Chief of the Week: Raul Diaz of WineTraining Limited

By Claret Pimpernel

Published: 08 May, 2015

When we think of passion, patience and a man on a mission of spreading the love and appreciation for wine, Raul Diaz definitely comes to mind.

When we think of passion, patience and a man on a mission of spreading the love and appreciate for wine, Raul Diaz definitely comes to mind.

Over the years he has contributed his time to hosting masterclasses at some of Harpers own events, but several people in the trade most likely came across him as the head sommelier and training manager at Jascots. He is an accredited and approved programme provided for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

Diaz ended his tenure at Jascots at the end of April to start his own wine training school, which launched on May 1st.

There is no rest for the committed.

His project has been over a year in the making. The idea first came to Diaz over two years ago. It wasn't until he was on a vacation with his wife in Menorca that he finally decide the time was right to launch his own business. And so the work began to make it happen.

He launched smart website and found a great space in

Daiz is a bit different in his approach to teaching than some other more traditional wine schools out there. He appreciates that through the interaction of the people within the class can and often do learn from each other, regardless of whether wine is part of business or just something pleasurable for the client.

It is an inclusive learning style and one that Diaz knows can be challenging for the instructor but he believes offers the students the best opportunities to learn.

He will of course offer also private sessions for clients, including going to hotels and merchants to conduct sessions on-site. A bit of like a WSET on wheels. By providing the service on-site and with a merhcant's own wine, for example, could give the merhcant's staff incredible insights into the wines they are selling while also saving time and working around their schedule.

It is those personal touches that DIaz sees as the best way to serve his customers. Also with Diaz's work history on the on-trade which boasts working on luxury ships,Michelin- starred restaurants and even at a merchant that can also be an asset to customers. If training staff at a hotel, he can add an additional layer of education around service.

Today we celebrate Raul Diaz and wish him the best of luck in his new venture, which should help bring even more wine lovers into the fold.

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