“It changes everything!” What a California Star has done for somm teams and wine sales in Europe
California Wines launched the California Stars program with Star Wine List in January. Since then, over a hundred establishments have been listed, benefiting from social media promotion and complimentary Capstone California staff trainings – we find out what makes that certification so valuable, not just to individual staff members but to a team as a whole and, of course, the broader business.
Partner story with California Wines.
What is a California Star?
We are pleased to highlight the restaurants and wine bars across Europe featuring impressive selections of Californian wines. In association with the California Wine Institute, we are making it easy to find a taste of the Golden State on your travels throughout the continent, with our selections of one, two and three-star venues.
And what happens when a restaurant becomes a California Star?
Well, aside from getting listed on Star Wine List with a venue profile and a pin on our California Stars map, establishments benefit from promotional campaigns on social media and free Capstone California Wine Course trainings for staff. One-star listings receive Level One training (equivalent to €75 per person), two-stars receive Level Two (equivalent to €200 per person) and staff at three-star venues receive Level Three training (equivalent to €575 per person).
This Capstone training offers wine professionals the chance to become certified experts in the wines of California, delving deep into the region’s history, geology, geography, producers, laws, classifications, vintages and more, with each level building on the last.
Since announcing the first California Stars in January 2025, many of the listed restaurants have already benefited from this training. We asked head sommeliers in the UK, Denmark, Poland, Norway and Finland why it was useful.
Read on for five sommelier stories of what Capstone California training can do for your wine service. For a chance to receive it for your team – for free – apply to become a California Star.
Beatrice Bessi
Head Sommelier
Chiltern Firehouse
London, UK
What does it mean to you to be listed as a California Star?
“It’s a big deal. Getting this kind of recognition for a California-focused list in Europe means we’re doing something right. California has always been one of our strongest-performing regions – our guests are curious, engaged, and come back for more. Being named a California Star just confirms that we’re delivering something with real value.”
What does the Capstone training entail?
“Capstone goes deep. It’s not just surface-level info – it’s about understanding the regions, producers, soils, climate, and how it all connects to what’s in the glass. It really sharpens your knowledge and gives context that sticks. It’s structured, clear, and honestly pretty addictive if you love learning.”
Why is this training useful for your staff?
“Because they stop guessing. They know why a wine tastes the way it does, what makes one AVA different from another, and how to explain that to guests in a way that lands. It builds confidence and makes their tableside game way stronger.”
How will this extra training enhance your service and wine list?
“It changes everything! The list gets more focused and intentional, and the team sells from a place of understanding, passion, not just memorisation. It’s not just about having cool bottles – it’s about connecting those bottles to the guest in the right moment.”
What benefits have you gained from being a California Star?
“It’s definitely opened doors – more visibility, more trust from both guests and the industry. But for me, it’s also confirmation that I’m on the right track. I’ve always had a real passion for California wines, and this recognition feels like proof that the love and support I’ve put into building this list is resonating. It’s not just about selling bottles – it’s about championing something I genuinely believe in.”
Kristian Lykke-Krogh
Sommelier
Visselulles Vinbar
Sønderborg, Denmark
Why are you a fan of Californian wines?
“We are fans of Californian wines because they combine quality, innovation, and incredible storytelling. They offer both depth and complexity, making them exciting to work with – and fantastic to enjoy!”
How do you communicate this to your guests?
“We communicate our passion to guests through dialogue and storytelling, sharing insights about the wines, winemakers, and the unique terroir of the region. We also actively showcase our Capstone diplomas – they hang in the wine bar and naturally spark conversations about our commitment to California.”
What does the Capstone training entail?
“The Capstone training has given us a deeper understanding of California’s wine regions, grape varieties, and production methods. It’s a structured and comprehensive program that has truly strengthened our expertise.”
Why is this training useful for your staff?
“For our staff, the training has been particularly useful, as it provides them with a strong professional foundation that they can use when interacting with guests. The better they understand the wines, the better they can guide and create an even greater experience for our visitors.”
How will this extra training enhance your service and wine list?
“This additional training not only improves our service but also enhances our wine list, as we now have a broader understanding of how to curate exciting selections that reflect the diversity of California wines.”
What benefits have you gained from being a California Star?
“Being a California Star has given us greater visibility, a stronger network, and a more focused approach to our wine list and guest experience. We truly appreciate being part of this community!”
Adam Kopczyński
General Manager
Ukryte Rzeki
Łódź, Poland
What benefits have you gained from being a California Star?
“It's not only prestige, but also visible marketing. We are present on your website as the only one from our city (Łódź) and as part of that you've already mentioned us in a dedicated article – ‘Places to drink Californian wine in Poland’ – we're proud of that!”
What does the Capstone training entail?
“These are online and stationary courses, with wine tastings, which take place on four levels. In Poland, the courses are carried out by the Adam Pawłowski MS Wine Academy. We are proud of this cooperation, because Adam also trains our staff as a certified WSET trainer.”
Why is this training useful for your staff?
“Waiters after the Capstone course, in addition to the general improvement in the standard of guest service, have the ability to sell wines that are two to three times more expensive than they did before. They talk freely about them, can characterise them organoleptically, and even prepare a mini tasting of selected wines for willing guests during dinner.
“I have also noticed that people who participate in Capstone courses are more willing to join the Polish Sommelier Association, local wine initiatives, and some even take part in the Polish Sommelier Championships.”
How will this extra training enhance your service and wine list?
“Capstone training is not just about Californian wines. It is a huge resource of general wine knowledge tailored to the knowledge of a given employee. It is obvious that the staff and sommeliers returning from training are better able to advise our guests.”
Why are you a fan of Californian wines?
“Because they are really diverse and everyone will find something for themselves: from light white, through barrel-aged, to great Pinot Noirs and full-bodied Cabernets. For me, Napa Valley is the equivalent of Bordeaux, and Sonoma is Burgundy. The only difficult answer is which of the options is better.”
Frank Berge Ytterland
Sommelier
Hallingstuene
Geilo, Norway
What does the Capstone training entail?
“It helps us be surer about products, and maybe change the mindset and open the eyes for Californian wines for our guests.”
Why is this training useful for your staff?
“More knowledge is always a good way of selling wines, and a useful information for our wine-loving guests. Also a great addition for our wine tastings.”
How will this extra training enhance your service and wine list?
“It means that we will continue to build our great selections of wines, and that our waiters have better knowledge of the products, and better pairings.”
Why are you a fan of Californian wines?
“They pair so nicely with our game meat, which is our main focus. Juicy and fruit-driven.”
How do you communicate this to your guests?
“Since we are located in Norway, and have real strict laws about alcohol-advertisement, there is not much we can communicate to our guests on social media other than your logo and some easy information, but in the restaurant, our sales of Californian wines have increased.”
What benefits have you gained from being a California Star?
“Better knowledge, and more depth in our selections of wines. More secure waiters about Californian wines, and getting us to help guide our guests. And also we see an increase of American guests this winter here in Geilo, Norway.”
Demetrio Lombino
Head Sommelier
Restaurant Muru
Helsinki, Finland
What benefits have you gained from being a California Star?
“An extensive education program for all our team. In the long term, I’m quite confident that our followers will come and ask even more about California wines.”
What does the Capstone training entail?
“A thorough studying tool available for wine enthusiasts and professionals.”
How will this extra training enhance your service and wine list?
“We can professionally demonstrate to our customers our knowledge, giving the best of service.”
Why are you a fan of Californian wines?
“First, we import most of the wines listed in our wine list, which means that we are in direct contact with the wine makers. California is a fascinating wine region, with many diverse and technologically advanced wine making techniques.”
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California Wine Institute is an association of 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses that initiate and advocate public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.
