Training

Team training is one of the most important elements of our service, which is why in 2014 we created a dedicated training team; hand-picking a group of wine and hospitality experts each of which holds a WSET Certified Educator qualification and is qualified to WSET Diploma level. As part of this customer support, the team works alongside Beverly Tabbron MW (Master of Wine) who acts as consultant. Giving our customers’ teams the confidence to sell wines is key, and we view wine training and education as intrinsic to the mutual development of sales and relationships with our customers.

As an Approved Programme Provider, our three WSET-Certified Educators have guided more than 350 candidates through levels 1, 2 and 3 in the past year with great success.

Additionally our enthusiastic sales teams are busy training our customers on a UK-wide basis using our own training package Wine Sure training programme, and also designing bespoke training courses for our major customers, adapted to their specific needs and requirements, whether for the on-trade or independent retail.

The Team

Garry Samuels, Wine Educator

"My first adventure into the world of wine was working in hospitality, going from kitchen porter to deputy manager of the Cork & Bottle in Leicester Square in under a year. Building on a so far unused teaching degree I embarked on the WSET Level 2 and 3 courses to further my unending thirst for oenological knowledge. This is turn led to the Diploma and WSET Certified Educators qualifications. Tying all these passions and qualifications together ultimately brought me to Hallgarten and quite literally my dream job."

Katrina Whitney, Wine Educator

“I started in the wine industry in 2014, working for the English sparkling wine producer, Rathfinny. I quickly caught the bug for wine and completed the Foundation Degree in Wine Business at Plumpton College. Whilst working at Rathfinny I also completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma in wines and ran their Cellar Door department, which included delivering wine training for the on-site restaurant teams. My passion grew for educating people about the complex and wonderful world of wine, which led me to join Hallgarten’s training team in September 2022.”

Beverly Tabbron MW, Training Team Consultant

"Having started in the wine trade back in 1978, 1996 was a busy year as I passed my MW and in the same year took on the role as buyer at Hallgarten. Since 2014 I have been responsible for purchasing for France. In 2018 I celebrated my 40th year at Hallgarten, having overseen countless changes in the company, I am delighted to now be a consultant to Hallgarten's industry-leading training team - all of whom hold WSET Diplomas and are Certified Educators - in training and educating more customers than ever before."