NEWS
SHMS Brings the Art of Wine & Cheese Pairing to NIM
Nanyang Institute of Management (NIM) was honoured to welcome distinguished guests from the esteemed Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), part of the internationally recognised Swiss Education Group, to conduct an exclusive masterclass for students from the School of Tourism & Hospitality on the art of pairing wine and cheese, a cornerstone skill in luxury hospitality and fine dining.
Dr. Johnson, NIM Assistant Vice President, Academics & Dean of School of Tourism and Hospitality officially opened the exciting event and warmly welcomed our distinguished guests from Switzerland.
Rooted in Switzerland’s long-standing hospitality tradition, Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) is known for blending academic rigour with hands-on industry practice. During the session, students were introduced to the principles behind successful wine and cheese pairing by understanding flavour intensity, texture contrast, acidity balance, aroma profiles, and regional harmonisation by Mr. John A. Daly, Academic Director, APAC, Swiss Education Group, together with Ms. Angela Gouwtama.
The masterclass explored questions such as:
- How does tannin interact with creamy textures?
- Why do certain cheeses enhance the fruit notes in wine?
- When should contrast be prioritised over complement?
Mr. Daly provided practical guidance on tasting techniques and presentation standards, demonstrating that wine and food pairing goes beyond flavour, encompassing atmosphere, service rituals, and refined cupping methods that shape the overall experience.
For NIM students, the session reinforced that excellence in hospitality lies in the details. The balance of flavours, the confidence in recommendation, and the ability to curate memorable experiences.
Strengthening Global Hospitality Pathways
Building on the masterclass, Ms. Angela Gouwtama engaged NIM students in a discussion on international hospitality education pathways, offering comparative insights that complemented their learning experience at Nanyang Institute of Management.
This visit underscores NIM’s commitment to international collaboration and industry-relevant exposure. Engagements with leading institutions such as SHMS ensure that students are equipped with global perspectives and refined practical skills that meet international benchmarks.
The event was then concluded by Mr. Craig Albrightson, who delivered the closing address and reaffirmed NIM’s commitment to global hospitality excellence.
As the hospitality industry continues to grow in sophistication, mastering the art of wine and cheese pairing is more than a technical skill. It represents an understanding of culture, craftsmanship, and service excellence.
At NIM, learning is immersive, global, and designed to prepare students for the world stage.