At AIVA, student life takes place on a 5,000 m² campus designed for hands-on learning: tasting rooms, an amphitheater, workspaces, and relaxation areas. In small groups, guided by professionals, students learn the trades of wine, beer, and spirits in an atmosphere that is both studious and friendly.
5000 m² of classrooms, lecture halls, tasting rooms, and relaxation areas offer an exceptional setting entirely dedicated to studious studies. Teamwork finds a serene space here, allowing each individual to flourish.
The stated commitment to linking theory to practice translates for the student into quality teaching, delivered by recognized professionals and highly involved partner universities.
The classrooms are also adapted to our innovative teaching methods: They aim to place the student in a real and professional situation, with quality materials, as is the case for example in our tasting rooms.
Student life at AIVA is designed to be dynamic and inspiring. Small class sizes foster close relationships between students and teachers, creating a genuine group dynamic where everyone progresses at their own pace.
The diversity of ages and backgrounds—students in initial training, career changers, or already professionals—fosters particularly enriching exchanges of experiences and knowledge. One learns as much from one's peers as from one's professors.
Throughout the year, tastings, group projects, and events punctuate the curriculum and strengthen team spirit. This atmosphere, both studious and friendly, provides everyone with a serene environment to flourish and succeed.
«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 completing a BTS in International Trade in La Rochelle, I decided to join AIVA to specialize in wines and spirits. Currently at AIVA, I can say that I have learned a tremendous amount!”
I had the opportunity to visit some estates, including a few that were very unusual, it was fun! The great thing about the school is that we are in small groups, which is great for being able to ask all the necessary questions and to be able to progress at a good pace.
But above all, by coming to Alsace, I had the chance to make some wonderful acquaintances.
A huge shout-out to Team LP 2020-2021, they know who they are, I wish us all the best!»
«"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!»
«"To summarize my year at AIVA, I would say that it was very enriching, having originally studied in the hotel and restaurant industry, I had a basic knowledge of wine and AIVA really allowed me to deepen these basics.
The main advantage of the Bachelor's degree is its diversity, as upon completion, graduates can pursue any career related to wine (sommelier in a restaurant, wine merchant, sales representative at a winery, import-export sales representative, etc.). What I also greatly appreciated about AIVA was the quality of the instructors, all professionals who are genuinely passionate about sharing their knowledge and who take the time to answer all questions.
This training program truly met my expectations and I highly recommend it to future students.»
«"A very interesting training session, a nice range of wines was offered.
I learned a lot, both about the characteristics of different grape varieties and about tasting techniques.»
«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!»
«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.»
«"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.»
«"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… »
«"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.»
«"A very intensive course, which covers a very large and varied range of wines.
I really enjoyed this training, which complements my Alsatian wine studies. Diego gave an excellent presentation. Very professional.»
«"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!»
Download the brochure, apply or come and meet us during an open day.
Tasting courses, open days, graduation ceremonies: discover the daily life of the Academy.
