Tag Archive for: wine

Why Wine Training Matters in Hospitality and Retail

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Wine training has become a must have in the hospitality and retail world where knowledgeable staff can make all the difference to the customer and the sales. In an industry where wine is at the heart of the dining and shopping experience, understanding it is key. Here’s why wine training matters in hospitality and retail.

Customer Experience

Wine training gives staff the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional service and here’s how:

Recommendations

One of the biggest benefits of wine training is being able to make recommendations. Trained staff can guide customers to the wines they like, that go with their meal and fit their budget. This bespoke service helps customers find the perfect wine and shows you care about them. For example a knowledgeable server in a restaurant can recommend a wine that matches the customer’s chosen dish, for a memorable experience.

Customer Queries

Customers have questions about wine, whether it’s about varietals, regions or food pairings. Wine trained staff can answer these questions with confidence and accuracy. This builds trust with the customer and positions the business as the go to wine expert. Staff who understand wine terminology and concepts can have meaningful conversations with customers and enrich their experience and sense of belonging.

Ambience

A trained team creates a welcoming and professional environment. In the hospitality sector, restaurants and hotels, being able to talk about wine with expertise and passion adds to the dining or lodging experience. In retail, knowledgeable staff can make customers feel valued and respected, encouraging repeat business and word of mouth. Wine training helps staff to communicate with confidence and create an inviting and engaging environment for customers.

Sales and Revenue

Wine training can have a direct impact on sales and revenue in both hospitality and retail. Here’s how:

Upselling and Cross Selling

Trained staff can upsell and cross sell wine products. In a restaurant this might be suggesting a premium wine to go with a meal or a wine flight that allows customers to try different options. In a retail environment it could be recommending complementary products such as wine accessories or gourmet food items. Good wine training helps staff to identify upsell and cross sell opportunities and increase the average transaction value and revenue.

Wine Sales

Understanding wine trends, consumer preferences and pricing strategy allows staff to make informed recommendations that match the current market. For example knowledge of the latest wine trends can help staff suggest popular or unique wines that will resonate with customers. This insight allows businesses to optimise their wine lists and inventory so they have products that are in demand and maximise sales opportunities.

Reducing Wine Waste

Good wine training also helps to manage wine inventory better, reduce waste and minimise losses. Staff trained in proper wine storage, handling and serving can ensure wine is stored at the right temperature, served correctly and consumed within its use by date. This reduces spoilage and waste and improves the overall profitability of wine sales.

Brand Reputation

Wine training helps to build and maintain a strong brand. Here’s how:

Credibility

Businesses that invest in wine training show they care about expertise and professionalism. In the hospitality sector this expertise can make a restaurant or hotel the go to destination for wine lovers. In retail it makes the store the trusted source of quality wines and good advice. This credibility attracts the discerning customer and builds loyalty and the overall brand.

Customer Loyalty

When customers receive great service and good recommendations they are more likely to come back and recommend the business to others. Wine trained staff create positive experiences that build customer loyalty and repeat business. In a competitive market building a loyal customer base is key to long term success and wine training is part of that.

Reviews and Referrals

Happy customers are more likely to leave reviews and refer others to the business. Wine training helps to create memorable experiences customers want to share. Reviews on platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor or Google can impact the business’s reputation and attract new customers. Word of mouth referrals from happy customers can drive traffic and increase sales.

Wine Training Programs

To get the benefits of wine training businesses need to implement effective training programs that meet their needs and goals. Here are some key points:

Bespoke Training

Tailor the training to the business, whether it’s a restaurant, hotel or retail store. Focus on wine knowledge, customer service and sales techniques. Bespoke training ensures staff get relevant and practical information that matches the business’s products and objectives.

Continuous Education

Wine training should be an ongoing process not a one off event. Offer regular refresher courses, tastings and updates on wine trends to keep staff informed and engaged. Continuous education helps staff stay up to date with industry developments and continually improve their wine knowledge and service skills.

Certification and Recognition

Consider certifying or recognising staff who complete wine training. Certifications like the Court of Master Sommeliers or Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) can increase staff credibility and motivation. Recognition and rewards for completing training can boost morale and encourage excellence.

Final Thoughts

Wine training is an essential investment for hospitality and retail businesses to improve customer experience, drive sales and build brand reputation. By giving staff the knowledge and skills to make recommendations, answer questions and create welcoming environments businesses can see significant results and long term success. Bespoke wine training and continuous education ensures staff are knowledgeable, engaged and able to deliver great service. As the wine industry changes wine training will be a key part of business excellence and customer satisfaction. Cheers to the benefits of wine training and the good news for the hospitality and retail industries!

 

Albariño Day 2024: A White Wine Like No Other

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On August 1st wine lovers everywhere will be toasting Albariño Day 2024. This special day is all about Albariño, a white wine like no other with its zesty acidity, aromatic nose and food pairing abilities. From the Rías Baixas region of Spain Albariño has gone global and is now celebrated worldwide. Here we look into the history, characteristics and global celebrations of Albariño and why it deserves a day of its own.

Albariño History

Albariño comes from the Rías Baixas region of Galicia in the north west of Spain. This coastal area has a maritime climate with cool temperatures and high rainfall making it perfect for growing Albariño. The grape has been grown here for centuries with records dating back to the 12th century. Its name is thought to come from the Latin word “albus” meaning white, referring to its pale colour.

The region’s terroir with its granitic soils and Atlantic influence gives Albariño its mineral notes and zesty acidity. The vineyards on steep slopes and trellised to maximize sun and air give the grapes small, thick skinned and full of flavour.

Albariño Characteristics

Albariño is loved for its fresh and zesty profile. Here are the key characteristics:

  1. Aromatics: Albariño has a pronounced aromatic profile with intense citrus notes of lemon and lime, peach, apricot and melon. Floral notes of honeysuckle and jasmine are also present adding complexity to the wine.
  2. Acidity: Albariño’s high acidity is one of its standout features giving the wine its crisp and refreshing quality. This acidity not only makes it food friendly but also ageing worthy.
  3. Minerality: The granitic soils of Rías Baixas give Albariño its minerality often described as salty or flinty. This adds depth and structure to the wine and balances its fruitiness.
  4. Texture: Despite its high acidity Albariño is usually medium to full bodied with a smooth slightly oily texture that coats the palate.

Albariño Day

International Albariño Day is a global event that brings together wine lovers, sommeliers and winemakers to celebrate this fantastic grape variety. On August 1st events and activities will be held worldwide from tastings and vineyard tours to educational seminars and social media campaigns.

 

Tastings and Pairings

Many wine bars, restaurants and wineries will be hosting Albariño tastings on International Albariño Day. These are a great opportunity to try different Albariño wines from Rías Baixas and other regions where the grape is grown such as Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, California and Australia. Tasting Albariño with food is a big part of these tastings as the wine’s acidity and aromatic profile make it perfect for a wide range of dishes. Popular pairings include:

  • Seafood: Albariño’s minerality and citrus notes are perfect for seafood. Try it with oysters, clams, shrimp or grilled fish.
  • Cheese: The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of creamy cheeses like goat cheese or Brie.
  • Asian Cuisine: The aromatic and spicy notes of Albariño pair well with sushi, Thai curries and Vietnamese spring rolls.

Vineyard Tours and Seminars

Winery tours and educational seminars are also part of International Albariño Day. In the Rías Baixas region visitors can visit the vineyards, learn about the terroir and discover the winemaking processes that give Albariño its character. Seminars led by sommeliers and wine experts will delve deeper into the history of the grape, its cultivation and its global importance.

Social Media

Social media is also part of the global Albariño Day celebrations. Wine lovers are invited to share their Albariño experiences using #InternationalAlbarinoDay and #Albarino. These posts will include photos of tastings, pairing suggestions and personal stories creating a virtual Albariño community.

Albariño Beyond Spain

While Rías Baixas is the home of Albariño, the grape has found success in other parts of the world. In Portugal Albariño (known as Alvarinho) is a key component of Vinho Verde wines which are known for their light and sparkling style. In the US, particularly in California’s Central Coast and Oregon’s Willamette Valley winemakers have adopted Albariño and are producing wines that retain the grape’s acidity and aromas while showcasing regional characters. Australian Albariño from cooler regions like Tasmania also shows the grape’s versatility and ability to adapt.

The Future of Albariño

As Albariño grows in popularity the future looks good. The grape can produce high quality wines in many climates and is versatile in food pairing. Efforts to promote sustainable viticulture in Rías Baixas and other regions will ensure the Albariño vineyards remain healthy and productive for generations to come.

International Albariño Day not only celebrates a great wine but also the winemakers who make it. As we toast on August 1 we salute the history, character and global presence of Albariño. Cheers to many more years of enjoyment and discovery.



The Old Vine Project in South Africa: Saving Heritage and Making Magic

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The Old Vine Project (OVP) in South Africa is awesome. It’s all about saving the old vineyards. These old vines, often decades old, make the best wines in the world. OVP celebrates the history and heritage of the old vines and sustainable viticulture and making great wine. Here’s the details on the Old Vine Project in South Africa, 1 August.

Old Vine Project

The Old Vine Project was founded in 2016 by André Morgenthal and Rosa Kruger, old vine fanatics. It was born out of a love for South Africa’s vineyards and a need to save and promote them. South Africa has the oldest vineyards in the world with vines dating back to the 1880s. These old vines, mostly planted with Chenin Blanc, Cinsault and Semillon, make wines with incredible depth, complexity and character.

The OVP will:

  1. Save Old Vines: By finding, recording and protecting vineyards that are at least 35 years old, OVP will ensure the survival of these assets. Old vines are more robust and better adapted to the environment so they’re valuable in a changing climate.
  2. Promote Sustainable Viticulture: OVP will promote sustainable farming practices that look after the vines and the environment. This means reducing chemicals, promoting biodiversity and conserving water.
  3. Make Great Wine: Old vine wines are often better because of the intense flavours and balanced acidity these vines produce. OVP will work with winemakers to showcase old vine wines and get them into the market.
  4. Educate and Promote: Through events, tastings and educational programs OVP will educate people about old vines and get them to love the wines.

Why Old Vines

Old vines are special in the world of wine for many reasons. Firstly they are a living connection to the past, a heritage of viticulture in a region. In South Africa many old vineyards were planted by early settlers and have survived wars, economic downturns and changes in farming practices. These vines are a testament to the people who have looked after them over the years.

Secondly old vines make better fruit. As vines age their root systems grow deeper and can access water and nutrients from deeper in the soil. This can result in grapes with more intense flavours and balanced acidity. Old vines also produce less fruit which can further improve the quality of the fruit.

Thirdly old vines are more robust to environmental stresses. Their deep root systems can withstand drought and their established canopies can protect against pests and diseases. This is especially important in a changing climate as it will ensure the sustainability of viticulture in a world of changing conditions.

Results of the Old Vine Project

Since the OVP started we have made great progress in saving South Africa’s viticultural heritage and promoting old vine wines. One of the OVP’s biggest successes has been the creation of a certification for old vine wines. Wines made from vineyards that are at least 35 years old can carry the Certified Heritage Vineyards logo so consumers can find and love these wines.

OVP has also brought grape growers and winemakers together. By matching growers with winemakers who love old vine wines the project has ensured that these grapes are used to make great wines that showcase their unique character. This has resulted in a growing number of amazing old vine wines that are getting recognition both locally and internationally.

Furthermore OVP has educated people about old vines. Through events, tastings and educational programs the project has educated consumers, industry and media about old vine wines. This has created a market for these wines and provided financial support for growers and encouraged the preservation of old vineyards.

Problems and Future

Despite its successes the Old Vine Project has problems. One of the biggest is the economic pressure on grape growers. Maintaining old vineyards is costly and growers may be tempted to replace old vines with younger more productive ones. To address this OVP is working to create economic incentives for growers to preserve old vines such as promoting premium pricing for old vine wines.

Another problem is climate change. Old vines are more robust than younger ones but not immune to climate change. OVP is working to promote sustainable viticulture practices that will mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the long term survival of old vineyards.

Going forward OVP will focus on finding and saving more old vineyards in South Africa. By continuing to promote old vine wines and bringing growers and winemakers together the project hopes to keep these heritage vines part of South Africa’s viticultural fabric.

The Old Vine Project in South Africa is a must do that celebrates and saves the country’s viticultural heritage. By saving old vineyards, promoting sustainable farming and showcasing old vine wines the OVP is ensuring these living treasures will continue to exist. August 1st is the day wine lovers and industry professionals come together to celebrate and support old vines. As more and more consumers get to love the character and history of old vine wines the future looks bright for South Africa’s old vineyards and the people who care for them.