Bibendum supporting ‘up-and-coming talent’ with new programme

UK drinks supplier Bibendum has launched the ‘Wine Minds Academy’, a new training scheme designed to support young people in the wine and hospitality industries.

An initial course, the Wine Minds programme was launched earlier this year and offers essential training and experience to those making their first steps in the industry, allowing them to build up among their peers and also knowledge through tastings and masterclasses on topics such as: biodynamics in France, blending, fortified wines and mental health in the industry.

In addition, Bibendum is now launching a six-month academy scheme for those looking to advance their careers in the wine industry even further.

The course will be open to two candidates who have already taken part in the Wine Minds programme and are taking their WSET Level 2 or 3.

It includes an internship with a leading producer and a range of masterclasses and visits to other wineries throughout the world.

Bibendum’s head of brand marketing, Elona Hesseling, said: “There are lots of talented and passionate individuals who don’t always get exposure or invitations to tastings and events, so we wanted to create a programme that not only gets them involved but creates a community.

‘Wine is a vocation, not simply a job and we are working with an amazing group of up-and-coming stars to help grow their careers.”

Sam Ameye, bartender at Bar Swift who is currently enrolled in the programme, added: “The programme endeavours to bring the vast amounts of knowledge that top sommeliers, vintners and other wine people possess to other sectors of the alcohol industry.

“I’ve already learned a tremendous amount – it’s amazing how much can be learned from knowledgeable speakers in just a few in-depth masterclasses.”

The programme is open to all those in the industry with a basic knowledge of wine. For more information click here. The two candidates for this year’s academy will be selected later this year.