The Vintner launches new self-learning app

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 01 September, 2016

On-trade wine supplier The Vintner is launching a free educational app for its customers.

The app will form part of its revamped educational programme which aims to help managers encourage and monitor their staff's wine education away from work.

The Vintner App can be tailored to individual clients, reflecting the wines they stock by and their knowledge requirements.

It also provides facts and information about products, advice for service protocol, tips for up-selling, and provides access to an online quiz area where managers can track employees' progress.

Founded in 2010, The Vintner only lists 100 ready-to-drink wines at a time.

The company said the launch is a part of a "blended approach" to supporting its restaurant, bar, event and contract catering customers.

The Vintner App The Vintner App

"Over the years, we've refined the way we offer staff training," The Vintner trainer Johnny Parkhurst said.

"We've found that 80% of training requirements tend to be at an 'introduction to wine' level - be it about the product itself, or how it's served. Group sessions work brilliantly but there needs to be a self-learning element as well and the app addresses this: from train timetables to games to reading the news, apps are a way of life, and have more of a 'fun' element than a formal sit-down lesson."

James Bidgood, who worked on the programme with Parkhurst, added: "The App is key to our wider umbrella of customer support. It means that users can easily navigate information about the wines they're selling and serving to customers and, most importantly, they can learn on-the-go and at their own pace."

Customers can also attend scheduled winemaker tastings and regular 'drop-in clinics' at The Vintner's West London tasting room, which range from sessions on Sauvignon Blanc around the world to practical tips for up-selling.

Customers currently using the app include the Rick Stein Group, Mogford Food, Sophie's Steak House, and The Begging Bowl Thai restaurant in South London.

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