WSET, the global leader in drinks education, has partnered with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants to offer WSET’s Level 1 and 2 Awards in Wines at its acclaimed culinary space, Gordon Ramsay Academy in Woking, Surrey.
The Gordon Ramsay Academy, established in 2021 by world-renowned, Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, boasts state-of-the-art kitchen facilities at its base just 28 minutes outside of London. It offers guests of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to enjoy an interactive, engaging and relaxed format with its overarching aim to make cookery more accessible to novice or advanced level.
Hospitality experts, wine officianados and casual wine lovers now have the opportunity to learn more about wine and gain a globally recognised WSET qualification following Gordon Ramsay Restaurants’ approval as a UK course provider this year. The newly introduced wine courses are proudly led by Gordon Ramsay Restaurants’ Group Wine Education team members and certified WSET educators twin brothers Augusto and Alberto Gherardi, who are both positioned in the UK Top 100 Sommeliers.
The Gordon Ramsay Academy achieved Level 1, 2 and 3 WSET approved status for wines with the initial goal of investing and developing the skillset of the internal Gordon Ramsay Restaurants’ team to help further enhance the experience they can provide to guests. The Gordon Ramsay Academy now offers two WSET courses to the public at their cooking academy in Woking; Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Wine, with Level 3 Awards on the horizon for 2025. The WSET Level 1 Award in Wine is an entry level one-day course aimed at beginners who are looking to start their wine journey. The three-day Level 2 Award in Wines course aims to bridge the gap between wine expert and everyday enthusiasts, exploring grape varieties in different regions and how to use professional, technical language in an accessible way.
Both courses are suitable for those thinking about a professional career in the drinks industry, as well as wine enthusiasts who are looking to deepen their knowledge. Central to all WSET’s qualifications is the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT). This is designed to progressively develop tasting technique, descriptive vocabulary and evaluation skills.
David Martin, WSET’s APP Development Manager for the EMEA region, said: “We’re delighted to be working with such a prestigious hospitality brand as Gordon Ramsay Restaurants to offer WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wines. Guests of The Gordon Ramsay Academy are clearly hungry to learn more about cookery. Now, with WSET wine courses they also have the chance to embark on a voyage of discovery through the endlessly fascinating world of wine. And of course, wine greatly enhances the enjoyment of food and offers plenty of possibilities for delightful pairings.
“WSET globally recognised drinks qualifications are a valuable long-term investment, helping to boost the knowledge and confidence of those working in the hospitality industry and also for enthusiasts who are keen to learn more. We hope that by making WSET’s qualifications available through organisations such as The Gordon Ramsay Academy, more people will be inspired to take advantage of the many benefits they offer.”
Andy Wenlock, CEO for Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, said: “Since opening our doors in 2021, the Gordon Ramsay Academy has been a hub for people of all ages to come and further grow their passion for food and beverage. We’re delighted to be partnering with WSET to deliver their world-class education in our home in Woking, whether that is for the everyday wine enthusiast or a professional in the field. Initially with the goal of providing further education for our restaurant and support office teams, the arrival of WSET at Gordon Ramsay Academy in Woking is a hugely exciting development in our curriculum, offering not just to our team, but also our guests an opportunity to hone their wine knowledge in a more fomalised way.”
