Michael Palij- Master of Wine
Sabrina Celestin- Senior Brand Manager, Moët Hennessy, Brydens Premium Beverages
Business Development Manager Facey Trading (St. Vincent)
Brianna Richards
Sales and Marketing Manager- Facey Trading (St. Vincent)
David Franco
Chairman
A.S Brydens
The Bryden’s team, in collaboration with the Hyatt, hosted a welcome wine and cheese event at the Pergolas, Hyatt Waterfront recently, as they welcomed Master of Wine, Michael Palij, to Trinidad and Tobago. Guests were treated to live violin music as the sun set, creating a beautiful, easygoing ambiance that perfectly matched the evening’s refined tone.
But beyond the aesthetics and flowing glasses, the event marked something far more significant for the local industry—Brydens Trinidad & Tobago’s official launch of Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in the country, guided by globally respected Master of Wine, Michael Palij.
Founded in 1969, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has grown into one of the world’s leading institutions for wine and spirits education, offering certifications in more than 70 countries. Through this new initiative, local professionals now have direct access to internationally recognized training designed for both newcomers and seasoned industry players.
Matthew Constantine – Key Account Executive (Duty Free) (Brydens- Premium Beverages)
Aleem Husain – Key Account Executive (On Premise) (Brydens-Premium Beverages)
Brent Kowlessar – Managing Director (Bottles & Bites Restaurant)
The programme, facilitated by Approved Programme Provider Wine Matters Barbados, brings Palij—one of just over 400 Masters of Wine worldwide—to Trinidad. A leading authority on Italian wines, Palij combines decades of global lecturing with experience as an importer, consultant, writer, and even an accomplished sailor and mountaineer.
Over four days, from March 24th to 27th, a cohort of 36 participants—including beverage professionals, distributors, and hospitality staff—took part in Level 1 and Level 2 WSET courses. The sessions blended theory, guided tastings, and formal examinations, offering a comprehensive pathway to certification.
Senior Brand Manager
Brydens Trinidad
Speaking at the event, Palij underscored the wider impact of wine education across the region, noting that trained staff not only elevate service standards but also drive more thoughtful and confident wine experiences for customers.
The evening itself, held against the breezy waterfront backdrop, doubled as both a networking opportunity and a celebration of growth within the Caribbean’s hospitality and beverage sector. With wines courtesy Bryden’s Naughty Grape Retail store and a mix of industry leaders in attendance, the launch felt less like a formal rollout and more like a toast to the future of wine culture in Trinidad and Tobago.
