Restaurant Wine 101

This program is designed for the restaurant professional, whether the job title is server, bartender, or manager. It is designed for individuals, and can be tailored to specific restaurants for private group instruction. Restaurant Wine 101 offers wine training for students new to wine, beer, and spirits, or for students looking to get a quick grasp of the beverage program at their respective restaurant. 

This six part series covers the artful strategy involved in learning how to talk about wine with your guests, understanding your restaurant’s wine list, offering food & wine pairing experiences, creating sales through service, delivering value, and moving with confidence. With lessons that are immediately useful on the restaurant floor, this class will help students take their sales and service skills to the next level.

1.  Master How to Taste and Talk About Wine with Guests:

• Consumer/restaurant wine terminology 
• Recommending wines based on guest preference and desired price point

2.  Suggest Successful Food and Wine Pairings: 

• Taste 16 flavor combinations
• Discover the chemistry of pairing (food and wine pairing basics)
• Understand your guests pairing preferences and make the right recommendations for them

3.  Know the Wine List:

• Understanding the concept of restaurant
• Looking for best sellers
• Discovering hidden gems
• Pairing the wine list with the food menu

4.  Increase Sales with Outstanding Service:

• Understanding your service standards and how to go beyond them
• Theoretical service walk through for upselling scenarios
• Building speed through rehearsed practice

5.  Sense Your Guests' Needs:

• Reading your table
• Understanding guests understated desires
• Listening for wine cues 
• Learning prestige producers based on varietal and region

6.  Play the Part - Charm School:

• Moving with confidence
• Practicing elegant movement
• Combining steps of service with grace

San Francisco Wine School
415 Grand Ave #301
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Click for parking and public transportation information