A Grape Guy Courses
A Grape Guy Consulting
ELEVATE YOUR REVENUE WITH
RAISE THE BAR
On your Beer & Wine Education and Sales
Bartenders & Servers
Are you the bartender everyone comes to see—the one with a bar that’s always packed, no matter the day or shift?
Or the server who’s constantly requested by the big spenders who know they’ll get an outstanding experience?
It’s not just about looks or charm or how well you know the food;
it’s about confidence, knowledge, and an ability to elevate each guest’s experience with expertly recommended drinks.
Want to become that go-to person in your bar or restaurant?
Our Raise the Bar program is your first step!
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Gain the knowledge and confidence in beer and wine
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Earn bigger tips
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Impress your customers
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Build loyalty
Reap the rewards of providing a standout guest experience that keeps them coming back for more.
Beverage Distribution Company Sales Reps
Whether you’re working with a national distributor or a small local broker, building strong relationships with beverage buyers is key to your success.
In the 35 years as a restaurant purchasing manager, I found that the top-earning sales reps weren’t those with the biggest portfolios—they were the ones who truly understood my needs and recommended products that fit my program, not just their latest push. They earned my trust and became my go-to reps.
Are your clients calling you for recommendations, or are you always chasing them down?
Be the high-earning rep they trust and turn to first.
Raise the Bar teaches you:
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Essential skills to understand your products
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Know your Customer Needs
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Earn their trust and become their valued advisor.
Master the basics, communicate effectively, and watch your client relationships and earnings grow
Beer & Wine Shop and Liquor Store Associates
Do you love what you do?
Every day, you connect with the public, reading people and uncovering what they’re truly looking for.
Imagine becoming the go-to advisor—the expert your customers seek out because you can effortlessly guide them to the perfect bottle that suits their tastes and style.
Our Raise the Bar program equips you with the knowledge to
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Connect with customers like a pro, giving you the skills of a true teacher.
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Understand customer preferences quickly
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Anticipate needs
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Make recommendations
Elevate their shopping experience and increase customer loyalty.
Become the trusted expert they rely on—a maven in your community who doesn’t just sell beer or wine but enhances their enjoyment and satisfaction.
Be the reason they keep coming back, knowing they’re in the hands of someone who truly understands their needs.
Nicole LeNoir, TX
“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!"
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!🍷🥂."
Dane Pabotoy, FL
"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."
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, who began managing at age 20. He was named one of the Top 5 Sommeliers in South Florida, and has 15 Wine Spactator Awards and various other Awards for his wine programs. Early in his career, Thomas noticed that the focus of front of house restaurant and bar training primarily fell on rules, procedures, side work and food training and 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 bevearge 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!
You have questions. We have answers.
How long does the course take? This varies depending on your experience but generally between 35 minutes and an hour.
How do I take the course? Once you sign up we send the course to an email you provide. You then you can take it on a computer, tablet or even on their phone.
How will I know if I passed the course? You'll receive an email with an acknowledgement and then sent a printable and digital certificate to show off your accomplishment
INCREASE YOUR REVENUES AND PROFITS -
with an increase in beverage sales and demand for new and exciting selections.
SAVE YOURSELF TIME -
schedule individual or group training programs when it's most convenient without taking time out of your busy day.
SAVE YOURSELF MONEY -
we provide all the training materials.
EMPLOYEES INCREASE YOUR CONFIDENCE AND PRESENCE WITH YOUR GUESTS -
they bring more enthusiasm to the table, make more sales & tips, enjoy your job even more
INCREASE YOUR CUSTOMER LOYALTY -
studies prove a more knowledgeable and professional service staff comfortable talking about your beverage offerings as they are your food increase guest frequency and allegiance to your establishment .