Trinidad and Tobago’s hospitality and beverage sector is receiving a high-level skills boost as globally recognised wine certification courses arrive in the country, led by one of the world’s top experts.
Through an initiative by Brydens T&T, Master of Wine Michael Palij delivered Wine and Spirit Education Trust courses at Hyatt Regency Trinidad, marking a significant step in strengthening industry training locally. Palij is among just over 400 Masters of Wine worldwide, placing him in one of the most exclusive groups in the global wine trade.
Over four days, 36 industry professionals took part in the Level 1 and Level 2 programmes, engaging in structured tastings, technical training, and formal assessments aimed at internationally recognised certification.
Participants came from across the region’s beverage and hospitality sectors, including distributors and hotel and restaurant staff, reflecting a growing push to professionalise service standards in the Caribbean.
“Trained staff are more likely to remain loyal and are also empowered to sell more and better wine through occasion-driven recommendations. If your establishment has house wine sales above 50 per cent then you should be encouraging customers to become more adventurous,” Palij said.
The courses form part of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust system, which operates in more than 70 countries and is widely regarded as the benchmark for wine and spirits education.
The sessions also reflect a broader industry shift as local operators invest in staff training to improve competitiveness, increase revenue per customer, and elevate the overall guest experience.
With demand for premium experiences rising, initiatives like this are positioning Trinidad and Tobago’s hospitality sector to better compete on an international stage.
