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.
«A trained sommelier, I work as a department manager in a hypermarket. When I learned that an innovative wine academy was going to open, I inquired about coming to take a diploma in addition to my job.
Today, the diploma I am taking allows me to review my knowledge of wine, but also to learn more! Wine knowledge is infinite.
Wine tasting guided by experienced individuals like Yvan Gerber allows for even faster progress.»
«After an artistic career followed by work in the restaurant industry, I wanted to specialize in the field of sommelierie. The AIVA school gave me the opportunity to undertake a short, yet high-quality, training course in the wine sector.
The theoretical input was substantial, and the internship allowed me to refine my knowledge and confirm my new career path.»
«After graduating from business school, I wanted to specialize in a sector that is dear to me, wine, through training that would allow me to learn as much as possible.
The school team was very accessible and attentive, a humane school just like the wine sector and its products.
The training lived up to my expectations; the secret? A concentrated dose of information that, while sometimes difficult to digest, is nonetheless invaluable. The preliminary courses greatly facilitate the transition to the internship, which comes in the second part.
A young wine school, with all the qualities needed to become a benchmark in its field.»
«"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.»
«Turning my passion into my profession: that’s what motivated me to enroll at AIVA.
After 3 years of studying Psychology, I was looking for a quick and accredited training program: that's what the University Diploma Sommelier-Wine Merchant offers.
5 months of theory, where the teaching units vary for complete knowledge: production techniques, French and world wine regions, beer science, merchandising, management, technical English, … everything is brought together to become the best sommelier/wine merchant!
Then, a 5-month internship to apply all the skills acquired during the coursework and to truly experience the profession. Opportunities abound: vineyards, cellars, restaurants—numerous venues are ready to welcome you.
Finally, teachers and a teaching team who listen to you, concerned about your success and well-being within the academy.
In short, a high-quality school and teaching program, allowing everyone to learn in the best possible conditions. A superb academy!»
«"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.»
«"Having already had a background in catering and after a season as a sommelier in the south of France, I decided to join AIVA in order to specialize in wine and more specifically sommelier work.
AIVA provides us with technical knowledge about wine and tasting, while also offering us a professional experience through a work-study program. The courses are taught by industry professionals, giving us a real-world perspective on the profession.»
«"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.»
«AIVA offered me the opportunity for a career change, and to undertake training that met my needs.
Coming from the restaurant industry, I wanted to train with and for professionals, in order to be directly qualified in the exciting sector of wine.
"My training, combined with one or more internships, allowed Mr. Yvan Gerber to find me the perfect internship that aligned perfectly with my beliefs and future prospects."»
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.
