Bermuda College is offering a wine certification course this month for those interested in studying wine and wine service.

The course comes on the heels of a resurgence in the wine steward profession, said course instructor Irving Raynor.

He said: ?Years ago we had wine stewards throughout the major dining rooms of Bermuda, then wine stewards were all but eliminated, as was the trend worldwide.

?With the growing popularity of wines again, this profession is now on the rise. This course is the perfect start to the study of wine. It offers everything a waiter needs to know about the essentials of wine and wine service.?

Aside from waiters who buy and sell wine, the course promises to benefit those interested in wine making. Students will learn about grapes and guidelines to apply during food and wine pairing.

Chair of the Bermuda College hospitality division Barbara O?Shaughnessy said: ?Knowing more about wine can help the server and enhance a dinner through a wine suggestion.

?Wine can add to the bottom line of a restaurant and to the average check of the waiter.

?This course is accredited by the International Sommelier Guild, one of the most prestigious organisations for the study of wine.?

One student, Pavala Kaudelkova, said the course was interesting and enjoyable. ?I would recommend it to everyone who would like to know more about wines and its service.

?I will uses this course as a start in my future career as a sommelier (restaurant wine buyer and expert).?

The Certified Associate Wine Steward course is the first step in the world of wine certification. The five-week course begins on January 26 from 6-9 p.m.

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