How can I become a wine expert?

France is the world’s second largest wine producer. However, in terms of consumption, it is the world leader. This has led to the gradual development of the wine sector and the jobs associated with it. If you want to become an expert in this field, you can choose from a range of courses on the market.

Contents

Course

How can I become a wine expert?

More and more people are turning to the wine industry. It’s not just young enthusiasts, but also professionals who are changing careers. What’s more, there are plenty of training courses to help you become an expert in the field, giving everyone a wide choice. They range from initiation to wine expertise: production, marketing, consumer services and management. These courses can be taken in schools, universities or within a UFR (training and research unit). They include

bac and brevet pro ;
BTS – BTSA ;
certificates of specialisation ;
university degrees ;
bachelor’s and professional bachelor’s degrees ;
Masters, MSc and MBA.

Learning

Becoming a wine expert: self-training through literature

Self-learning can be a daunting world. Yet it remains a crucial phase for everyone at this time. So why not opt for self-study to become a wine expert ? It’s perfectly feasible. Literature can lay the theoretical foundations.

There are a number of books available today that are perfect for learning about the world of wine. They allow you to follow the wine cycle step by step, right up to the point of consumption. These specialist books will help you to deepen your general knowledge of wine.

Training

Official training in the field of oenology

You can follow an official training course and obtain the Diplôme National en Œnologie or DNO to become an expert in the field of wine.

To be admitted to the course, your application will be selected by a panel. You will then be invited to attend a motivational interview. The training will be divided into two parts: theoretical courses and compulsory work placements. In fact, to obtain the DNO, you need to have done two placements: the discovery placement lasting less than a month and the practical placement, which will be longer. The aim of the latter is to apply theoretical knowledge in the field.

Offers

What courses does INSEEC offer in the wine sector?

INSEEC is part of the private OMNES Education group. It offers courses in the field of wine.

Bachelor’s degree in Wine and Spirits Sales Management

This is a one- to three-year degree course. It enables you to specialise in wine and spirits. You can apply for the first year as soon as you have your baccalauréat. If you want to enter the 2nd or 3rd year, you need to have a Bac+1 or Bac+2. Note that this course is open to all students, whether they come from business schools or universities.

MBA Wine Marketing & Management

The MBA in Wine Marketing & Management is a one- to two-year degree course. To enrol for the 1st year of the MSc, you need to have a Bac+3. If you wish to enrol directly in the 2nd year MSc, you need to have a Bac+4. The programmes for this MBA can be run in 100% English or 50% English/50% French. At the end of the course, you will be awarded the professional qualification of “Manager of Marketing and Sales Strategy”.

Career

How much does a wine expert earn?

A wine expert’s salary can vary depending on a number of factors: years of experience, status and place of work. It should be noted that there is no fixed salary scale in this field. So, on average, a wine expert can earn between €2,500 and €4,800 gross per month. If he or she is recognised and highly experienced, the salary can reach up to 6,400 euros gross per month. If he is an independent expert, he will set his own prices. Their hourly rate may depend on their professional experience, level of education or skills.

Salary depends on a number of factors, including experience, location and profession.

Take a look at our FAQs on wines and spirits.