The diploma is designed and taught by Matthieu Longuere MS, an expert in his field with years of experience as a sommelier in top establishments before joining Le Cordon Bleu. Matthieu is originally from Bordeaux, one of France’s most famous wine regions. After gaining a formal hospitality education in France, Matthieu moved to England in 1994 to launch a career that would see him hold senior sommelier positions in the country’s leading hotels and restaurants such as the five-star Lucknam Park Country House Hotel and the luxury boutique hotel, Hotel du Vin.

After being awarded Best Sommelier UK in 2000, Matthieu joined Michelin-star restaurant La Trompette as Head Sommelier where he won multiple accolades for its wine list.In 2005, Matthieu Longuère achieved the Master Sommelier Diploma, the highest achievable status for professional sommeliers and a qualification which is, at the time of writing, held by just 291 people around the world.

Matthieu is the main lecturer on Le Cordon Bleu London’s Diploma in Wine, Gastronomy and Management, an immersive, full-time programme designed to prepare students for professional success in the global wine and hospitality industry. The diploma blends rigorous theory with hands-on training, offering a unique balance of wine education, gastronomy, and business management.

Students gain a deep understanding of wine through sensory analysis, production methods, and global wine regions, supported by extensive tastings, field trips, and industry presentations. The programme also explores wine’s role in gastronomy, with pairing sessions spanning world cuisine, cheese and chocolates. In addition to wine, the diploma also covers beer, spirits, coffee and tea.

Management training covers cost control, logistics, distribution, marketing, and current industry trends, equipping students with strategic and operational skills required for wine and beverage management. Learning is further enriched with guest lectures from leading professionals, alongside observation of operations at Cord restaurant.

Students also benefit from visits to UK wineries, breweries, distilleries and trade tastings, gaining first-hand industry insight. The course spans two terms at Le Cordon Bleu London, with the option of flexible non-consecutive study and the addition of a three-month internship placement.

Ideal for aspiring professionals or those already working in hospitality, this diploma offers a comprehensive pathway into a dynamic and rewarding career in the wine industry.

If you’re interested in sampling a taste of wine education at Le Cordon Bleu London, or are a wine enthusiast who wants to expand your knowledge, there are a wealth of wine and beverage short courses available throughout the year covering a variety of themes and topics.