A bubble-licious hospitality evening!

Students and staff from the School of Sport and Service management were treated with what was probably the largest Champagne tasting session ever to be held at the school, courtesy of the Champagne Bureau and organised by Dr Ioannis S Pantelidis FIH, with the help of seven hospitality management student volunteers.

Over 90 postgraduate and undergraduate students, as well as staff signed up for the event that promised an exciting and fun educational experience.

Mrs Francoise Perreti Director of the Champagne Bureau delivered a wonderful tasting session full of business acumen,  anecdotes, expertise and useful information about the full supply chain of champagne.

She said: “Thank you for inviting me. I thoroughly enjoyed conducting the Masterclass for your students. I couldn’t believe how many students attended the event, they’re all a very nice and bright bunch.

“Thank you also for the lovely local gifts, which I will enjoy whilst thinking of you all. Let’s do this again next year.”

During the event participants enjoyed educational films about champagne regions, production and tasting sessions.  Everyone enjoyed tasting five distinct champagnes representing a wide range of flavours.

A member of staff who attended the event said: “Firstly, can I say what a fantastic and informative evening this was. Francoise handled the evening exceptionally and I learnt so much about why I like what I like and found that I came away from the evening with a far greater understanding of the processes involved in the making and can attribute this to the flavours that I look for.”

Whilst a student attendee said: “The champagne master class was really interesting. The mix between students and teachers created a good atmosphere. I enjoyed learning more about the champagne process, and the diversity of champagne wines. The tasting was a real pleasure and was further enhanced with the service of smiling student volunteers. When is the Champagne master class two?“

At the end of the event Mrs Francoise Perreti was presented with a bottle of local sparkling wine, as well as chutney and jam crafted by our hospitality management students at the Culinary Arts Studio.

Post event a competition was held where five event participants each won a bottle of champagne.

Dr Ioannis S Pantelidis, FIH would like to thank Francoise Perreti and the team at the Champagne Bureau for their support, their time and knowledge,  as well as the most generous sponsorship of  so many fantastic types of champagne. He would also like to thank the student volunteers, and colleagues who supported the event.

Educational material utilized for the event are downloadable from the Champagne Bureau websites and on the links below:.

• Champagne from Cellar to Table (pdf)
• Champagne from Terroir to Wine (pdf)
• Champagne Campus – offers three training pathways: novices, enthusiasts and lovers. Users can explore the wine-growing region, the vines, the winemaking process, tasting and the history of the appellation.
• Terre de Champagne – a web series on YouTube
• Champagne360° application–  offers a Champagne virtual reality experience: