Queensland Wine Ambassadors in training
Published Tuesday, 25 September, 2007 at 02:23 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
The Queensland Government is working closely with the State’s wine industry to turn front line hospitality and liquor retail staff into “Queensland Wine Ambassadors”.
Industry and Regional Development Minister Desley Boyle said the very first ambassadors went through their four-hour training course on Friday (21 September 2007) at Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton.
“This is an important initiative in building our wine industry.
“If we’re honest there are still people around who are prejudiced against Queensland wines.
“We need to break down those attitudes and front-line staff are crucial to changing negative perceptions.
“Every day of the week customers in bottle shops and restaurants ask the staff to recommend a nice wine to drink.
“If front line staff know about Queensland wines, have tasted and enjoyed them, they are much more likely to suggest customers give them a go,” Ms Boyle said.
The training will include presentations on the Queensland wine regions, varieties grown and will showcase award winning Queensland wines from the wine regions. Participants will also undergo palate training on wine faults and undertake a winery tour.
The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Queensland wine industry, will train hundreds of front-line hospitality and liquor retail staff over the coming months.
Adam Chapman, Chief Winemaker of Sirromet Wines, is excited by this new training program.
“The training of front line staff in the local hospitality industry is key to the overall success of this industry. I am confident this training will strengthen the knowledge and perception of Queensland wines with the key people who come face to face with our consumers. This has got to be a good thing.
“The Queensland wine industry has so much to offer to the hospitality and tourism industries. Locals and tourists both want to experience Queensland fresh produce and of course our award winning wines”, Mr Chapman said.
Ms Boyle said: “Front line staff provide the linkage between the bottle shop shelf or restaurant wine list and the consumer. Their recommendations and knowledge of wine products play a huge role in the decision-making process of their customers.
"This ambassador training program will be great for our Queensland restaurants, our bottle shops, our wine industry and of course our regions”.
Ends
Media contact: 32251005
25 September 2007
Industry and Regional Development Minister Desley Boyle said the very first ambassadors went through their four-hour training course on Friday (21 September 2007) at Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton.
“This is an important initiative in building our wine industry.
“If we’re honest there are still people around who are prejudiced against Queensland wines.
“We need to break down those attitudes and front-line staff are crucial to changing negative perceptions.
“Every day of the week customers in bottle shops and restaurants ask the staff to recommend a nice wine to drink.
“If front line staff know about Queensland wines, have tasted and enjoyed them, they are much more likely to suggest customers give them a go,” Ms Boyle said.
The training will include presentations on the Queensland wine regions, varieties grown and will showcase award winning Queensland wines from the wine regions. Participants will also undergo palate training on wine faults and undertake a winery tour.
The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Queensland wine industry, will train hundreds of front-line hospitality and liquor retail staff over the coming months.
Adam Chapman, Chief Winemaker of Sirromet Wines, is excited by this new training program.
“The training of front line staff in the local hospitality industry is key to the overall success of this industry. I am confident this training will strengthen the knowledge and perception of Queensland wines with the key people who come face to face with our consumers. This has got to be a good thing.
“The Queensland wine industry has so much to offer to the hospitality and tourism industries. Locals and tourists both want to experience Queensland fresh produce and of course our award winning wines”, Mr Chapman said.
Ms Boyle said: “Front line staff provide the linkage between the bottle shop shelf or restaurant wine list and the consumer. Their recommendations and knowledge of wine products play a huge role in the decision-making process of their customers.
"This ambassador training program will be great for our Queensland restaurants, our bottle shops, our wine industry and of course our regions”.
Ends
Media contact: 32251005
25 September 2007