A wine tasting seminar was successfully held on 29 April 2024. Dr. Simon Thompson, a renowned wine tasting expert from Swiss Education

Group (SEG), was invited to give the seminar, which attracted many teachers and students interested in wine culture. The course was

conducted in a dual format, combining theory with practice. This approach allowed students to gain an appreciation for wine through the

tasting process and also enabled them to master the fundamental knowledge of wine in a more comprehensive manner.

Dr. Simon Thompson talking to students about his background in the field

At the outset of the course, Dr. Simon Thompson inquired of the students about their preferred fruits, after which he directed them to the side table where the fruit cards were located. It made the lesson more enjoyable while also preparing them for the wine tasting that followed.

During the seminar, Dr. Simon Thompson introduced a wine course that covered the fundamentals of white and red wines, as well as grape

varietals and provenance. He helped students understand wine better by providing detailed explanations and illustrative examples.

Dr. Simon Thompson distributed wine to the students

After the theoretical presentation, the course moved on to a practical session where Dr. Simon Thompson brought along a variety of wines

from different regions and varieties for the students to taste. He first asked the students to observe the colour of the wine and stimulated their thinking through questions. He then demonstrated the tasting process and encouraged the students to try to identify the fruity aromas in the wines by comparing and analysing them, so as to further understand the complexity and diversity of wines.

Interaction between Dr. Simon Thompson and students

Throughout the tasting process, students actively participated and interacted with Dr. Simon Thompson. This experience imparted a greater

appreciation for the pleasure derived from wine and also imparted an understanding of the nuances and complexities of wine culture. The

seminar provided students with an introduction to wine tasting and sparked their interest in wine culture. The students said it was an

unforgettable learning experience that gave them a broader and deeper understanding of wine.

Dr. Wendy Gao, Program Coordinator presented a souvenir to Dr. Simon Thompson

The wine tasting seminar offered a unique opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of wine culture. Dr. Simon Thompson,

a highly experienced educator, led an engaging and informative session that left a lasting impression on all who attendees. At the end of the

course, Dr. Wendy Gao, Program Coordinator of FITM, presented Dr. Simon Thompson with a souvenir to express gratitude for his valuable

contribution to the seminar. In the future, FITM will continue to provide teachers and students with a range of engaging quality enhancement activities to support their overall development. It is recommended that teachers and students participate in these activities, which will be

launched by the faculty in the future.