About Us
We are an Authorised Program Provider of the internationally recognised Wine and Spirits Education Trust qualifications in Barbados. WSET qualifications are globally recognised as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. They are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits. Our goal is to provide accessible education and qualifications to help inspire and empower management, staff and individuals in the world of wine and spirits.
The benefits for the hotel and restaurant industry are innumerable, as shown by a survey of businesses using WSET courses for staff training*:
100% said that WSET courses improved an employees ability to do their job
90% said that WSET courses increased the profitability of their business
93% said offering WSET courses improved employee retention
97% said WSET courses increased employee satisfaction
"WSET qualifications have been a critical part of Constellation Brands’ wine training programs for the past 6 years. I believe it has allowed our employees to be among the most highly educated in the US wine industry.” - Peter Marks MW and VP of Education at Constellation Brands, USA
*Source: WSET survey of Approved Programme Providers offering WSET training to their employees.
Our Team
Mark Yelle
Head of Operations
Mark has been running independent businesses in both Canada and the UK since 1987. His experience in creating growth, while maintaining the necessary high standards of customer satisfaction and quality of service, has been the key to these successful ventures.
Michael Palij MW
Head of Education
Michael Palij is an adventurer, businessman, and one of only 425 Masters of Wine worldwide. A Canadian, Michael emigrated to the UK in 1989 and has worked in the wine trade ever since. He passed the Master of Wine examination in 1995 and is now a leading authority on the wines of Italy. Michael lectures around the world but is also an importer, consultant, writer and an accomplished sailor and mountaineer.
Oneka John
Principal Lecturer
Oneka has been working in the hospitality and distribution industries since 2011, with a particular focus on wine. Her experience across the full delivery chain has given her proven insight and practical experience in the marketplace. Oneka received her WSET Level 3 Award in wines in 2016 and is currently studying for her Level 4 Diploma.
Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW
Associate Lecturer
Michelle is a dual Italian/Canadian citizen who left corporate life in Toronto moving to London (UK) to pursue her passion for wine. Today she is a highly-respected wine lecturer, having taught wine industry professionals since 2004 at the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in London, where she is a consultant tutor.
In addition to lecturing and judging in major international competitions, Michelle consults to restaurants, wineries and is an ambassador to trade bodies utilising her specialist knowledge of wine areas which include Italy, South Africa, North America and Bordeaux and Bourgogne.
Celeste Pontifex Yelle
Course Development
Celeste received her training at the prestigious Université du Vin in France. She has a WSET Level 3 Award in wines, a Level 2 Award in Spirits and has been working in the wine industry for over 20 years. Celeste is highly regarded in Barbados for her vast knowledge and her expertise in creating distinctive wine lists for restaurants and hotels on the island.