How do you measure and improve your staff's wine knowledge and service skills?

Assessing your staff’s current level with regard to wine knowledge and service skills should be done through methods such as role play. Since they will spend the bulk of their time interacting with guests and having to think on their feet, it is important that they gain ample practice in this regard rather than merely through quizzes that do not involve any form of human interaction or quick thinking. Thus a combination of traditional testing methods and more service based testing (such as role play as aforementioned) makes for the perfect way to train your staff.

The second step involves providing regular and engaging training for your staff. You can utilize various methods and formats, such as online courses, workshops, tastings, seminars, or mentoring sessions. The key is to ensure that the training is relevant, interactive, and enjoyable, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to wine. For instance, educate your staff about different grape varieties, regions, styles, and food pairings, as well as techniques for opening, pouring, serving, and recommending wine to guests. Additionally, consider inviting wine experts, suppliers, or sommeliers to share their insights and tips with your team, enriching their knowledge and enhancing their expertise in wine service.

Les formations techniques les plus stimulantes sont celles qui incluent la notion de diplôme. Il n'existe pas une culture dans laquelle les jeunes n'ont pas "validé des étapes officielles" pour avancer dans leur éducation. Reprendre ce principe pourrait ressembler à du temps de formation, un test, une récompense validante et qui fait prendre confiance et motive pour continuer.

Sharing Wine Stories: Encouraging staff to share their wine stories and opinions fosters a deeper connection to the wines they serve. This engagement enhances their knowledge and passion, making them more effective at recommending wines to guests. Training and Involvement: Involving staff in the selection and evaluation of new wines provides valuable hands-on experience and education. It also makes them feel valued and respected, as their opinions are considered important.

The sixth step is to stay updated on trends and innovations in the wine industry. Subscribe to newsletters, magazines, blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts covering the latest news, developments, and discoveries. Attend events, exhibitions, festivals, or competitions showcasing new wines, producers, and techniques. Explore emerging regions, styles, or pairings that align with your restaurant's concept and clientele. By staying informed, you can stay ahead of the curve and provide your guests with a distinctive and memorable wine experience.