2018 Scottish Enterprise Awards

40 SME NEWS / 2018 Scottish Enterprise Awards , Based in EdinburghWine Events Scotland Ltd organises wine workshops, tastings, wine festivals and certified Wine & Spirit Education Trust courses for consumers and the trade. Owner Diana Thompson talks us through the firmand the range of services it offers to her valued clients. Wine Event Organiser of the Year 2018 Wine Events Scotland Ltd SCO18009 Drawing on Diana’s vast experience in the wine and spirits market, which spans over 25 years, Wine Events Scotland provides a range of services for both trade and consumer clients. Diana shares an insight into her service offering and how this benefits clients across both markets. “Through my company, Wine Events Scotland, I organise a variety of different types wine events for both the trade and consumer. I also teach the internationally recognised Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses. London and the south of the UK are spoilt by the number of wine tastings and events there are. However, the trade in Scotland is naturally eager to attend similar events and has great potential for business but those companies and agencies holding the tastings are not so familiar with the Scottish market, the venues and the players. I therefore am trying hard to fill the gap by organising suitable events on behalf of those in the south drawing on my in-depth knowledge of the market. “For consumers, the annual Fizz Feast in November is an exciting and sparkling occasion where people get the chance to taste their way around the world of sparkling wine and enjoy an array of artisan food. They get the chance to speak with the producers and the producers have the benefit of consumer feedback and all in all have a thoroughly enjoyable day out for all concerned. Being relatively close to Christmas, it is probably one of the best Christmas shopping experiences in Edinburgh.” Being based in Scotland gives Diana the opportunity to work with a range of clients and share her insight and knowledge. She discusses how her service offering benefits a range of clients across the country. “The Scottish hotel and restaurant industry sets very high standards and wine lists are constantly evolving and becoming more interesting as the market demands. However, in such an evolving market it’s crucial to offer sommeliers and wine buyers the chance to taste and stay up to date with the latest trends. Well run masterclasses offer this imperative opportunity, and as such I aim to support them and provide this service. I have been in the wine industry for over 25 years and have also worked closely with the hospitality industry. It is this experience and the contacts made over that time which put me in a strong position to know who to involve to make things happen.” Looking to the future, Diana is looking to further enhance her already impressive service offering to benefit even more clients, as she is proud to conclude. “Moving forward, here at Wine Events Scotland we are venturing into Wine Dinners but ensuring as with everything they offer excellent value for money. They will be in conjunction with carefully selected partners and the dinners themselves will be fun, informal but above all informative with some great wines to taste. The first one will be Napa in November at Hotel du Vin on Thursday 29 November and I am excited for the opportunities this will bring for me and my company.” Company: Wine Events Scotland Ltd Contact: Diana Thompson Address: 12 Eildon Terrace, Edinburgh, EH3 5LE, UK Phone: 07796 502012 Web Address: www.WineEventsScotland.co.uk