A Grape Guy Courses
A Grape Guy Consulting
Raise The Bar
Created by Thomas Smith, an award-winning Sommelier, Restaurateur, Beverage Manager, and Entrepreneur.
Designed by a lifetime restaurant manager and owner who's also an award-winning sommelier. He's owned and consulted over a dozen award-winning restaurants. Starting his management at age 20, Thomas noticed that the focus of front of house restaurant and bar training primarily fell on rules, procedures, side work and food training which generally left out beverage training. Most restaurants had checklist and training materials for menu items cleaning responsibilities and service techniques but totally ignored beverage, especially beer and wine selections. Even in restaurants that did give a beer and wine list to the staff to learn most of them did not have set training programs and never gave them the basics.
In working with beverage industry leaders, brewers, winemakers and Master Sommeliers alike, he began compiling their knowledge into a program that help lay the foundation for learning about the different styles of beer and wine so that any waiter or bartender could understand their foundation and communicate the beverage program they were working with to guests with confidence.
After over 30 years of teaching this to restaurants and bars in person he finally developed his program into an online class that servers and bartenders would be able to take individually so managers and owners wouldn't have to schedule a new class whenever they got new employees.
See how this program can boost your confidence in discussing beer and wine with your customers and raise the overall guest experience to a new level in your restaurant or bar.
I look forward to having you in class!
Nicole LeNoir, NC
“Twenty one years ago, I was a server at the iconic Marker 88 in Islamorada, Florida. Tom was our wonderful Sommelier, manager, and teacher way back than. I give him all the credit for being the first to open my inexperienced eyes to the amazing world of wine! He armed me with the knowledge and tools to passionately sell and serve it. We actually got to touch and taste bottles! He informed us about the different grapes and the regional differences. He gave us printed information packets, a taste description wheel, and new wine keys. He really used every tool and technique he had to engage us. I have worked at a few other fine dining establishments since those days and I can honestly say that the wine knowledge that Tom imparted stayed with me and enabled me to continue making great money, while serving fabulous bottles of wine!"
Dane Pabotoy, FL
Sommelier & Wine Professional
"As a service and hospitality professional for 20 years, I highly recommend Tom Smith’s courses for quickly educating your service team and making them comfortable with the world of wine, beer, and spirits. These classes will provide the foundation and basis for your team's success.Almost 15 years ago as a waiter I began my pursuit in the world of wines, Tom has been an indispensable mentor. His extensive knowledge, patience, and unwavering dedication to educating aspiring sommeliers are truly unparalleled. Tom’s teaching methods are both insightful and engaging, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable to learn. He possesses a rare talent for fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of wine, transcending beyond mere technical knowledge."
Mary Deitz, OH
“Wow! Tom is an amazing Sommelier and I truly enjoyed attending his classes in the Keys many years ago. He is so much fun and offers a great deal of knowledge but you know how it is when you're doing wine tasting... half the stuff you learn you forgot by the end of class .lol I definitely need a remedial class and I'm so excited that now I can learn even when I'm in Ohio. Cheers!🍷🥂”
