Tasting room staff is the front line of wineries, so it would make sense to ensure that they are equipped with the right knowledge and skills. Book now for wine.co.za's DTC Academy workshops on direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine sales at our campus in Somerset West or at your own venue.
The tourism season is well and truly upon us, but there is always time to ensure your tasting room staff are ready and skilled up, giving your visitors the best possible experience and become long-term customers.
The DTC Academy is a division of wine.co.za, and is offering training courses for cellar door ambassadors and tasting room staff during November and early December. The training courses have been designed and will be delivered by the DTC Academy lead, Neil Tabraham. Neil has many years of experience training sommeliers and hospitality staff at the highest level in the UK and South Africa and is now a business partner in the Sommeliers Academy. The training has two components: 1) Wine knowledge; and 2) Guest experience, engagement and effective selling.
Courses available on campus at wine.co.za's offices in Somerset West:
- Monday 18 November: Level 1 Wine Advisor
- Monday 2 December: Level 2 Wine Advisor
Or if you would like us to come to your premises to do the training in-house, contact Judy Brower on judy@wine.co.za. Minimum numbers apply.
Details about the DTC Academy workshop
Workshop 1: Wine Advisor Level 1
Wine Advisor Level 1 is a one-day course aimed at new members of the team.
The morning session looks at the basics of wine; the history and culture of wine, where grapes grow best, how wine is made and understanding the label, before looking at the main wine regions of South Africa.
The afternoon session focuses on understanding guest needs and suggestive up-selling, which includes practical application of newly acquired skills.
- Venue: wine.co.za Somerset West campus (21 Kingfisher Park, Ou Paardevlei Road, Somerset West)
- Date: Monday, 18 November 2024
- Time: 09h00 - 17h00
- Cost: R1 750 (ex. VAT)
Workshop 2: Wine Advisor Level 2
Wine Advisor Level 2 is also delivered over one day but is aimed at those with some basic wine knowledge and experience in a wine sales environment.
Ideally, candidates should have already done Wine Advisor 1 to get the most out of the day.
The morning session: The Wine Advisor 2 course gives a deeper knowledge of South African wine, its regions, climates and soils with an enhanced understanding of winemaking. Candidates will learn to compare key wine styles with international examples to give context and background when talking with guests.
The afternoon session provides strategies for building professional rapport, effective selling and delivering a real wow factor, leaving guests wanting to come back for more.
- Venue: wine.co.za Somerset West campus (21 Kingfisher Park, Ou Paardevlei Road, Somerset West)
- Date: Monday, 2 December 2024
- Time: 09h00 - 17h00
- Cost: R2 250 (ex. VAT)
Scheduled course dates are dependent on minimum candidate numbers.
Please note that there are limited spaces, so book early to avoid disappointment. Maximum 10 candidates per course. Alternatively, if you have four or more candidates for each course, we can come to you on your preferred date.
For bookings and queries, contact Judy Brower on judy@wine.co.za.