Where better to study the business of wine than in France? The country is the second-largest wine producer in the world, after Italy, and has several world-famous wine regions, including Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley. But if you’re eyeing up a career in the wine industry, where and what should you study? What are the best Masters in Wine in France?
In this article, we’ve chosen five of the best Master’s degrees in wine and related subjects (like tourism, hospitality, and management) in France. Along with descriptions of each school, you’ll find student reviews of each school so you can find out exactly what it’s like to study there.
So, let’s explore the best Masters in Wine in France.
What are the best Masters in Wine in France?
MBA in International Wine & Spirits Management – Vatel Bordeaux
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Wine & Spirits Management at Vatel Bordeaux is a specialised program designed for students and professionals with professional experience, seeking expertise in the global wine and spirits industry. It’s taught on the school’s campus in Bordeaux – one of France’s premier wine destinations.
The curriculum incorporates traditional MBA subjects in hospitality management, such as finance, management, and international trade, along with topics of particular importance to the wine industry, including wine law, restaurant beverage management, and marketing of wines and spirits. Students also participate in numerous vineyard visits in the region, workshops, and wine tastings, where they can learn from industry professionals — and taste the local produce.
Student Review
It hasn’t always been easy but the result is there. This school trains managers and more specifically within the master’s which brings together people with the same objective and a strong team spirit.
Master of European Tourism, Wine, and Agrifood Management – EM Strasbourg Business School
EM Strasbourg Business School have designed this two-year programme for students aspiring to work in the international wine and gastronomy business, with a strong emphasis on European markets. The three-pronged focus (tourism, wine and agrifood management) means you’ll gain broader knowledge about food markets in France, preparing you for various roles.
The curriculum integrates modules such as marketing and branding in the wine and agrifood sector, sustainable tourism strategies, and supply chain management. It also looks to the future, with modules on tech innovation in the wine industry. Additionally, as part of their immersive learning experience, students take courses at Ca’Foscari University in Venice and gain experience in companies in France.
Located in Strasbourg in the Grand-Est region of France, the programme also takes advantage of its location – Grand-Est is known for producing champagne and Alsatian wine. Students receive hands-on learning opportunities, including field visits to vineyards, agribusinesses, and tourism hotspots.
Student Review
EM Strasbourg is an incredible place where I have the chance to continue my studies. What I like most is the dynamic and stimulating atmosphere that reigns on campus. The teachers are passionate and dedicated, and they do everything they can to help us succeed. Additionally, there are a wide variety of student clubs and activities that allow you to get involved and meet new people. It is truly an inspiring place where I feel supported and encouraged to achieve my academic and personal goals
Student Review
Em Strasbourg does everything possible to make students become who they really are by allowing them to take on responsibilities within the different associations of the school. There are 16 different associations mixing art, sport and professional activities. Several projects are set up each year to improve year after year the work of previous generations. The school provides a cafeteria reserved for these students. It is the real crossroads for students from morning to evening. Numerous festive events are organized every week.
The school is also very cosmopolitan with students mixing from all over the world, there are more than 100 nationalities meeting on campus every semester. Many meetings are held every week to meet foreign students.
The school also relies on these academic assets as it is the only public French business school attached to the University. Thus, it counts among its ranks 12 Nobel Prize winners, 4 of whom are still active.
Master in Wine & Spirits Management – KEDGE Business School
Renowned for its expertise in business education, KEDGE Business School offers a cutting-edge Master’s in Wine & Spirits Management. This programme, delivered in Bordeaux (as many of France’s best wine and spirits programmes are), provides students access to many of the region’s most prestigious vineyards through local partnerships, internships, and case studies.
The curriculum combines technical wine knowledge with business acumen, featuring courses in oenology, brand management, export strategies, and market analysis. Outside the classroom, students participate in a five-day study trip abroad and a three-day immersion at a French vineyard guided by wine experts.
KEDGE Business School is home to the Wine & Spirits Academy, one of Europe’s largest hubs in Europe, with partnerships with winemakers and other professionals in the wine industry.
Student Review
the academic standards of KEDGE is very much impressive, since coming here i’ve been taught by great and experienced professors who take their classes to a whole different level, not just the academic standards but the school in general gives a lot of opportunities to improve and hearn new skills
Student Review
For me, Kedge is a very recommendable school. It offers the possibility of varied courses, with teachers for the most part overqualified for the courses. Their knowledge helps the student understand with relevant examples from the teacher’s work experience. The school has a platform that serves as a database for courses, as well as for finding tools for your internships or your search for future jobs. The negative point I feel I should point out is the lack of communication with the students on various parts of their education. However, this allows students to evolve and mature because they are now the ones who have to get information and this develops autonomy.
Master in Wine & Gastronomy – NEOMA Business School
NEOMA Business School’s Master in Wine & Gastronomy offers a unique fusion of wine expertise and culinary arts education tailored for those passionate about the intersection of gastronomy and wine culture. Based in Reims, the programme immerses students in the Champagne region, one of the world’s most prestigious wine-producing regions.
The syllabus emphasises food and wine pairing, luxury brand management, and consumer behaviour alongside core modules in marketing, finance and ethical leadership. Students gain practical experience through wine tastings, gastronomy workshops, and field trips to Michelin-starred restaurants and vineyards.
With a strong focus on solving challenges in the wine and gastronomy industries, NEOMA’s programme prepares students to work at the forefront of change in the wine industry. So, for example, you’ll learn how sustainability issues impact the wine industry.
Student Review
I am currently studying masters at Neoma Business School, Reims and it has been an incredible experience so far. A huge number of international students, career fairs and intricately designed curriculum, are some of the highlights in this university.
Even in terms of academic aspects, the faculties are amazing in conveying study material and everyone is very helpful and empathetic. These qualities matter the most when you have travelled so far away from your home for your career and life. They have a huge academic database and professional partnerships with many prestigious companies.
Therefore, to sum up, I would definitely recommend it to new students looking to pursue their masters in France.
Student Review
One of the many things that makes Neoma different is that it has professors who have industry experience or I would say Real-World experience. They are not following the typical Theory based education but makes the classes interesting with current global issues and examples. Most of them are researchers, so they are updated with the past and present information very well.
Master in Wine Management – Burgundy School of Business
Located in Dijon, in the heart of Burgundy’s renowned wine region, the Master in Wine Management at the Burgundy School of Business is a specialised course taught at the School of Wine and Spirits Business. At this technical business school, students gain a valuable combination of comprehensive industry knowledge with robust business training.
The School of Wine and Spirits Business is a unique venture in France. The school hosts a Business Lab dedicated to research in the wine and spirits industry, as well as a fully equipped wine cellar and tasting room. The curriculum blends foundational wine knowledge (such as oenology and viticulture) with in-depth coverage of the international wine industry. So, you’ll learn how to sell and how to taste wine.
The close ties that the Burgundy School of Business has with the wine industry mean students gain incredible access to networking events, mentorships, and career opportunities. Plus, you’ll visit world-renowned trade shows during your studies, including the ProWein Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany and the Wine Paris Fair.
Student Review
I just started my postgraduate there but their approach to teaching and the overall quality of their material has been impressive. The lectures are also very well-versed but still cordial. They could improve on the qualities of their facilities though and students also tend to feel cut off.
Student Review
The school is well located, the setting is nice. All my classmates who have been at least serious are all satisfied. I am very satisfied with my experience. Program followed: Master Grande École.
Master in Wine & Spirits & Customer Experience – INSEEC Business School
The Master in Wine & Spirits & Customer Experience at INSEEC Business School is an innovative programme for those passionate about the broader spirits industry. Based in Bordeaux (though students can also study in Paris or Lyon), a region renowned for producing some of the world’s best wines, the programme offers immersion in the wine and spirits industry while focusing on customer experience skills.
Consequently, the curriculum combines technical and managerial courses, covering everything from wine and spirits marketing to digital customer journeys and brand storytelling. You’ll learn through case studies and practical workshops that immerse you in the global wine and spirits industry.
By the end of this management programme, you’ll be an expert in creating memorable customer experiences, a core priority for wine and spirits marketing. Additionally, INSEEC’s strong industry connections provide valuable networking and mentorship opportunities with companies in France and across Europe.
Student Review
Very good experience with amazing people. I met great people that are now great friends, this includes teachers as well.
The teachers I had are the best because on top of teaching, they help you as mentors and also as a friends.
They also recently opened a new campus, quite a big step up to be honest and very happy with it.
Student Review
I am in m2 Marketing, communication and commercial strategies.
the pedagogy of the courses is excellent: everything focuses on the work of groups and the integration of teams with evaluation in presentation which is an initiation to professional life.
Conclusion
One of the best Masters in Wine in France, you won’t just be prepared for a career at a vineyard. Masters of Wine graduates pursue various jobs, including across the food and drink trade, spirits marketing and tourism.
Ultimately, there’s nowhere better than France to begin your career in the wine industry. Even better, there are plenty of fantastic wine Masters available in the country that will give you a strong foundation of technical wine knowledge in addition to valuable business and management skills.
Are you still wondering if France is the study destination for you? Check out our article on the best student cities in France, or read honest student opinions of what it’s like to be an international business student in France.
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