The “Advanced Sommelier Postgraduate Degree” program begins by exploring the world of wine through an exclusive course led by Josep Pelegrín, who was awarded Best Sommelier of Catalonia in 2014 and 2015, and Best Sommelier of Spain in 2016.

This training offered by Joviat in collaboration with the Universitat de Vic aims to cultivate expert sommeliers with a deep understanding of global wine cultures, with a special emphasis on the rich wine heritage of Catalonia. It integrates rigorous academic standards with the practical realities of the wine industry.

Program participants will develop key technical competencies , transversal skills such as responsibility , creativity , communication , empathy , readiness for the digital age and teamwork. There is also a strong emphasis on personalized guidance and support for learners, ensuring that they reach their maximum educational potential through co-personalized teaching and tutoring for effective and distinctive follow-up .

Finally, registrations open on January 10 , 2024 and there is a deadline until June 30 to register.

Advanced Sommelier Postgraduate Degree

Schedules

Period

Start in October 2024 and end in April 2025

Curriculum

This module serves as an introduction to the fundamental concepts of the world of wine, including viticulture (the art and science of growing grapes), vinification (the process of producing wine), and the classification of wines according to different criteria such as origin, grape variety, and type. Students will discover the importance of understanding grape varieties, from the most common to the least known, as well as the different winemaking processes that contribute to the complexity of each wine. Through theoretical and practical sessions, participants will learn to identify the main styles of wine and the factors that influence their flavor and aroma.

The module offers a detailed and in-depth study of grape growing, including agricultural techniques, soil management, and climate management, essential for fruit quality. The key processes of harvesting, fermentation, maturation, and bottling in wine production will also be addressed. Students will explore how viticulture and winemaking interrelate to produce wines with distinct identities, and how decisions made at each step affect the final product. Practical sessions will include visits to vineyards and wineries to see these processes first-hand.

This module invites students on a journey through the world’s major wine regions, from traditional to emerging. The unique characteristics of each region will be covered, including its climate, predominant grape varieties, and the styles of wine they produce. Through case studies, tastings of representative wines, and studies of the history and wine culture of each region.

In this module, students will develop advanced wine tasting skills, including grape variety identification, quality assessment, and defect detection. Blind tasting will be emphasized as a tool to sharpen the palate and improve objectivity in wine evaluation. Techniques for describing wine accurately and articulately, essential for both sommeliers and serious wine enthusiasts, will also be explored.

This module provides an overview of the wine industry from a business perspective, covering topics such as wine marketing and distribution, winery and business management, and market trends. Participants will learn about strategies for promoting and selling wine, the importance of branding and market positioning, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. It will include case studies, group projects, and discussions with industry professionals to provide a realistic and applicable understanding of the wine business.

Equipment and resources

The certification in the “Advanced Sommelier Postgraduate Degree” program includes access to a wide range of equipment and resources provided through collaborations with renowned companies and institutions in the gastronomic and wine sectors, as well as in research and technological innovation fields.

  • Advanced Sommelier Postgraduate Degree
  • Advanced Sommelier Postgraduate Degree
  • Advanced Sommelier Postgraduate Degree
  • Advanced Sommelier Postgraduate Degree

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At JOVIAT we understand learning as a full, conscious and vital experience. An experience that marks our paths of professional and personal growth, and that leaves an impact on society.

The program offered is an Advanced Postgraduate in Sommelier, a postgraduate qualification designed to train world-class professionals in the field of wine. This program is offered in collaboration between Joviat and the Universitat VIC – Central University of Catalonia, ensuring academic rigor and international recognition.

It provides comprehensive training ranging from viticulture and enology to tasting mastery, preparing students to communicate effectively about wines to a diverse audience and manage quality service in hospitality settings. It also covers beverage management, food pairings, wine tourism knowledge, and encourages the practical application of learning in real-world work environments, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities within the wine industry.

The postgraduate degree opens doors to various professional opportunities, including:

  • Sommelier in General: Development of personal projects related to the world of wine, such as personalized tastings.
  • Store Sommelier: Management of the purchase and distribution of wines and other beverages, organization and leadership of tasting courses for customers.
  • Restaurant Sommelier: Complete management of wine lists and beverage services, wine rotation, creation of menus and pairings, restaurant customer service.
  • Winery Sommelier: Work in the winery’s wine tourism team or as a winery advisor, participating in tastings and blending processes.

To enter the program, interested parties must demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of wine, although no specific academic qualifications are required, highlighting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and passion for wine. The admissions process includes an introductory telephone interview to assess candidates’ passion and suitability for the program.

The professional opportunities offered by the postgraduate degree open the way for career continuity within various areas of the wine industry. Graduates can aspire to positions in top-level restaurants, wine distribution companies, as independent sommelier consultants or even in the field of wine tourism. In addition, the development of personal projects related to the world of wine offers an opportunity for entrepreneurship within the sector.

The course is recognized by the Universitat VIC – Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVIC-UCC), ensuring academic rigor and international recognition.