What training do I need to work in the spirits industry?
Wine and spirits play an important role in France. They even represent a sector in their own right. Today, there are several professions linked to this sector, from production to sales and consumption. If you want to work in this field, there are various types of training available to you. For more information, see our specialised FAQ.

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Training
What training do you need to work in the spirits industry?
In general, if you want to work in the spirits industry, you need recognised training leading to certification. You can opt for certified online courses or face-to-face training. Here are the courses you can choose:
- a vocational certificate (brevet) or a vocational baccalaureate (bac pro) ;
- a BTS ;
- a Bachelor’s degree ;
- a certificate of specialisation ;
- a university degree ;
- a national diploma in oenology ;
- a licence or a licence pro ;
- a Master’s degree, Master of Science or MBA.
Opportunities
Why work in the spirits industry?
France is the world’s most renowned producer of high-quality eaux-de-vie. Gascony is one of France’s oldest spirit regions, with over 700 years of experience in the production of Armagnac. The Cognac region is also world-renowned for its spirit of the same name, not forgetting its dynamic production of top-of-the-range spirits such as vodkas, gins and even vermouth.
All this means that jobs in this sector are constantly evolving. Working in the spirits industry means you can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities at a good salary.
International
What is the international wine and spirits course offered by INSEEC?
INSEEC offers an international wine, luxury and spirits course available on a number of campuses. It covers a number of areas, including wine and spirits marketing. This course will give you the knowledge you need to enter the wine and spirits industry.
The programmes on offer will also help you to see the many professions related to spirits. This will make it easier for you to make your choice. The Luxury & Wine programmeis accessible from Bachelor level, whether you are a professional changing careers or a student. The programmes end at bac+5 level.
Bac +3
What is the INSEEC Bachelor of Wine and Spirits programme?
INSEEC offers a Bac+3 level programme in the wine and spirits sector. This is the Bachelor of Wine and Spirits. The programme welcomes professionals who are changing careers and professionals in the wine or spirits industry. It is also open to students from a variety of institutions, including universities, business schools and agricultural engineers.
The aim of this Bachelor’s degree is to train professionals in the wine and spirits sector. As such, the courses are taught by lecturers from the business world and experts in the sector. It’s worth noting that you can do your Bachelor’s degree on a sandwich course. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll be awarded level 6 certification as a “Responsable d’Activités Commerciales”, which is registered with the RNCP.
Bac +5
What is the programme of the INSEEC MBA in Marketing and Management of Spirits?
The MBA in marketing and management of spirits is one of the 5-year degree programmes offered by INSEEC. It is particularly internationally oriented. It is designed for students who want to improve their practical, theoretical and multicultural skills in the spirits industry.
The programme is accessible after a Bac+3 or Bac+4. The courses on offer focus on consumer behaviour, international market development and strategy. Once you have completed the course, you will be awarded level 7 professional certification as a “Manager of Marketing and Sales Strategy”, registered with the RNCP.
Terms and conditions
What are the admission requirements for INSEEC courses?
INSEEC offers 4 training programmes. Each has its own admission requirements:
Admission requirements for the BBA :
- holder of a Bac ;
Admission requirements for the Bachelor :
- bac+1: be in Terminale or have already obtained the Bac ;
- bac+2: having completed or in the process of completing a Licence 1 ;
- bac+3: who have completed or are in the process of completing a Licence 2, Licence 3, or a 2nd or 3rd year of a BTS, DUT or preparatory class.
Admission requirements for the Grande Ecole programme :
- bac+2: Hold or be in the process of obtaining a DUT, BTS, Licence 2, certified level III qualification or be enrolled in the 2nd year of an IEP ;
- bac+3: Holders of or in the process of obtaining a level L3 diploma o, holders of or in the process of obtaining a certified level II/III qualification.
Admission requirements for the MSc :
- bac+4: students who have completed or are in the process of completing a Bac+3, professionals undergoing retraining and employees;
- bac+5: students who have completed or are in the process of completing a Bac+4 or Bac+5, professionals undergoing retraining and employees.
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