Le Cordon Bleu Logo

How to obtain a Certification in Oenology

Justice Derrick

A wine certification in oenology is a valuable credential for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of wines and spirits. Whether you're an informed enthusiast or considering a career in the world of wine, there's always a compelling reason to pursue an oenology certification, and Le Cordon Bleu Paris provides students with all the necessary resources to acquire theoretical and practical expertise in wines and spirits.

The Purpose of an Oenology Certification

An oenology certification can open numerous doors for wine and spirits enthusiasts. What could be better than professional training to enhance your knowledge and develop tasting skills?

Oenology Certification for Wine Enthusiasts

The oenology certification allows you to gain comprehensive knowledge by covering each stage of wine production, from its creation and tasting to its marketing in certain programmes. It empowers you to refine your tasting skills as the training aims to enhance your sensory palette and tasting abilities. You'll learn to identify the aromas, flavors, and flaws in wine.

Oenology Certification for a Career in the Wine Industry

If a career in the wine industry is your goal, an oenology certification can strengthen your resume and improve your job prospects. Employers value candidates who have undergone specialized wine training, demonstrating a high level of expertise and commitment to a field you're passionate about enough to turn into a profession.

For those aspiring to become professional sommeliers, an oenology certification is often a crucial step in achieving that goal. You'll develop the necessary skills to manage a wine cellar, advise customers on food and wine pairings, and create unforgettable tasting experiences.

Who is the Oenology Certification for?

The Intensive Wine Course in Oenology offers a precious opportunity to a diverse and passionate audience. Tailored to enlightened amateurs and newcomers alike, culinary arts students, and professionals in the hospitality industry, this programme adapts to every knowledge level. Whether you aim to refine your skills in assessing wine quality, deepen your understanding of vineyards, or explore the intricacies of food and wine pairings, this enriching programme meets your expectations. Every participant, regardless of their prior experience, will benefit from an immersive and stimulating learning experience.

What can you do with an Oenology Certification?


With the latest innovations in wine production, careers in the wine sector are ever-evolving. This continuous renewal is embodied by the need to obtain an oenology certification to stay current. Thus, the accessible roles multiply. With effective and comprehensive training, you'll uncover various grape varieties, vinification techniques, wine regions, and sensory characteristics of wines from around the world.

The Intensive Wine Course offered by Le Cordon Bleu Paris

The intensive courses in wines and spirits offered by Le Cordon Bleu Paris cater to those seeking a short yet immersive and qualifying education in the realm of wine.


Admission Requirements

The Intensive Wine Course in Oenology warmly welcomes anyone driven by curiosity and passion for the world of wine. No specific prerequisites are needed to join this experience. Whether you're an enthusiast eager to explore the vinicultural universe or a professional in the hospitality industry seeking to deepen your understanding, this programme is designed to guide you through the intricacies of wine. Whether you possess a solid foundation of knowledge or are just beginning your journey, our experienced instructors are here to accompany you on your oenological voyage.

Duration and Programme Content

Over 2 to 3 weeks, you'll delve into the intricate nuances of the wine world through our workshops. You'll unveil the secrets of tasting during an immersive initiation, explore the subtleties of red, rosé, and white winemaking, as well as special techniques.

You'll embark on a journey through the major French wine regions, from Burgundy to the Loire, sampling a diverse selection of iconic wines.

You'll have the privilege of participating in culinary demonstrations orchestrated by Le Cordon Bleu Chefs, where you'll relish exquisite food and wine pairings. You'll also be introduced to the world of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, and explore European terroirs while tasting gems from countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

Upon completing this adventure, you'll be equipped to assess wine quality, possess in-depth vineyard knowledge, and create perfect harmony between food and wine.

Evaluation Process

At the end of each 2- to 3-week programme, you'll be challenged with a comprehensive written test that assesses your profound theoretical understanding of key oenology aspects, from vineyards to vinification techniques. You'll also participate in a blind tasting, putting your senses to the test to identify and evaluate different wines.

These assessments will gauge your newly acquired skills and reinforce practical knowledge. Upon successful completion, you'll receive a certification issued by our Chief Sommelier, attesting to your mastery of wine subtleties and your ability to fully appreciate this fascinating world.

Testimonials from our former Intensive Wine Course students

Who better than our former students to speak about the Intensive Wine Course in Oenology? Discover how this programme has inspired and transformed their passion for wine, and how they have gained valuable knowledge in the world of oenology.

"I have taken numerous oenology courses in my life, and I learned more during this programme than in all the other courses combined. The knowledge and teaching style of the instructor are exceptional. He is one of the best instructors I've had in a long time. My only improvement suggestion would be to distribute the presentation he uses to the class members. I'm sure it took many years to create such a high-quality presentation; however, the fact that it's of such quality would make its retention very useful." - Jim Vesterman, Intensive Wine Course 2022

"This course exceeded my expectations in every way. The instructor was highly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, making it very engaging. My only regret was that the course came to an end. I think the entire class would have gladly spent another week learning as much as possible. The wines we tasted, the food and wine pairing lunch, the Riedel master class, everything was top-notch. As an English speaker, I must also highlight Sophie's translation skills. She didn't just translate; she showed genuine interest in the subject itself and sometimes asked questions that resonated with all of us (in French or English)." - Rob Ringenberg, Intensive Wine Course 2021

"I was truly impressed by the instructor's commitment during the course. There was a technical, pedagogical, and social atmosphere that truly motivated me to learn and fueled my interest in wine. Overall, I had an experience that will stay close to my heart for the rest of my life. The instructor is truly a character and a teacher who brings great value to the students. I'm particularly impressed." - Marthe Fahre, Intensive Wine Course 2021
TOP