28/10/2026
Learning, tasting and developing our w**e knowledge at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Folkestone!🍷
Our team recently took part in an insightful w**e training experience, exploring 17 different w**es from around the world, including sparkling, red, rosé and white w**es featured on our restaurant’s w**e list. The session provided a fantastic opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of their characteristics, production methods and food pairings.
Set within the elegant surroundings of the Banqueting Suite at voco The Clifton Folkestone, it was a pleasure to welcome Richie Collins from Marco Pierre White and Jon O’Rourke from Matthew Clark Bibendum, who shared their knowledge and expertise throughout the session.
With Terlingham Vineyard just down the road and part of our wider hospitality group, it was particularly special to have David Lowe showcase a selection of the vineyard’s local still and sparkling w**es. A fantastic opportunity for the team to connect with our local produce, understand its unique qualities and confidently share its story with our guests.
The session was also filled with interactive activities, including an aroma identification exercise that challenged the team’s senses, followed by a friendly competition to see who could create the best w**e pairings for a starter, main course and dessert using dishes and w**es from our menus.
From exploring body, aromas and flavours to understanding food pairings and individual preferences, the training focused on building the confidence to offer knowledgeable, personalised recommendations that enhance the guest experience.
It was wonderful to see everyone so engaged, asking questions, discovering new favourites and learning together, regardless of their previous w**e knowledge.
A fantastic opportunity for professional development, team bonding and celebrating the w**es we’re proud to serve.
A big thank you to Richie, Jon and David for sharing their expertise and making the experience so valuable! 🍇
