F&B in the UAE has never been more apparent. And while food is obviously a primary focus, what you drink has an equal bearing on the guest experience and is often overlooked. Which is why this is a great time to be launching the Spanish Wine Scholar Guild in the UAE and why trade professionals and outlets alike should be thinking about honing their expertise.”
When: The four-day course will fun from October 9, 16, 23 and November 6. Where: Classes will be hosted at Media One Hotel How much: The program tuition is AED 3,920 and includes 28 hours of classroom instruction with tutored tasting, a 315-page SWS study manual, one-year access to the SWS online study program plus registration for the exam.
For more information on the courses, contact cheers@thetastingclass.com
More information is also available at www.thetastingclass.com
