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

Chloe

«"Wanting to switch to a career in business after completing my DUT in Chemistry, I discovered AIVA. It was a way to combine my love of wine with my desire to take business courses.".

Starting from scratch following a scientific education, I was able, thanks to the help of the teaching staff and professional speakers, to acquire a great deal of knowledge.

The atmosphere in the classroom is friendly and based on mutual support; there is no competition, unlike in other schools.»

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.»

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.»

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!»

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… »

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.»

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.»

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… »

Jordan

«"Passionate about wine since I was 15 and after obtaining a degree in economics and management of organizations, I wanted to find a school that linked these two fields, economics and wine.

So I joined AIVA, which immediately appealed to me because the program defined exactly what I wanted to do: marketing and international trade in wines and spirits.

So I enrolled in the first year of the MBA program, a year filled with tastings and theoretical courses that expanded upon my existing knowledge. It also provided me with a valuable network of contacts, allowing me to connect with numerous professionals!

I thoroughly enjoyed this year, with supportive professors and classmates who shared the same passion: wine. Therefore, I decided to continue with an MBA2 to complete my studies and then enter the workforce.»

Married

«"Having completed a two-year technical degree in biology and wanting to pursue a career in the wine industry, the degree offered by AIVA provides me with a wealth of new knowledge, whether in tasting, accounting, management…"

Furthermore, we are in a small group, which facilitates interaction with the teachers and allows for almost one-on-one lessons to help us understand and succeed.»

Maxim

«I come from a BTS in viticulture/oenology in Charente, today my goal is to specialize in the trade and marketing of wines as well as spirits.

That's why I chose AIVA, for its professionalism but also for its close relationship with students thanks to small class sizes.»

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.