What you'll learn

✓ Wine basics in guest language: the key grapes and styles in one friendly line each ✓ How to read labels and your own wine list, from sparkling to sweet ✓ Wine service step by step: presenting, opening still and sparkling wine, the host taste and pouring ✓ How to recommend wine guests will love, upsell one step and pair wine with your menu ✓ How to describe wine in two or three inviting words (What · Taste · Serve) ✓ Storage, wine by the glass, common faults and responsible service

Who it's for

Servers, bartenders, hosts, sommeliers in training, banquet and hotel teams, and anyone new to hospitality. No experience needed. Managers: a ready-made wine module for team training. Groups of 5 or more save 10%. You must be of legal drinking age (18+ or the legal age where you live) to take part in the tastings.

Curriculum

9 Chapters · 18 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to First Pour™ Hospitality Tailored

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      About your educator

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson notes: Wine basics in guest language

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Check: Wine basics in guest language

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson notes: Labels and the wine list

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Check: Labels and the wine list

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson notes: Wine service step by step

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Check: Wine service step by step

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson notes: Recommending and food pairing

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Check: Recommending and food pairing

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson notes: Tasting and describing wine to guests

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Check: Tasting and describing wine to guests

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson notes: Storage, wine by the glass and faults

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Check: Storage, wine by the glass and faults

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson notes: Responsible wine service

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Check: Responsible wine service

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Final review: ten facts

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Final exam

Academy of Wine & Spirits logo

Your certificate: AWS Intro to Wine – First Pour™ Hospitality Tailored

Pass the final exam and you receive your AWS Intro to Wine – First Pour™ Hospitality Tailored certificate, signed by Christian Esser, Director of Education, Academy of Wine & Spirits. Add it to your CV and LinkedIn profile and show guests and employers what you know.

Christian Esser, Director of Education, Academy of Wine & Spirits

Meet your educator: Christian Esser

Christian Esser is the founder and Director of Education of the Academy of Wine & Spirits, winner of two LUXlife Hospitality Awards 2026 (Caribbean & USA): Best Luxury Beverage Education Provider and Hospitality Training Excellence Award. A Wine, Spirits & Sake Educator with formal training in viticulture and winemaking, he brings 20+ years of experience across 43 countries. He founded The Rum Ambassador, the first international rum certification, with WIRSPA, and led wine programmes at Grand Old House, Ortanique and Cayman Spirits Co. Liquid Lively Fun

Award-winning education

LUXlife Hospitality Awards 2026 · Caribbean & USA ★ Best Luxury Beverage Education Provider 2026 ★ Hospitality Training Excellence Award 2026

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have access? 6 months' access. Once you enroll, you can revisit the course whenever you like for 6 months. Can I start anytime? Yes. The course is 100% online and self-paced: start the moment you enroll and study on any device, whenever it suits you. It takes about 3–4 hours in total, in seven short modules built around real jobs on the floor and behind the bar. What language is it in? The course is taught online in English. What do I need? A phone, tablet or computer with internet, a waiter's friend corkscrew and a service cloth. For the six taste-alongs: a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, an Italian Pinot Grigio, a Prosecco, a Malbec, a Pinot Noir and an oaked Chardonnay, or taste from your venue's stock with your manager's permission. How does the exam work? A short, ungraded check after each module, then a 30-question final exam. Score 70% or more to pass; you have two attempts. Are there videos? Video lessons are being added through November; the lesson notes already cover everything you need. Can I train my whole team? Yes. Groups of 5 or more save 10%. Contact us for team enrolment. What's next? Continue with AWS Level 1 in Wines – Certified Wine Enthusiast™. Questions? Email [email protected] or call +1 (345) 938 0458. We are happy to help, including group bookings for teams.

Liquid Lively Fun

Step onto the floor with confidence: 3–4 hours, seven practical modules and your AWS certificate. Course image: Fabio Ingrosso, CC BY 2.0. Questions? [email protected] · +1 (345) 938 0458

$95.00

Enroll now – US$95