Higher Diploma
The Advanced Diploma in Sommelier-Wine Merchant Management, International Track, is obtained after a one-year training program. This training will allow you to become a qualified sommelier, capable of managing a team and conducting wine business in France or abroad.
It was developed in partnership with the company VPCF (Vins de Propriétés et Châteaux de France), and several partners from France and around the world.
This diploma will enable you to become a qualified sommelier, capable of managing a team with an international perspective. The practical nature of the training will allow you to be immediately operational in the job market, or to continue your 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 Higher Diploma Manager Sommelier Wine Merchant consists of 8 teaching units. During the course, you will taste approximately 200 different wines and spirits. 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 major beer and spirits regions. Particular emphasis will be placed on international wine regions.
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 understand and master the international environment of wine sales and to implement prospecting strategies in France and internationally.
The objective of this unit is to learn and understand how to manage a business with regard to the logistical (stocks, margins, orders) and financial aspects.
The objective of this unit is to master the techniques of wine import-export and the ways in which it is sold internationally.
The objective of this unit is to pool all the knowledge
acquired during the different modules and put them 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 can apply as a sommelier in a wine cellar, manager, salesperson, head of liquid department in large retail stores, manager of a specialized store, sales manager, import-export manager, marketing manager, salesperson… A leader capable of managing a team of 3 to 20 people, the sommelier-wine merchant manager is first and foremost a sommelier who knows how to perfectly manage his department.
You will be recognized as a specialist capable of advising clients and guiding them through increasingly complex choices. You will be able to manage the supply and sale of products, both in France and internationally.
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 Management, 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: Practical training in our Academy. Classes generally take place, outside of school holidays, from Monday to Friday.
Company and AIVA Immersion: Classes are held at AIVA on Mondays and Tuesdays. Three days of the remaining week are spent in a company, except in December, when the entire period is spent in a company. Our teaching team ensures the practical application of what you have learned, as well as the successful completion of your supervised project if you have chosen to include it in your training.
Company immersion: Full immersion in a company, 5 days a week. A total of 22 weeks in the company must be completed, from November 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027.
«"AIVA was an opportunity for me to turn my passion into a real career change.
Having graduated from a top business school with a specialization in international wine trade, but having never practiced in the field, the Higher Diploma Manager Sommelier-Wine Merchant International Track allowed me to combine my first passion, wine, with the second, travel.
This internationally focused training program allows you to work abroad.
Next step, working for an estate in Canada or New Zealand.»
«"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.»
«"As the manager of a wine cellar, joining the AIVA school allowed me to validate managerial skills and improve my sommelier skills.
Going back to school at 40 is a challenge that suits me perfectly!
My goal is to die less stupid! And to get rich so I can enrich others… »
«"Having grown up in the restaurant industry, and being passionate about oenology and gastronomy, after a period of partial inactivity due to the Covid-19 health crisis, I felt the need to renew myself, deepen my knowledge, revise my basics and validate my skills.
AIVA proved to be the ideal option to meet all the criteria and my expectations.
Working in the family restaurant, self-employed wine merchant, co-creator of an e-commerce and a blog… with my very busy schedule; I had to organize myself in the most efficient way possible.
The quality of the speakers allowed me to learn and improve in areas I already loved and others I discovered thanks to the diversity of subjects.
The interaction with the speakers, the group work with the other members of the training, with different areas of expertise, different backgrounds (all regions of France and even the world), the meetings and contacts that I was able to have and even some which I think will last well after the training, have undeniably enriched me.
I enjoyed every moment and I wish you the chance to do the same!»
«"As a former Army officer undergoing professional retraining, I decided to trust AIVA to quickly provide me with all the necessary tools for advising on and marketing wines, beers and spirits.
I particularly appreciated being trained by true professionals in the field, leading experts in their area, who are passionate about sharing their love of wine. During this training, I had the opportunity to participate in unique events such as the Mondial des Vins Blancs, where I helped the jury evaluate a significant number of wines.
AIVA also allowed me to expand my professional network, enabling me to quickly find job opportunities. Today, I am awaiting the signing of an employment contract with a prestigious wine distribution company that I met during a presentation at the Academy.»
«"I've always been interested in wine, because it's ultimately very broad, and with AIVA, you see that you can get involved in everything!"
Being in a company continuously during the week, and not just 1 week out of 2 or 2 weeks out of 2 like many schools, allows you to be really immersed and learn a lot.
My internship at a wine cellar with over 2,500 wine references allowed me to directly apply the knowledge I gained in class. After completing my training at AIVA, I was hired as a sommelier at that cellar. Today, I work in sales for a large French wine trading company.»
«"If you want to make a living from your passion at any age, it's possible with AIVA!"
At 51, undergoing professional retraining, I completed the Higher Diploma in Sommelier-Wine Merchant Management, International Track.
I thank Yvan, Jean, Diego, Marine, Stanislas, Stéphane and others I'm forgetting… for having given me so much.
I was able to transform a dream into a project with a solid foundation.
For my part, I am currently in the process of acquiring a company that will allow me to market my wine brand in a prestigious Burgundy appellation… »
«Learning by doing« and »meeting to learn« are the precepts of AIVA. I myself have always guided my career in this way.
Having extensive experience in sales techniques, particularly in export (with significant experience in Central and Eastern Europe, the cradle of viticulture), I relied on AIVA to further my wine education because while selling wine isn't solely about the product itself, it's still essential to have a good understanding of what you're selling!
"Combining the pleasure of wine with the wine trade, that's my calling!"»
«"Currently undergoing professional retraining and after several years in real estate, I obtained my BTSA Viticulture-Oenology last year. The DS Manager Sommelier Caviste training allowed me to acquire real knowledge of both wine regions and the commercial aspect and international trade.
Alternating between classes and work experience has been a real asset in this program for me; it allowed me to quickly apply the knowledge I acquired at school and gain genuine professional experience. My goal now is to open my own wine cellar.»
«"Short but intense studies! Extremely happy to have joined this adventure from which I emerge stronger, with my head full of new knowledge and full of ambitions.
Thank you to AIVA and its entire team, but especially thank you to the teachers and the director for guiding and supporting me throughout the program.»
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: 100 %
Average satisfaction rating: 90 %
Download the brochure, apply or come and meet us during an open day.
