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.
«"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… »
«"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.»
«"When I decided to complete my career change in the world of wine by obtaining a sommelier diploma, I chose AIVA for its learning pace: 5 months of intensive courses and 5 to 6 months of internship in a company.
This approach, which required a significant personal investment (at over 60 years old, it was a challenge!), proved beneficial. I would also add that the friendly atmosphere among the participants was very supportive; I send my warmest regards to everyone.
The quality of AIVA's courses enabled me to become operational quickly during my internship: Thank you to Franck Saint-Denis of La Cave des Entrepreneurs in Paris for trusting me.
Today, thanks to this journey, I am a sommelier/wine consultant at Caveau Moillard in Nuits-Saint-Georges, one of the Grands Chais de France (GCF) group's wineries, and I can say that I have successfully changed careers.»
«Having always worked in the sports field, I gradually wanted to turn towards my passion, to practice the profession of sommelier.
Passionate about Alsace, I am proud to be able to share my experience within a true wine school, the International Wine Academy in Alsace, located in Landersheim, very close to Strasbourg.
During my studies, AIVA provided me with all the necessary knowledge for the role of sommelier, and more specifically for working in the wine and spirits marketing sector. Here, we fully benefit from the experience and expertise of our professors, who are true professionals in the wine industry.»
«"The International Wine Academy is a young and brand new school with strong potential; due to its comprehensive training content, but also due to its trainers who passionately deliver all the knowledge they have learned previously in their professional careers.
First and foremost, you learn humility through the example of prominent figures like Bernard Magrez, the sponsor of the 2022-2023 graduating class. It's an immersive experience, delivered with passion, regardless of your background. The teaching staff is attentive throughout the six intensive months, as well as during the internship period.
A year of pure bliss, which allowed me to acquire deeper knowledge of wine tasting, customer relations, sales, legislation, and of course, the wine industry as a whole. I wholeheartedly recommend AIVA.
I thank the entire team for everything they have contributed to me and my graduating class.»
«"As part of a career change, and with the aim of opening my own wine cellar in the future, I got closer to AIVA.
Thanks to a welcoming and passionate teaching team, I acquired extensive knowledge about wine regions, wine tasting, and business management.
A multi-month internship in a company allows students to put the theory learned during their training into practice. It's a comprehensive program that allows students to quickly integrate into the exciting world of wine.»
«"Interesting, informative, and exactly what I expected, all delivered by a top-notch instructor – I highly recommend it!"»
«"Passionate about wine for years, I decided to join AIVA for a career change.
Having initially graduated with a Master of Science in Agronomy and Environmental Science from Wye College (Kings College and University of London), I chose this degree for its professionalizing aspect, particularly in wine tasting, international trade and import/export.
We were trained by enthusiasts and professionals in the field, both for tastings and for the more theoretical courses, which were equally exciting.
The visits and meetings with professionals are enriching.
We are fortunate to be in an academy where we are continually pushed towards excellence.
Thank you to the entire team for this fabulous adventure.»
«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!»
«"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.»
«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!"»
«"Comprehensive, interesting and professionally conducted training"»
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.
