Student life

«"Having been passionate about wine for many years, I decided to gradually take the plunge.

However, as the manager of a small business, it was essential that the chosen training allowed me to reconcile my current professional life with my future one, and that is what AIVA made possible.

From my first exchanges with Mr. Yvan Gerber, the educational manager, and Ms. Karine Larchevêque, the administrative manager, I felt listened to and understood in the pursuit of my professional reorientation project.

AIVA's manageable size was also a selection criterion.

These initial positive impressions were quickly confirmed during the first few days of training: high-quality instructors, brand new premises, assistance and support with various administrative obligations as well as in the search for internships…

All of these elements have allowed me to maintain my current professional activity and calmly prepare for the future while acquiring a considerable amount of theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of wine through my internship.»

«"Having come from a background far removed from the world of wine and commerce, I joined AIVA to turn my attraction to wine into my profession.

By following the 2-year MBA in Wine and Spirits Marketing and International Trade, I was able to acquire real knowledge about French and world wines thanks to the teachers at AIVA.

Wine is truly at the heart of the training (numerous tastings) and the other subjects always echo it, making them very concrete.

In addition, the interventions of professionals (winegrowers, great sommeliers, businessmen and women…) allow us to immerse ourselves in the different professions, with also the field visits.

I recommend AIVA to anyone looking to specialize in the wine trade!»

«"This is a school that restores teaching to its former glory. Down with rote learning and make way for practical application!"

The student is no longer passive in the course's development, but rather becomes an active participant. I've rediscovered my enjoyment of school.»

«"AIVA is a school that will give you the opportunity to discover, understand and appreciate wine in all its forms, thanks in particular to talented and committed teachers.

«"He who knows how to taste no longer drinks wine, but savors secrets." (Salvator Dali)»

«"You shouldn't play with the essence of wine, you should live it." In a career change, I decided to combine my profession and my passion.

I didn't choose the wrong school. A professional teaching staff, attentive and dedicated to immersing us in the realities of the field.

No distance, positive communication that allows progress in personal projects.

There are many tastings, so watch out for cirrhosis!

I found much more than I initially hoped for in this training, and why not one day pass on my knowledge through AIVA!»

«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!"»

«"Wanting to start a career change in the wine industry, I looked for which establishments offered training courses that matched my project: to be a sommelier at home and to promote events around wine tourism.

AIVA perfectly met my requirements.

During the five months I spent in Alsace, I found there was a very good student atmosphere, despite some disadvantages due to the pandemic, exciting and competent professors, and very comprehensive, even encyclopedic, course materials.

Currently, I am putting the knowledge acquired in class to good use in the internships I am currently undertaking.

I am very satisfied with AIVA and wish it a long life.»

«2024: an Olympic year… and, for me, a sabbatical. Having crisscrossed France as a journalist for over twenty-five years, I’ve had the opportunity, through my reporting, to visit countless vineyards. But it was only later in life that a genuine interest in wine emerged. After turning fifty, the desire to take a professional break away from the hustle and bustle of Paris and the media became undeniable. The time had finally come to indulge myself!”

Off to Alsace, more precisely to Landersheim, in the Bas-Rhin region. That's how I arrived, somewhat awestruck, in the AIVA tasting room for my first class. And so began five months punctuated by theoretical instruction and punctuated by tastings, visits to vineyards, and group practical work: an exciting interlude among students from diverse backgrounds.

I loved the studious and supportive atmosphere fostered by a teaching team of passionate professionals: oenologist, sommelier, winemaker, wine merchant, beer expert… everything you need to hone your senses and palate. They taught me to be more confident, to suggest food and wine pairings, and to present beers, wines, and spirits in all their uniqueness, using accessible, clear, and engaging language… In short, like a pro!

After the theory, it's time for practice. I've just started an internship at a wine shop in Reims to complete this demanding, yet incredibly rewarding, training. AIVA deserves to win the gold medal at the apprenticeship Olympics!»

«"Comprehensive, interesting and professionally conducted training"»

«"First of all, why AIVA?"

What motivated me to join AIVA was, above all, the constant contact with professionals in the wine and trade industries.

After my BTS Viticulture/Oenology apprenticeship in the Champagne region, I needed to find an establishment where I could further develop my skills in tastings, sales techniques and business management.

This Academy allows us to study with small class sizes and to professionalize ourselves with very comprehensive courses that allow us to progress quickly.

All this in a friendly atmosphere with teachers who are always attentive.»

«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!»