Luis Romero
Founder & Lead Instructor
Phone:
407-968-8384
Email:
Professional Profiles:
LinkedIn: Romero5
UCF Faculty Profile: Luis Romero
Number of Years Experience
18 Years
A Bit About Me
At heart, I'm a storyteller and educator in the vibrant world of beverages, fueled by a love for sharing knowledge and experiences. With a spirited journey from the vineyards to the classroom, my mission has been to demystify wine and spirits, making them accessible and enjoyable for all. Beyond the certifications and roles, it's the joy of connecting with students, colleagues, and enthusiasts that truly defines my path. My bilingual heritage not only shapes my approach but also enriches my ability to bridge cultures through the universal language of taste.
With certifications from WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers, I've led courses at the University of Central Florida and founded the International Beverage Academy, where I'm known for my dynamic teaching style and a 100% student pass rate.
Certifications & Skills
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WSET Level 3 in Wines
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WSET Level 3 in Spirits
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WSET Certified Beverage Educator for Level 1 & 2 of Wine and Spirits
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Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Sommelier
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Cicerone Beer Certification
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Society of Wine Educators Beverage Specialist Certification
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Bilingual: Spanish Native Speaker
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Online Instructional Experience
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Online Course Development Experience (Canvas, Blackboard)
Work Experience
January 2023 - Current
18 Years + Industry Experience
University of Central Florida - Beverage Instructor
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Teach 196 students on average per semester in wine production, incorporating practical tastings and food pairings.
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Consistently receive high evaluations, reflecting exceptional teaching performance.
Enhance course demand with innovative teaching methods and dynamic curriculum.
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Lead a course in spirits production and management, emphasizing responsible service and cocktail preparation.
Conduct practical tasting sessions to increase student engagement. -
Contribute to curriculum expansion and professional development in beverage education.
Beverage Industry Related Experience
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Managed a 1200-label wine program, providing a curate selection based on restaurant concept and variety of styles and producers.
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Achieved the lowest beverage costs across 18 locations nationally through strategic pricing, staff training, and distributor relations, reducing spoilage and pilferage.
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Created and distributed national beverage service training materials, enhancing staff proficiency.
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Increased wine revenue by 4% per guest through focused staff training, leading to higher sales, reduced pilferage, and improved guest satisfaction.
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Effectively managed upscale dining venues in five-star hotels and developed bespoke training programs, leading to enhanced staff competencies and elevated service standards.
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Innovated in creating beverage programs and streamlined F&B operations, aligning offerings with luxury culinary experiences, and driving revenue growth while upholding elite service principles in prestigious hotel brands.
