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A 2-week introduction to wines and spirits

This two-week programme completely immerses participants in the world of wines and spirits. From learning how to taste, to food and wine pairings and studying the main French wine growing regions, this programme will give you a better understanding of the differences between, and characteristics of, our wine growing terroirs.

This programme is perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of wine and polish their skills. It is suitable for amateur and experienced wine enthusiasts, culinary arts students and hotel and restaurant professionals who are keen to learn more about this fascinating field.

The instructors and consultants will share their techniques and know-how with participants, providing them with an understanding of the world of wines through shared knowledge and numerous tastings.

The programme takes place at Le Cordon Bleu Paris institute in a fully equipped tasting room, dedicated to wine professions, in the style of a wine cellar. Each participant receives a training manual detailing the topics covered during the programme.

 




Key information
Admission criteria:

  • Age: All applicants must be aged 18 years or older
  • Languages: To make the most of this programme, a very good command of French or English is recommended.
  • Pre-requisite level (diploma): None
  • Registration deadline: 5 working days before the programme starts.

Programme length:
2 weeks
Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 5 pm

51 hours of which:
46,5 h of classroom teaching
1,5 h of tasting workshops
3 h master class

Teaching languages:
The programme is taught in French and consecutively translated into English.

Teaching method:
The programme combines theory classes and wine tastings. The classrooms are fitted out with professional equipment.


 
The advantages of this programme: In practical terms:

Tuition fees:

2 weeks: 2 450 € including tax and VAT
Tuition fees include programme materials, tastings, and equipment.

Financing:
The CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) personal training account cannot be used to finance this programme.

Programme details

  • Objectives

    At the end of the 2 weeks, you will be able to:

    • Understand the theory of viticulture and vinification methods in France
    • Identify the main French viticultural regions and their appellations
    • Learn the concepts of food and wine pairing and how to put them into practice
    • Distinguish between new forms of modern viticulture and vinification.
  • Programme content
    1. Introduction to tasting: Learn the methodology of analytical tasting.
    2. Red, rosé and white vinification, and special vinification: Theory training in different winemaking methods.
    3. Study the main French viticultural regions, with tastings of a selection of wines which are representative of the wine regions explored: Burgundy, Languedoc-Roussillon, Alsace and Jura, Champagne, Bordeaux, Loire and Rhône Valley.
    4. Master Class on different international styles, and Riedel glassware.
    5. Cuisine demonstration by a Le Cordon Bleu Chef with food and wine pairings: Discover food and wine pairing in a real-life setting.
    6. Discover organic, biodynamic, and natural wines: Explanation of the principles of organic viticulture, biodynamic vinification, and the ideas behind the concept of natural wine.
  • Certification

    This programme does not lead to certification. All participants will carry out a blind tasting at the end of the programme to validate their knowledge and obtain a Le Cordon Bleu Paris certificate of participation.

Term Dates & Prices

Select a date
2025
Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025 ( Standard )
2,450.00€
Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025 ( Standard )
2,450.00€

Testimonials

  • Everyone was wonderful. Sandrine Audegond was an exceptional teacher and provided a wealth of knowledge about wine. I learned a great deal in a short time and am very grateful for my experience at Le Cordon Bleu!
    Anne-Marie Doyle - Intensive Wine Course 2023
  • "I have taken many short wine courses in my life and I learned more in this course than in every other wine course all added together. Clement's knowledge and teaching style are outstanding. He is one of the best teachers that I have had in a long time. My one suggestion for improvement would be to distribute the presentation that he uses to the paying members of the class. I am sure that it took many years to create a presentation of such high quality; however, the fact that it is of such high quality would make it very helpful to retain."
    Jim Vesterman, Intensive Wine Course 2022
  • "This class exceeded my expectations in every way. The instructor (Clement) was very knowledgeable and passionate about the topic and made it very engaging. The only drawback was that the class had to end. I think the whole class would have willingly spent another week learning as much as possible. The wines we tasted, the food and wine pairing luncheon, the Riedel master class, all top notch. As mainly an English speaker, I also have to give credit for Sophie's translation skills. She didn't just translate, she was genuinely interested in the topic herself and at times asked questions that benefitted all of us (French or English)."
    Rob Ringenberg, Intensive Wine Course 2021
  • I was really impressed by the teacher's commitment during the course. There was a technical, educational and social atmosphere that really motivated me to learn and fueled my interest in wine. Overall, I had an experience that I will hold dear for the rest of my life. Clément is truly a character and a teacher who brings great value to students. I am particularly impressed.
    Marthe Fahre, Intensive Wine Course 2021

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The institute reserves the right to modify the induction procedure, fees, dates, organisation, and structure of all its training programmes.

Last page update in June 2024.
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