Learning, Mixology & Italian Hospitality in Manchester
Dirextra Wine & Cocktail School is the experiential and international extension of the Dirextra world: a place where learning, culture and hospitality come together. Located in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, we offer professional bartender courses, immersive masterclasses, tastings and hands-on wine & cocktail experiences inspired by Italian tradition and contemporary mixology.
Part of Dirextra’s long-standing history in professional training, our school brings over twenty years of educational expertise into the world of hospitality. In Manchester, we have created a space devoted to practical learning, sensory discovery and the art of taste as a cultural experience.
🌟 What We Do
We design experiences for enthusiasts, travellers, corporate teams and future hospitality professionals.
• Bartender Courses
Intensive training programmes for beginners who want to start a career in mixology or develop strong operational skills. Our approach is practical, accessible and focused on giving students the essential techniques needed to work in an international bar environment.
• Cocktail Masterclasses
Our most popular experience: a lively, hands-on session where guests learn how to make iconic cocktails using professional tools, real techniques and step-by-step guidance from our trainers. Perfect for groups, birthdays, team building and weekends in Manchester.
• Wine Tastings & Italian Wine Experiences
Guided tastings dedicated to Italian wines, created for anyone who wants to explore terroirs, aromas and pairings. Our “Italian Wine Experiences” bring the flavours of Southern Italy to Manchester through an informal yet educational approach.
• Bottomless Wine & Bottomless Brunch
A convivial Mediterranean-inspired experience: unlimited selected wines, signature cocktails and Italian food served in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for private events and celebrations.
• Private & Corporate Events
We create bespoke events for companies and groups: team building activities, private parties, themed evenings and personalised formats where mixology and entertainment come together to tell a story.
🌍 Our Philosophy
Our school is built on three core principles:
Hands-on learning – Learning by doing. Every course and experience includes real tools, professional techniques and an engaging, practical approach.
Italian hospitality – Warmth, care and attention to detail are at the heart of how we teach and welcome our guests.
Cultural experience – Every activity is designed to tell a story: of cocktails, of wines, of Sicily, of Italy and of the people working behind the bar.
📍 Where We Are
Dirextra Wine & Cocktail School is located inside Sicilian NQ, in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter. This unique setting allows us to combine training with authentic Italian food, culture and hospitality.
🎓 Part of the Dirextra World
Being part of Dirextra means belonging to a solid international training network. We bring the same educational quality into mixology and hospitality, creating a bridge between learning, culture, tourism and professional development.