Wine is never just about what is in the glass. It is about knowledge, curiosity, discipline, and the constant pursuit of excellence. This year, our wine team reached two exciting milestones as Ayanda and Vincent successfully passed their Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications. These achievements place them among a respected global community of wine professionals and make them indispensable to wine lovers, guiding guests on journeys of discovery with every pour.
The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) (wsetglobal.com) is one of the world’s leading providers of professional wine, spirits, sake, and beer education. With programmes taught in more than seventy countries, WSET certifications are recognised internationally as a benchmark of wine expertise. For sommeliers and hospitality professionals, WSET qualifications do more than certify knowledge. They shape how wine is understood, communicated, and experienced, allowing guests to connect with every nuance, aroma, and flavour in a way that transforms a simple tasting into a memorable journey.
Our young sommelier Ayanda has successfully completed the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, an advanced qualification designed for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of wine. Level 3 covers the intricate relationship between viticulture, winemaking, and regional climates. It equips sommeliers with the knowledge to assess wine style, quality, and ageing potential with confidence. Equally important is the rigorous tasting component, where wines are evaluated using WSET’s globally recognised Systematic Approach to Tasting. Passing this level demonstrates not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to analyse and communicate the subtle characteristics of each wine. This skill enhances the guest experience, allowing Ayanda to lead tasting sessions, describe wines with clarity, and curate experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Vincent has taken this expertise even further by completing the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, the highest qualification offered by WSET. Often described as a global benchmark for professional wine knowledge, the Diploma covers advanced wine production, global wine regions, sparkling and fortified wines, the business of wine, and extensive blind tasting assessments. Candidates also complete an independent research assignment, demonstrating critical thinking and in-depth mastery of the subject. Diploma graduates earn the post-nominal DipWSET, placing them among a select group of wine professionals worldwide and opening pathways into leadership roles, education, consultancy, and even Master of Wine studies. Vincent’s achievement strengthens our team’s ability to deliver sophisticated, immersive wine experiences and ensures that every guest can be guided on a curated journey through the world of wine.
These achievements are personal milestones but also strengthen our team and wine culture. Advanced WSET qualifications enhance how we curate wine lists, make recommendations, and guide guests through extraordinary experiences. Whether pairing wines with a multi-course menu, hosting an intimate tasting session, or guiding guests through a themed wine evening, Ayanda and Vincent’s knowledge allows them to design moments that are educational, engaging, and memorable. Their skills turn every wine interaction into a story, connecting guests not only with the flavours in their glass but with the history, regions, and craft behind each bottle.
Our team has a proud history of developing young sommeliers who have gone on to global success, including Gareth Ferreira and Stefan Kobald. With Ayanda and Vincent, this tradition continues. They combine warmth, knowledge, and passion to create unforgettable moments for guests, ensuring that every wine experience is not just about tasting but about discovery, learning, and enjoyment. From guiding a first-time wine enthusiast through their first tasting to curating a complex vertical flight for seasoned connoisseurs, they elevate the experience for every guest who comes to explore wine with us.
We are incredibly proud of Ayanda and Vincent and grateful for the dedication they bring to our team. Their achievements are a reminder that behind every exceptional wine experience is a commitment to craft, continuous learning, and the joy of sharing knowledge. Through their expertise, guests are not just served wine; they are taken on a journey, a story told sip by sip, with moments that linger long after the glass is empty.
Here is to raising a glass to hard work, dedication, and a future shaped by expertise, and to the countless memorable wine journeys that await our guests.