In late August 2025, we arrived in Bordeaux to attend the CAFA Wine School as full-time students pursuing a “Diplôme de Conseiller en Vin,” or “Wine Consultant Diploma,” and professional title “Sommelier Advisor,” after traveling in France since April (e.g., see my post “Alsace Wine Region: In a Nutshell“).
Why CAFA Wine School
First and foremost, location, location, location. Bordeaux, France, is one of the premier destinations for studying wine, thanks to its historical significance in viticulture, its renowned wineries, and its proximity to international trade events.
Second, the CAFA Wine School program offers in-depth training recognized by the French State and is registered with the RNCP under No. 38134 at Level 5 of the Training Framework. If you complete all the testing, you can earn a “Wine Consultant Diploma.”
Third, we received fine support throughout the entire application and visa extension process from CAFA.
UPDATE:
We’ve finished our time in Bordeaux and the CAFA wine program. Now, we’re in Paris getting ready for the Ferrandi Paris Intensive Professional Program in French Cuisine, which runs for four months starting February 4th. Here are my pros and cons of the CAFA program as I see it:
PROS: CAFA Wine School
- We lived in the Chartrons neighborhood in Bordeaux for 6 months.
- The wine school training program is intense and comprehensive.
- There were 10 to 12 visits to wineries or by winemakers to the school.
- The class is led by an instructor, but outside speakers also visit, adding value.
- We tasted a lot of wine, good and bad; maybe over 400? (not sure the exact number).
- The class size is small, 10 people; our fellow students were very nice people.
- Value for money; I think we paid 7,500 euros. That is a deal for what you get.
CONS: CAFA Wine School
- Before we started at CAFA Wine School, we believed we knew what was required to earn the “Wine Consultant Diploma.” However, the information we received on the first day was different.
- 25% to 35% of the program time is spent on teaching, learning, and memorizing information and details relevant to high-level wine training. This time would be better spent reinforcing the foundational wine information and details covered during the program.
Summary
In addition to studying outside the classroom, to earn the “Wine Consultant Diploma” you must: 1) Curate and publish a detailed wine and spirits list featuring about 175 to 225 wines from around the world; 2) Write and publish a 40 to 50-page paper on selling the wine of your choice, along with a PowerPoint presentation; 3) Write a 10 to 15-page paper about a wine event and create a related PowerPoint presentation; 4) Attend at least 80% of your classes; 5) Take part in a rigorous two-day testing regimen, which includes presenting your wine papers to an external jury and answering questions to assess your wine knowledge. The good news is that if you fail the test, you can apply to take it again.
If you go to CAFA Wine School knowing what to expect and what you want to get out of it, the experience is well worth the time and money. Check with the CAFA Wine School for current requirements.