At Les Roches, we encourage our students to innovate and be ambitious. We do this through our classes, internships and also our amazing events, including the World of Wine (WOW) Expo. The event, which took place at our Bluche campus in April, saw our students organise yet another highly successful and incredibly popular showcase of Switzerland’s – and the rest of the world’s – finest wines.
Showcasing students’ skills
Les Roches students have been organising the WOW Expo for the past three years. As always, this year’s event welcomed a selection of different wine-producing regions, world-renowned sommeliers and blind tastings. The event had sold over 100 tickets prior to the event, with many more tickets being snapped up on the day. This meant the event was positively buzzing with both students and guests.
Organising such an esteemed and respected event gives our students the chance to demonstrate the skills they learn in class and via internships. They get to harness their organisation and teamwork attributes, while also strengthening their skills in time management, service and more.
[quote]The event once again showcased the amazing wines that come out of Switzerland, as well as the wider world, while also demonstrating the talent and tenacity of our students.[/quote]
World-class expertise
Our students not only successfully staged an event, however, they also invited one of the world’s finest experts to attend. Paolo Basso, ranked the Best Sommelier in the World in 2013, held a technical food and wine pairing workshop. He also discussed the challenges of matching complex dishes with wine, informing attendees they should start with wine and then match the food later.
Also attending were Albert Mathier & Fils, a winemaker from Valais, Switzerland, who discussed orange wine. This ancient technique from Georgia keeps the wine in tick old clay. The event once again showcased the amazing wines that come out of Switzerland, as well as the wider world, while also demonstrating the talent and tenacity of our students.
Uncorking potential
The organisers of the WOW Expo form part of the Les Roches Wine Club. Members are able to share their passion and interest for wine, raise issues and share ideas. It also enhances their CVs through professional certification opportunities, enables members to hear from leading professionals and provides the chance to embark on exciting wine discovery trips.
Our WOW Expo once again proved a roaring success, with Forbes magazine recently documenting the event. Here’s to next year!
