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Wine expertise is assuming an increasingly important role on the informal business stage. When it comes to communication and networking, invitations, business lunches or dinners, and foreign travel, you can't do without (the topic) of wine.

There is a lot of talk about “soft skills,” but for us, wine expertise should not be missing because it creates a connection between people and cultures and helps build interpersonal relationships. Entrepreneurs and managers who master the intelligent use of wine feel more comfortable in the role of hosts and guests, conveying a sensual, attractive, cultured and cosmopolitan rather than provincial image.

Relaxed restaurant attitude and successful small talk

Those who are able (at least a little) to talk naturally about wine and know how to choose and order the right bottle at a restaurant for a business lunch have a trump card to play: they exude self-confidence and often create a positive atmosphere with customers and business partners.

Wine connoisseurs feel more comfortable at the side of the boss who invited them to dinner, and they do not have to sit on the sidelines during conversations with colleagues and clients when wine is mentioned. However, it is important not to be a know-it-all, but to communicate wine in a simple way that everyone can understand. This is especially useful for those who have a lot of contact with customers or are charged with representative duties.

Actively participating in conversations about wine, or better yet, consciously leading them, can have surprising consequences: The topic of wine arouses enthusiasm, and through knowledge of wine and wine culture one gains confidence, not only in oneself, but also in the company one represents.

A company that invests in the wine expertise of its employees supports the overall trustworthy image of the company and all those who represent it.

Here is a small test to assess one's wine competence:

At a business dinner:

• Are you able to surprise everyone with your knowledge of the wine list and your ability to match each dish with the right wine?
• Do you know the rituals of serving wine in a restaurant?
• Could you confidently complain about faulty wine or incompetent service (maybe the wine is not at the right temperature)?
• Are you able to describe a wine and judge its quality (simply, without high-sounding expressions)?

At corporate parties:

• You are asked to open a bottle of wine or champagne in front of colleagues or business partners and take care of the service (how do you open the bottle, who do you serve first?).
• Give a speech and ask guests to make a toast (is this a good idea? do you tinkle your glasses?).

In sales negotiations:

• If you are dealing with people from other regions or countries, e.g. Spain, France, South Africa, America... could you talk about their wines to create a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere?

We can all learn to talk about wine in a simple and understandable way, without becoming arrogant eno-snobs! With the fascination of wine, its close connection with history, its territory, we can create alliances, forge friendships, have nice evenings, and sometimes even sign contracts...

We offer ad hoc programs for every need, teaching the basics of wine knowledge, from viticulture to harvesting, from winemaking to multisensory tasting, from pairing to bon ton.