Next academic year begins: September 2026

MBA 1

Wine & Spirits Marketing and International Trade

Master session in French and English

Presentation

Presentation of the MBA 1 Wine & Spirits

The MBA 1 Wine & Spirits Marketing and International Trade is obtained following a one-year training program at the International Wine Academy in Alsace.

This Master of Business Administration (MBA) is structured to make you a high-level manager in the wine industry, capable of managing and creating a business.

It allows you to train to business management, marketing and wine trade, while providing you with a comprehensive course focused on the knowledge and tasting of wines, beers and spirits.  

AIVA logodes Vins en AlsaceAcadémie Internationale

Good to know

The world of wine has changed dramatically in recent years. International trade is intensifying. Versatility and adaptability are paramount. This internationally focused training will enable you to become a wine marketing and sales professional, capable of adapting to the future.

Target Audience & Prerequisites

Who is it aimed at? This MBA?

The degree program admits, according to a limited number of students, those holding a bac +3 qualification.

Program

The program of the MBA 1 in 9 teaching units

The MBA 1 Wine & Spirits Marketing and International Trade consists of 9 teaching units:

1. Marketing and Sales

The objective of this unit is to learn sales and marketing techniques, and to be able to apply them in concrete situations in the specific field of wine.

The objective of this unit is to understand, master and apply the major concepts of business management, by a leader.

The objective of this unit is to provide knowledge of business management techniques, group projects and your ability to coordinate different sectors.

The objective of this unit will be to teach you about decision support methods through relevant sourcing and case studies.

The objective of this unit is the knowledge and understanding of how businesses operate internationally: inventory management, import-export, and internal logistics.

The objective of this unit will be to be able to express oneself clearly in English (and possibly in Chinese) in a technical-commercial context in the field of alcohols.

This teaching unit will allow you to put your knowledge of marketing, commerce and business management into practice through the tasting of more than 400 wines, spirits and beers.

Within this framework, several points are addressed in the Knowledge of Wine & Spirits unit:

Techniques:
Knowledge:
Economy :

The objective of this unit, the most substantial in your course, will be a detailed knowledge of global vineyards, their dynamics, their strengths and weaknesses, and the major market trends that these sectors are observing.

The program includes visits to vineyards and companies, case studies and professional seminars.

The MBA also allows you to carry out a professional project of your choice in line with your training. 

The objective of this unit is the effective application and analysis of responses to problems related to the wine industry, either by directly engaging with industry stakeholders during dedicated seminars, field trips, or practical case studies.

A 6-month 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.

Evaluation methods:

Continuous assessment in the form of regular take-home essays consisting of structured responses to given topics. In addition, there are periodic exams including open-ended questions and practical exercises, as well as a supervised project and an internship report.

Careers & Opportunities

What jobs After the MBA 1 Wine & Spirits?

This MBA 1 ensures that students master all the tools necessary for success in business management, marketing and trade of wines and spirits in France and internationally.

You will possess the knowledge to create or acquire your own business, become a brand ambassador, wine consultant, import-export manager, marketing manager, customer relations manager, sales director, account manager, key account manager, sales promotion manager, advertising manager…

Capable of creating, mastering, adapting, managing and leading, you will be able to undertake and make a place for yourself in the world of commerce and business.

The diploma allows direct entry into the job market or further studies in MBA 2 Wine & Spirits Marketing and International Trade at the International Wine Academy.

Average placement rate before 6 months: 100 %

Wine Consultant

Brand Ambassador

Marketing Manager

Sales Director

Import-Export Manager

Sales Manager

Frame

Business owner

Organization

How is it organized? The training?

509 hours of teaching

Alternating between lectures, tutorials and professional projects. Some applications take place in the field, during visits to winegrowers, merchants, wine shops, brewers and distillers.

770 hours in a company

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.

1,279 hours taught in total

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.

2 languages of instruction

All courses are taught in French and English. This bilingual approach prepares students for international exchanges within the sector and for the technical vocabulary of wines, beers, and spirits.

Course distribution

These professionals include business leaders and managers in the wine and spirits industry, experts in finance, business transfer, commercial law, labor law, marketing, bankers, accountants, lawyers, etc.

The professional project

The MBA 1 Wine & Spirits Marketing and International Trade allows you to carry out a professional project of your choice in line with your training. 

This professional project can constitute your true life and business project for launching your career.

You will be supported by our teaching team throughout the entire process of this project, whether it actually succeeds or not.

Calendar

The training schedule 2026-2027

Training start period

From September 7 to 25, 2026

End of training

July 31, 2027

From September 7, 2026 to February 12, 2027

AIVA Immersion: A little over 5 months of practical training in our Academy. Classes take place from Monday to Friday, excluding school holidays.

From February 13, 2027 to July 31, 2027

Company immersion: Our teaching team ensures the practical application of what you have learned and the successful completion of your project.

Testimonials

The testimonies graduates of the MBA Wine & Spirits program

Zian

«After obtaining my BTS Technico-commercial en Vins et Spiritueux in Montpellier, I decided to continue my studies in order to improve my skills in this sector.

So I chose the Bac+3 program at AIVA.

Joining AIVA was a great opportunity, and my program met my expectations. Most of the instructors are former professionals in the field. They teach us in a practical way, readily sharing their experiences and knowledge.

It's a very interesting and enriching teaching method!

The courses offered by AIVA are primarily taught in small groups. This allows students to have a close relationship with their instructors and therefore to understand the material more easily. There is also a great deal of mutual support and solidarity among the students.

As for the way the training works, the courses are varied and the pace of work is pleasant: 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon for theory from September to February, followed by five months of immersion in a company.

The school's extensive network of contacts and partners allows us to choose the company that best suits our needs (export, marketing, commerce, etc.).

The education provided allows students to acquire real skills in management, commerce, national and international marketing, as well as in the knowledge of wines, beers and spirits.

The Academy provides everything needed to succeed. This way of learning has inspired me to continue my studies in a similar environment.

That's why I'm continuing my studies at AIVA with the MBA!»

Sarah

«"Following my three years of general Bachelor's degree in business and management, I wanted to specialize in a field that I was passionate about: wine.

After some research, I discovered AIVA, where I was able to join the MBA program.

Thanks to the professional and passionate teaching team, I learned a great deal in a very short time. This learning was made possible through theoretical courses, numerous tastings in well-equipped rooms, and visits to vineyards to gain a better understanding of the professional world of winemaking.

I can only recommend AIVA to connoisseurs who wish to improve their skills, but also to beginners in the world of wine, as I was when I arrived!»

Louise

«As a student of international business for three years, I then joined AIVA to specialize in the field of wine.

AIVA is a very well-equipped school, with passionate teachers and small classes that allow for easy sharing and exchange between students and teachers.

This school offered me a lot of opportunities, allowed me to meet some great people and make contacts in the wine industry.

This is one of the few French schools where tasting is at the heart of the program, where the courses are adapted to the world of wine.

AIVA is a superb school that I recommend without hesitation.»

Guillaume

«Joining AIVA was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I made for my further studies. I was able to learn about the wine industry, international wine trade, and discover wines from all over the world thanks to a teaching team that listens to your future plans.”.

I wholeheartedly recommend this academy.»

Clement

«Being at AIVA means opting for a complete education.

We are immersed within the company:

Both the theoretical side, with very enriching courses taught by professionals, and the practical side, with the completion of numerous projects and case studies.

This degree also gives me an international perspective, which opens many doors.»

Charly

«Before coming to AIVA, I completed a double Master’s degree in Languages, Cultures and International Business at the University of La Rochelle and in interpreting and translation at Beijing Language and Culture University.

Upon my return to France, I decided, out of curiosity but also strategically, to train myself in wines and spirits.

So I arrived at AIVA with absolutely no wine knowledge. The quality of the teaching, the small class sizes, and the availability of the teachers allowed me to progress quickly.

Having a group of friends with whom I organized many tasting evenings allowed me to put what I was learning in class into practice and to expand the range of wines I tasted. And yet, the range was already quite extensive! Indeed, by the end of the first year of the MBA program, we had tasted more than 400 wines and spirits, to which at least the same number can be added at tasting evenings.

I would also like to commend the quality of the instructors in the cross-disciplinary subjects (marketing, management, export, etc.) and in the professional seminars. The school's network allows students to benefit from the knowledge, skills, and experience of people from various professions related to the world of wine.

Today, I am happy to continue my studies at AIVA in MBA2 before signing a permanent contract in February 2023.»

Clemency

«"My goal is to take over a wine estate.

AIVA provides me with practical knowledge about wine and tasting, but also about exporting, IT, management… We cover a lot of ground. Because the classes are small, we get truly personalized instruction; the teachers are genuinely invested in our success.

The atmosphere is very warm, while remaining professional.»

Clemency

«After a preparatory class for HEC and a first year in business school, I chose to join the Double Degree Bac+3 at AIVA to specialize and with the aim of growing my family business in the wine trade.

AIVA is a young school; I appreciate the small class sizes because the work is much more productive, the teachers are dedicated and passionate about what they do, and the tasting and oenology courses are very enriching, whether it's about wines or spirits.»

Clement

«"An excellent experience at AIVA for 3 years.

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the quality of the teaching and the support of the professors, who were always available and passionate about their field.

The atmosphere within the school is also a major asset: a real group dynamic, mutual support between students and a community spirit that makes the journey even more enriching.

The events organized throughout the year offer numerous opportunities for personal and professional development… »

Timothy

«"With a background in sommelier work in the hotel and restaurant industry, I turned to AIVA to acquire the necessary knowledge to enter the world of commerce.

They met my expectations during my year in the Double Degree program (Bachelor's degree - Advanced Diploma in Wines and Spirits). I therefore decided to continue with them for a Master's degree to further explore import-export concepts.

In parallel, I work for the company "Vins de propriétés et châteaux de France" (Wines from French Estates and Castles), which placed its trust in me and trained me in the retail sector. Passionate about the brewing world, I am continuing my project to develop and promote craft brewers in supermarkets.

We are therefore developing partnerships with various Alsatian breweries in order to better represent them in stores, such as Brasserie Perle, Brasserie 3 mats, etc… »

Maria

Sabrina

«"My decision to join AIVA was indisputable.

From the initial interview, the academy's teaching staff helped me find the best training program for my career goals. They were attentive and supported me throughout the entire program. Today, I know for certain that I have acquired a tremendous amount of knowledge thanks to a passionate and competent team and teaching staff who are genuinely interested in their students.

AIVA offers comprehensive training with knowledge of wine, spirits, and, as an added bonus, beer. The business side of the training is very thorough and allows for greater self-awareness. The courses are taught by professionals who give us the opportunity for continuous improvement.

All this in an environment dedicated to success!

I had an incredible year.»

Admission

Details & Admission

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: 

  • Resume 
  • Copy of your identity document (identity card, passport or driving licence)
  • Most recent diploma obtained
  • Cover letter

Optional parts: 

  • Other diploma obtained
  • Letter of recommendation 
  • Certificate of employment

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: €10,500

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: 100 %

Average satisfaction rating: 95 %

Contact us

Ready to train you to the wine, beer and spirits industries?

Download the brochure, apply or come and meet us during an open day.