New user? Register as member

From Barrel to Bond: Wine as a Bridge for Multi-Generational Understanding

In today's multi-generational workplaces and communities, differences in values, communication styles, and expectations can either create friction or foster growth—depending on how we choose to relate. Understanding each generation is much like appreciating wine: each has its own body, complexity, and finish.

This two-day experiential programme uses the world of wine as a bridge to explore intergenerational dynamics. Drawing inspiration from the nuanced traits of Old and New World wines, participants will engage in structured tastings, reflective storytelling, and practical communication strategies to better understand and relate across age groups.

A highlight of the programme is how it connects NLP Perceptual Positions with wine characteristics—teaching participants to shift perspectives using wine as a metaphor.

By sipping, sensing, and shifting perspectives, participants will discover how to move from misunderstanding to mutual appreciation—creating stronger, more respectful multi-generational bonds.

"Wine is the most civilized thing in the world."
— Ernest Hemingway

Objective

Outline

Learning Unit 1: Generational Palettes and Wine Metaphors

• Explore Old vs New World Wines as metaphors for generational values.
• Map generational preferences in work, communication, and collaboration.
• Understand how wine traits mirror generational identities.

Learning Unit 2: Building Bridges through Perspective Shifting

• Apply NLP Perceptual Positions to generational understanding.
• Use metaphorical wine traits to explore Self, Other, and Observer positions.
• Practise shifting viewpoints through guided tasting and discussion.

Learning Unit 3: Recognising Generational Triggers and Biases

• Identify communication breakdowns across generations.
• Explore emotional triggers using wine pairing as a metaphor.
• Develop emotional literacy through structured generational dialogue.

Learning Unit 4: Managing Conflict and Resistance

• Uncover conflict patterns across age groups and roles.
• Use reflective tasting to understand tone, volume, and meaning in conversations.
• Practise respectful confrontation and de-escalation techniques.

Learning Unit 5: Repairing and Reframing Intergenerational Tension

• Use NLP tools to reframe assumptions and foster connection.
• Develop creative dialogue strategies for difficult generational conversations.
• Learn how to blend different perspectives into a shared goal.

Learning Unit 6: Designing the Blended Vintage

• Collaboratively create a symbolic wine blend that represents generational harmony.
• Craft a team label that reflects shared strengths, values, and goals.
• Present the “vintage story” as a symbol of new understanding.

Learning Unit 7: Personal Pact and Sustainable Relationships

• Draft a Generational Respect Pact with actionable commitments.
• Receive peer feedback to refine personal strategies.
• Apply insights to real-world workplace and community relationships.

Who should attend

This programme is ideal for people managers, team leaders, educators, HR professionals, and intergenerational team members seeking to foster stronger relationships, bridge communication gaps, and resolve conflicts creatively across age groups.

Methodology

Grounded in Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle, this programme integrates wine-based sensory experiences, storytelling, NLP techniques, and structured reflections. Participants will:
- Engage in wine-tasting and metaphor-based activities to explore relational insights
- Reflect on personal and generational communication habits
- Learn communication and conflict resolution frameworks
- Apply insights through interactive dialogues and action planning

Testimonials

Profile of Charlene Teo

Service Leadership | Neuro-Linguistic Programming | Wine & Coffee Communication | Transactional Analysis | Mindfulness & Psychotherapy

With over 40 years of experience in people-centered industries—including aviation, education, psychotherapy, and corporate training—Charlene Teo brings a rare blend of depth, warmth, and strategic insight to every learning experience she leads.

Charlene is a certified Specialist Adult Educator (IAL) and a certified trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Hypnotherapy (ABH/ABNLP), whose multi-disciplinary approach integrates behavioral psychology, communication frameworks, and sensory experiences into impactful training programmes. Her background as a former Singapore Airlines Chief Stewardess and In-house Trainer has shaped her global outlook and exceptional ability to engage diverse participants.

Specialisation in Coffee, Wine & Relationship-Building
Charlene's unique training approach includes signature programmes like "Brewing Culture, Shaping Vision," "Coffee Conversations," and "From Barrel to Bond," where she blends the art of beverage appreciation with leadership and relationship-building. Over the past five years, she has taught both WSQ-certified Coffee and Wine Service programmes and curated private sector workshops, as well as developed training content for organisations seeking to integrate sensory learning with professional development.

Her experience spans both preparing and serving specialty coffee to international clientele during her time with Singapore Airlines, and her extensive knowledge of wine has allowed her to design innovative modules that use coffee brewing and wine tasting as a metaphor for self-awareness, presence, and interpersonal communication.

Charlene is passionate about combining her knowledge of coffee and wine with leadership and communication development—helping individuals and teams explore how sensory experiences can deepen emotional intelligence, team cohesion, and authentic connection.

Proven Expertise Across Sectors
Charlene has designed and conducted impactful training for a wide range of organizations such as Singapore Airlines, JP Morgan, PSA, SGH, ST Engineering, IAL, and various ministries, schools, and non-profits. Her specialties include:
- Service Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
- Negotiation Skills & Managing Difficult People
- Multi-Generational Workforce Engagement
- Mindfulness-Based Leadership & TA Integration

As a certified Transactional Analysis Advanced Practitioner and Clinical Supervisor, she delivers psychologically safe, reflective spaces for change to take root.

Training That Transforms
Charlene’s workshops are known for being sensory-rich, thought-provoking, and deeply human. She incorporates experiential learning, guided reflection, and real-world application to help participants connect the dots between their inner world and outer behaviors.

Guided by her life mantra - "Exploring Dreams through Growing Experiences" -Charlene believes that growth begins with awareness, and transformation begins with choice.