Higher Diploma
Developed in partnership with Romain Iltis, Best Sommelier of France and Best Craftsman of France, and Hervé Marziou, pioneer of beer studies in France, the Advanced Diploma in Sommelier, Wine Merchant & Beer Studies aims to give you all the tools you need to be able to to practice the profession of sommelier and have the necessary skills to market wines, beers and spirits.
The sommelier profession covers a very broad range of activities, requiring strong versatility and advanced general knowledge. This profession demands both a broad range of skills and specialization in a very specific area.
The training enables students to have the knowledge and know-how to be efficient and operational in their future professional roles.
This diploma will allow you to become a qualified sommelier specializing in wines, spirits, and beers. The practical focus of the training will enable you to be immediately operational in the job market or to pursue further studies.
The higher diploma admits, according to a quota system, adult students in possession of a baccalaureate or equivalent, or having a minimum of three years of professional experience.
The Advanced Diploma in Sommelier, Wine Merchant & Beer Studies consists of 7 teaching units allowing validation of the 3 skill blocks of the sommelier-wine merchant reference framework. You will taste approximately 250 different wines, spirits and beers. In-depth specialization will take place on the different types of beer. Vineyard visits, company visits, case studies and conferences are also on the program.
The aim of this unit is to learn about and understand the workings of vineyards worldwide, as well as those of major beer and spirits regions. Wine and beer service is an integral part of this module.
The objective of this unit is to learn about the methods of winemaking around the world, but above all to learn the main rules of tasting through frequent and numerous tastings.
The objective of this unit is to learn sales and management techniques within a wine cellar.
The objective of this unit is to know and master the means of managing a wine cellar, from stock management to accounting, including aspects related to shelf placement.
The aim of this unit is to learn and understand wine marketing techniques. This involves a thorough understanding of market trends, professional conduct for a sommelier, and wine serving techniques.
The objective of this unit is to pool all the knowledge acquired during the different modules and put it into direct application: either by directly confronting actors in the sector during dedicated seminars, or during field trips, or finally, during practical case studies.
A 22-week company immersion is included in the training, in the form of an internship or employment contract.
This immersion can take place in one of our partner companies depending on available places or in the company of your choice.
The aim of this unit is to familiarize you with the companies directly involved in the field and to put your knowledge into practice.
Continuous assessment in the form of regular exams including open questions, multiple-choice questions and practical exercises.
You will master all the operations of the sommelier-wine merchant profession: purchasing and stock management, department management and customer advice.
You will be recognized as a top-level specialist who can advise the client and as a professional in the profitable management of a wine and spirits department.
You could be directly recruited by top-level restaurateurs as a sommelier responsible for all aspects of the business: purchasing and stock management, restaurant management and advice on food and wine/beer pairings.
You will be recognized as an expert in sommelier services and the profitable management of the wine, spirits, beer, coffee, and tea list… of a gourmet restaurant.
Alternating between lectures and tutorials. The courses take place at our institution. However, some field applications may take place outside the academy.
This amounts to 22 weeks of professional immersion. This period can take place in one of our partner companies, depending on available places, or in the company of your choice, in France or abroad.
This volume combines theory and practice throughout the entire course. It blends classroom instruction with on-the-job training, providing a comprehensive and decidedly career-oriented education.
During your Advanced Diploma in Sommelier, Wine Merchant & Beer Studies, you have the opportunity to carry out a professional project of your choice in line with your training.
The time spent on your project is in addition to lectures and tutorials.
You will be supported by our teaching team throughout the entire process of this project, whether it actually succeeds or not.
From September 7 to 25, 2026
July 31, 2027
AIVA Immersion: A little over 5 months of practical training in our Academy. Classes take place from Monday to Friday, excluding school holidays.
Company immersion: Our teaching team ensures the practical application of what you have learned, as well as the successful completion of your tutored project if you have chosen to include it in your training.
«"Having been retraining in the restaurant industry for a few years, I wanted to deepen my knowledge in the field of wine and spirits.
The environment, the support staff, and the courses taught by professionals allow me to grow and acquire the necessary knowledge to meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding clientele.»
«At 18, I left my province determined to seize life…”
Venturing into the heart of Alsace, I found myself at AIVA, a young wine and sommelier enthusiast. With its many speakers and instructors, I was able to greatly expand my knowledge, both on paper and in the glass. I even discovered a passion for beer with Hervé Marziou, whom I thank immensely for his classes and his kindness. The same goes for Simon Cadoret, Yvan Gerber, and many others! A school for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts!
Having completed an internship in the French capital, I now find myself in an independent wine cellar in the heart of Montmartre, at the foot of the Sacré Cœur!
«"With a light heart and minimal luggage, I was certain I would conquer Paris!"»
With these words from Charles Aznavour,
Maximilien Decaesteker, Advanced Diploma in Sommelier Studies, Wine Merchant & Beer Expertise»
«AIVA is not simply a school, it is the transmission of a magnificent passion for wine, beer and spirits to those who know how to listen to it.
I am honored to have received this training, with true professionals, who, thanks to their knowledge, were able to show us the way to continue improving ourselves every day!
A serious, professional school that listens to its students; the transmission of different modules is a great opportunity for those who want to persevere in their chosen profession!
My time at this fabulous university was a great success, which in turn instilled in me a taste and love for the fabulous world of wine.»
«"AIVA is a school that will give you the opportunity to discover, understand and appreciate wine in all its forms, thanks in particular to talented and committed teachers.
«"He who knows how to taste no longer drinks wine, but savors secrets." (Salvator Dali)»
«"Having been passionate about wine for many years, I decided to gradually take the plunge.
However, as the manager of a small business, it was essential that the chosen training allowed me to reconcile my current professional life with my future one, and that is what AIVA made possible.
From my first exchanges with Mr. Yvan Gerber, the educational manager, and Ms. Karine Larchevêque, the administrative manager, I felt listened to and understood in the pursuit of my professional reorientation project.
AIVA's manageable size was also a selection criterion.
These initial positive impressions were quickly confirmed during the first few days of training: high-quality instructors, brand new premises, assistance and support with various administrative obligations as well as in the search for internships…
All of these elements have allowed me to maintain my current professional activity and calmly prepare for the future while acquiring a considerable amount of theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of wine through my internship.»
«"Having worked in the wine industry as a salesman for 15 years already, AIVA allows me to deepen my knowledge and enhance my skills.
There is 1 day of classes per week: this allows me to continue working normally the rest of the time.
Being surrounded by professionals, whether students or professors, is also a plus.»
«"With a view to a career change (after obtaining a Master MEEF to become a primary school teacher) I wanted to follow a short and above all professionalizing course that would allow me to progress in the job market.
When I heard about AIVA, which offers a work-study program, I decided to pursue the Sommelier-Wine Merchant training, which corresponded to my vision of working in wine, being as close as possible to the wine and the customer, while making a direct link with the winemakers.
Being interested in the world of wine and spirits but lacking theoretical knowledge in the field, the training provided me with initial foundations that the internship allows me to develop and will allow me to develop further through practice.»
«"For me, this training is a career change.".
My plan is to open my own wine and spirits shop, and with this diploma, I have been able to acquire all the necessary knowledge in sommelierie, viticulture, oenology, merchandising, marketing, etc.
The work placement then allows for the application of theoretical knowledge and puts into practice the skills acquired in class. The world of commerce and wine theory were completely unfamiliar to me, but I was able to become familiar with them thanks to AIVA.
The working atmosphere is welcoming, without compromising the quality and depth of the teaching. The experience and professional background of the instructors bring considerable depth to the training content.»
«"Having undergone a career change and having been passionate about wine for many years, I wanted to train in a school to have a solid foundation in wines and spirits.
The initial discussions with Mr. Destouches and Mr. Gerber were reassuring and precise regarding the purpose of the school and the objectives to be achieved.
Challenge accomplished: the courses led by professors from the professional field are exciting and comprehensive, tastings are daily; After a speech, nothing beats practice!
If you are passionate, curious, and looking for a dynamic learning experience to acquire a profession in the wine industry, AIVA is for you!»
Discover below all the additional information that will allow you to apply.
Are you interested in enrolling in this Diploma program? Simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Fill out our application page
1. Go to our application page
2. Fill in the requested information and attach the following documents:
Required documents:
Optional parts:
No application fees are required.
Step 2: Maintenance
After receiving your application, we will contact you as soon as possible.
The interview aims to answer all your questions. It allows us to understand your motivations and determine if our Diploma aligns with your career goals. It can take place at our Academy or remotely.
Step 3: Your registration
Following your interview, you will know whether you are eligible to enroll at the Academy.
The AIVA school premises are fully equipped to accommodate a person with a disability.
If this is your situation, please do not hesitate to contact our disability liaison officer, Sophie de Boisvilliers.
Depending on your type of disability, we will put in place the necessary measures and adapt our teaching conditions.
If measures also need to be taken regarding your company immersion, we will work jointly with your host company to adapt your position.
Contact: Sophie de Boisivillers – serviceadministratif@aiva-eu.com
Tuition fees: €6,900
We offer the possibility of financing the training in several installments.
Financial assistance is available for training. To best assist you with your project, please contact us.
Average placement rate before 6 months: 94 %
Average satisfaction rating: 91 %
Download the brochure, apply or come and meet us during an open day.
