WSET expands educational offering in the UAE

Wine and spirits enthusiasts in the UAE can now gain a WSET qualification following news that WSET-certified courses are no longer limited to industry professionals.

The Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) has over 750 approved programme providers across the world, however, in the UAE, WSET courses were previously limited to the members of drinks trade.

The Tasting Class – which holds wine and beer tasting events in hotels, restaurants and private homes throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE – is now offering courses for the wider public. The company also provides beverage training and consultancy for the hospitality industry.

According to the WSET, this move is expected to by “highly beneficial for the hospitality sector” in the UAE after studies show have shown that hotels, restaurants and bars that have trained their staff through WSET “saw significant return on investment”.

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines and Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits will be available to book at The Tasting Class from 20 October 2017. The courses will be led by Lindsay Trivers, a wine professional with 15 years’ experience in the beverage and hospitality sector. Trivers holds qualifications with the WSET, The Court of Master Sommeliers and the Auckland University of Technology, and has also studied in Belgium under Master Beer Sommelier, Sofie Vanraflegehm.

Lindsay Trivers, managing partner of The Tasting Class, commented: “As Expo 2020 looms, the UAE is striving to deliver the best visitor experience the world has to offer. The Tasting Class will contribute to this by giving the hospitality sector the tools it needs to provide world-class service in anticipation of this great event.”

“What is most exciting, though, is now these courses will be offered to anyone interested to learn more about what they are drinking. Everyone is welcome to attend!”

Ian Harris, WSET chief executive, said: “Demand for wine and spirit education is rising, with WSET global candidate numbers up +19% in the 2016/17 academic year. As the global leader in wine and spirits education we strive to offer qualifications through Approved Programme Providers in every market that shows potential and desire for further wine and spirits knowledge.”

“The thriving hospitality sector and strength of the expat community in the UAE offers a wealth of opportunity, and we are thrilled that The Tasting Class will now cater to this audience”.