THE in-house training team at wine merchant Bibendum faced a challenge of Olympic proportions last month when it trained 350 Prestige Ticketing staff in only ten days.
Prestige is the official corporate hospitality supplier for the Olympic Games, and Bibendum has been signed as the exclusive wine supplier to the company.
The training programmes focused on product knowledge of the wines on offer as well as front-of-house wine service.
‘Train the trainer’ sessions have allowed staff pass on experience to colleagues, and there’s been training on wine from producers including Champagne Bruno Paillard, Hush Heath Estate, Petaluma, Castello Banfi, Alois Lageder and the Royal Takaji Company.
“Training so many staff in such a short time has been very challenging but is very rewarding too,” said Bibendum training manager Amanda Willsher ahead of the Games.
“Our approach to training always emphasises business skills as well as wine knowledge and the response we have had from the trainees has been fantastic.
“Guests of Prestige Ticketing can look forward to a brilliant experience being looked after by highly motivated staff that will deliver a fantastic food and wine experience.”
The Bibendum training team has been present at a number of Olympic Games events, supporting catering staff and providing pre-service wine briefings.
