Do I need wine experience before starting the Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management (CIWBM035)?

No prior wine knowledge is required. The certificate starts from the basics — grape varieties, regions, styles and service — and builds up. Curious taste buds and a willingness to learn matter more than experience.

How is the Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management different from a sommelier diploma?

Sommelier qualifications go deeper into tasting, blind identification and wine list curation. This certificate is broader — it covers wine alongside beers, spirits and overall beverage service, suited to hotel restaurants and bars rather than fine-dining cellars.

Can I work in hotel restaurants after this certificate?

Many graduates progress into hotel F&B service, bar roles or beverage-focused positions in restaurants. The qualification supports your application, though employers will also look at hands-on experience and your ability to talk fluently about what you serve.

What is the age requirement for this beverage course?

Because the syllabus involves wine and other alcoholic beverages, applicants must be at least 18 at the point of enrolment.

Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management (CIWBM035) | LSTH

Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management (CIWBM035) at LSTH

If your day involves pouring wine, building cocktail lists or running a beverage station and you want to stop guessing your way through it, the Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management (CIWBM035) is built for that moment. It introduces wine regions, grape varieties, beverage categories and the basic service drills that hotel restaurants, gastropubs and dining rooms expect from their staff.

This is a starter-level qualification, so you don't need a wine background to begin. What you do need is a real interest in beverage service and a willingness to taste, smell, read labels and remember the small details that separate a confident server from one who hides behind the menu.

Why Beverage Knowledge Matters in Hospitality

Beverage sales carry some of the highest margins in F&B, which means a server who can recommend a wine pairing or describe a region honestly is genuinely valuable to the business. Beyond margins, guests now expect their server to understand what they're drinking — not at sommelier depth, but enough to converse. The Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management (CIWBM035) is designed around that everyday expectation.

Who the Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management Suits

Restaurant and bar staff who want a structured foundation in wine and beverage service.
Hotel F&B trainees moving into a more senior service role.
Career changers entering hospitality through the front-of-house route.
Hospitality students adding a beverage specialism to their CV.

What You'll Take Away

By the end of the certificate you should be comfortable reading a wine label, describing core styles to a guest, handling bottle presentation and pour correctly, and recognising the major beverage categories — wines, beers, spirits, fortified drinks and non-alcoholic options — and where they sit on a menu.

Career Pathways After This Wine and Beverage Certificate

Graduates of the Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management typically move into hotel restaurant service, bar work, beverage retail and tasting-room roles. With further study or on-the-job training, some go on to become bar supervisors, beverage managers or trainee sommeliers. The certificate is a starting point — your progress depends on the hours you put in tasting and learning the rooms you work in.

How the Programme Is Delivered

LSTH offers on-campus, online and blended study options for the Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management (CIWBM035). Module structure and intake calendar are confirmed at enrolment, and the admissions team will walk you through the format that fits your schedule.

Entry Requirements

Completed secondary school or equivalent.
Minimum age 18 due to the wine and alcohol content of the syllabus.
English proficiency around IELTS 5.5 or equivalent for international applicants.
A genuine interest in food, wine and hospitality service.

Apply for the Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management

If a structured beverage foundation is what you've been missing, click Enroll Now and our admissions team at London School of Tourism and Hospitality will respond within one working day with next steps for the Certificate in International Wine and Beverage Management (CIWBM035).