Programs in Wine Spirits and Beverages Management

Champagne, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Albarino, Riesling, Cava and Sangria – the common threads are alcoholic beverages. However, there are non alcoholic beverages that include, among others, Cappuccino, Espresso, Café au lait, Frappe, Mocha, Glühwein, Green Tea, Yerba Mate and Sanka.

In earlier times, food was considered as the main driver of sales in restaurants. However, that scenario has changed and the hospitality industry recognizes the significance of beverage sales to ensure strong profitability. However, this can only be achieved with professionals who are well acquainted with beverages and equipped with a strong sense of business.

Several programs in the culinary industry focus specifically in the area of wine, spirits and beverages management. Institutions offering these programs provide Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees along side diplomas and certifications available through campus and online modes. Practical exposure is crucial for success. Course content spans training in wines and food pairing, beer and spirits training, inventory and cost control, beverage delivery and presentation, legal laws affecting industry, marketing, sales, communication and management of human resources and restaurant / hotel resort operations.

The culinary discipline is growing at faster than average growth of all occupations as per Bureau of Labor Statistics positively influencing the beverages field too. Career opportunities present themselves as hotel beverage managers, restaurant managers, microbrewery managers, winery managers and casino beverage managers to name a few. Average salaries of food and beverages manages managers was $43,020 in 2006. At the top end, the highest was greater than $70,810.

International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes and Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America lead the group providing quality education programs followed by Le Cordon Bleu International and The French Culinary Institute emphasizing on customized courses designed for today’s world. The Culinary Institute of America offers programs that have been setting standards of excellence for over 60 years.