“Certified Advisor for German Wine” – with a focus on the hospitality industry
Seminar Format
What It's About
Denis Duhme and Michael Kugel teach the renowned seminar classic "Certified Advisor for German Wine" for the German Wine Institute (DWI). The official DWI seminar component normally ends at 12:00 PM on the second day.
We extend the seminar to two full days and expand it with practical content tailored specifically to the needs of the hospitality and hotel industry.
Key topics include:
• Wine cellar and storage organisation
• Developing and designing an attractive wine list
• Contemporary wine service for guests
• Targeted wine purchasing for hospitality businesses
• Wine promotions and events with guests
• Competent advice and active sales at the table
Optional: Upon request, we can organise a shared dinner on the topic of food pairing – an ideal opportunity to combine theory and enjoyment.
Completion: All participants have the opportunity to obtain the official title "Certified Advisor for German Wine" (DWI) by taking a voluntary exam.
Objectives
The seminar aims to build specialist wine expertise, strengthen confident, guest-focused presence, and promote professional wine handling in day-to-day hospitality operations – from advice and service through to the wine list.
Participants acquire:
• all DWI basics on climate, grape varieties, winemaking, classifications, label knowledge and food pairing
• confidence in friendly, stylish wine service
• essential know-how for wine cellar and inventory management
• knowledge of how origin and site influence style
• insights into trends, new wine styles and labels that are popular with guests
A key component is the systematic tasting of typical wines from German wine-growing regions. Participants learn the sensory fundamentals of varietal style and identify differences compared with international ranges – a valuable basis for authentic, peer-level advice.
After all, your guests are looking not only for enjoyment, but also for personality, enthusiasm and expertise. This seminar supports you in meeting these expectations – competently, hospitably and with strong sales skills.
Content
• Wine country Germany and its 13 wine-growing regions
• Climate, winemaking, key grape varieties
• Fundamentals of sensory analysis with comparative tasting
• Label terminology and wine law
• Sparkling wines
• Harmony of wine & food
• Comparative tasting (incl. international styles)
• Tips on wine purchasing, supplier selection and storage organisation
• Designing and structuring an attractive wine list
• Modern table-side wine service
• Wine promotions and events with guests
• Successful advice and active sales to guests
• Completion: Voluntary test for the DWI certificate
• “Certified Advisor for German Wine” or a certificate of participation
Why this seminar is particularly relevant – hospitality:
German wines have become indispensable on modern wine lists. Today, guests expect more than just well-known grape varieties – they want personalised recommendations, competent advice and a coherent overall experience at the table. At the same time, the variety of wine styles, origin designations and special categories (e.g. natural wines, PetNat, future grape varieties) continues to grow steadily.
Sound wine knowledge is therefore essential in order to make recommendations with confidence, serve wines professionally and convey enthusiasm for the topic of wine – thereby increasing revenue, quality and guest satisfaction alike.
Target audience
The seminar aims to build specialist wine expertise, strengthen confident, guest-focused presence, and promote professional wine handling in day-to-day hospitality operations – from advice and service through to the wine list.
Participants acquire:
• all DWI basics on climate, grape varieties, winemaking, classifications, label knowledge and food pairing
• confidence in friendly, stylish wine service
• essential know-how for wine cellar and inventory management
• knowledge of how origin and site influence style
• insights into trends, new wine styles and labels that are popular with guests
A key component is the systematic tasting of typical wines from German wine-growing regions. Participants learn the sensory fundamentals of varietal style and identify differences compared with international ranges – a valuable basis for authentic, peer-level advice.
After all, your guests are looking not only for enjoyment, but also for personality, enthusiasm and expertise. This seminar supports you in meeting these expectations – competently, hospitably and with strong sales skills.