Higher University Diploma in Sommelier

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Duration

2 courses
Start date

October 2026
Modality

On-campus
Languages

Spanish

Become a professional sommelier

The University Diploma in Sommelier at CETT-UB will equip you with new skills and a comprehensive understanding of the world of wine and sensory analysis, with a particular focus on the organoleptic tasting of all types of wines, food pairing, wine list design, and wine service.

Take advantage of CETT's state-of-the-art facilities and give your professional career a new direction with this sommelier programme. Become a wine expert, develop new skills, and immerse yourself in a world of flavours, sensory experiences, and wine culture.

Who is this sommelier course for?

Professionals working in the restaurant industry, wineries and wine companies, as well as in sectors related to food and beverages.
Restaurant professionals with a minimum level of industry experience.
Holders of a diploma or bachelor's degree in Tourism, or other related disciplines, with a minimum level of experience in the world of wine who wish to specialise in this field.
Experienced wine enthusiasts looking to pursue a professional career in the wine industry.

A previous university qualification (Bachelor's degree, diploma, or equivalent) is not required to enrol in this programme.

A sommelier course tailored to professionals

Theoretical and practical training in sommelier studies

The programme combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning through organoleptic tastings of a wide variety of national and international products, providing an in-depth understanding of the world of wine and beverages.
Specialised classrooms for learning sommelier studies

The programme is delivered in specialised sommelier training rooms, providing an immersive learning experience that introduces students to a world of flavours and sensory experiences, enriching their education.
Personalised learning

The programme is delivered in small groups with participants from diverse professional backgrounds, fostering interaction, collaboration, and the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Masterclasses with experts and winery visits

The programme includes guest masterclasses delivered by leading industry experts, as well as guided visits that complement classroom tastings and learning, providing practical insights and first-hand exposure to the profession.
Professional internships in restaurants and wineries

Students have the opportunity to undertake internships with more than 900 partner organisations through CETT's extensive network of industry collaborations, supported by the Career Services team throughout the internship and career placement process.

Why study a sommelier course at CETT-UB?

Learn professional wine tasting

From day one, you will develop your wine and beverage tasting skills by combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning. You will taste more than 500 national and international wines and beverages, building the expertise and sensory awareness required of a professional sommelier.

Expert faculty in oenology and sommelier studies

You will be taught by a faculty of practising professionals with extensive experience in oenology, viticulture, and wine marketing, ensuring you gain up-to-date knowledge and valuable industry insights.

A current perspective on the wine industry

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the world of wine and its related sectors, equipping you to tackle commercial, marketing, and sustainability challenges across today's wine industry.

Recognised qualification and professional networking

You will earn a qualification recognised by the Catalan Association of Sommeliers (ACS) and the Spanish Union of Sommelier Associations (UAES).

You will also build a valuable professional network, helping you establish connections and advance your career in the wine industry.

Key Facts

Specialised, fully equipped training facilities

100 %

Practical classes

900

Partnership agreements

+50

Years of industry experience

Why CETT-UB?

Academic prestige

CETT-UB is an institute with a strong academic reputation: it is supported by the University of Barcelona, scores high in international rankings, has more than 56 years of experience and over 22,000 alumni, guaranteeing prestige and educational quality.

International vocation

You will study in an international environment: every year, the campus receives more than 1,200 students from over 75 countries who choose CETT to train in tourism, hospitality and gastronomy. This cultural diversity, together with academic mobility opportunities, will enrich your learning experience and prepare you for a global career in the tourism industry.

Connection with the sector

CETT-UB has a close relationship with the tourism industry, ensuring that your training will be consistent with the needs of the labor market. As the institute has more than 1,000 agreements with companies in the sector, you will have access to employment and internship opportunities. A high percentage of CETT graduates also find employment in the sector, which demonstrates the quality and relevance of our training.

Experience-based methodology

At CETT-UB, you will learn through real challenges and projects. You will have the opportunity to participate in national and international awards and competitions, which will allow you to make your mark and develop your skills with a global perspective.

More than a campus

The CETT Campus has learning spaces that reflect the reality of the sector: such as the Hotel Universitario Alimara, the Aula Restaurant, Espai Fòrum and the Ágora BCN residence. You will be able to apply your knowledge in real work environments, connect with active professionals and develop innovative projects.

Campus CETT

Select a gallery

Training Center

Building

Reception

Resource center

Career Services

Theoretical teaching classrooms

Technical Classrooms

Pre-preparation Classroom

Cooking Workshop

Techno-Culinary Classroom

Research and Innovation Space

Demonstration Kitchen Classroom

UB-Bullipedia Space

Sommeliers Classrooms

Reception Classroom

Computer Classrooms

Applied Technology Classrooms

Restaurant Classroom

Forum Space

Kitchen Classroom

Alimara University Hotel

Reception

Summum Restaurant

Event Rooms

Garden

Rooms

Àgora BCN University Residence

Reception

Rooms

Dining Room

Leisure Room

Gym

Activity Rooms

Garden

Training Center

Building

Reception

Resource center

Career Services

Theoretical teaching classrooms

Technical Classrooms

Pre-preparation Classroom

Cooking Workshop

Techno-Culinary Classroom

Research and Innovation Space

Demonstration Kitchen Classroom

UB-Bullipedia Space

Sommeliers Classrooms

Reception Classroom

Computer Classrooms

Applied Technology Classrooms

Restaurant Classroom

Forum Space

Kitchen Classroom

Alimara University Hotel

Reception

Summum Restaurant

Event Rooms

Garden

Rooms

Àgora BCN University Residence

Reception

Rooms

Dining Room

Leisure Room

Gym

Activity Rooms

Garden

Professional training in sommelier studies and oenology

The University Diploma in Sommelier is structured over two academic years, with 27 ECTS credits completed each year. In total, the programme comprises 54 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, completed over a two-year period.

Throughout the programme, the learning experience is designed around a methodology that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical learning.

Objectives of the sommelier course
- Wine tasting methodology: You will master professional wine tasting techniques, understanding the role of the senses at every stage of the tasting process while becoming familiar with the specialist terminology used by sommeliers.
- 21st-century sommelier competencies: You will develop the essential skills required of today's sommeliers, including wine cellar management, contemporary food pairing concepts, and the correct use of wine service equipment.
- The evolution of viticulture and winemaking: You will explore the history of viticulture and winemaking, identifying grape varieties, understanding vine growth cycles, and analysing how soil and climate influence grape quality, as well as learning the main winemaking methods.
- Protected designations of origin and gourmet products: You will learn to identify different protected designations of origin (PDOs) and their regulations, while gaining an understanding of the production processes and characteristics of premium products such as cheeses and cured hams, placing the wine market in both a national and international context.

Course schedule

Classes for the University Diploma in Sommelier are delivered according to the following schedule:

First academic year: from late September to late June.
Second academic year: from late September to early July.
Timetable: Mondays, 10:00 am–1:00 pm and 3:00 pm–6:00 pm.

First course

Module	ECTS	Description
Viticulture	6	You will study the composition of the grape, vineyard soils, climate, and the factors that influence grape production and quality. You will also explore grape varieties, vineyard diseases, and preventive and corrective treatments.
Oenology	6	You will examine the winemaking process, wine composition, and its key characteristics. You will identify the components of wine and understand the transformations involved in different winemaking methods, linking production techniques to the quality of the final product.
National wine geography	6	You will explore the diversity of Spain's wine-producing regions, their regulatory frameworks, and the characteristics of each wine area. You will identify grape varieties, wine styles, and learn to recognise the organoleptic characteristics of Spanish wines.
Special products and wines I	3	You will learn about the characteristics and varieties of beverages and products that complement food, including coffee, beer, and vinegar. You will also study special wines such as sparkling and sweet wines, and how to pair them appropriately.
Wine service technology I	3	You will gain an understanding of the sommelier's professional role, dining room operations, and resource management. You will learn the principles of wine service, decanting techniques, wine list design, and wine cellar management.
Wine tasting I	3	You will develop the knowledge and specialist vocabulary needed to describe the organoleptic characteristics of wine. You will carry out visual, olfactory, and gustatory analysis while learning professional tasting methodology and the fundamentals of food and wine pairing.

Second course

Module	ECTS	Description
International wine geography and wine tasting II	9	You will explore the world's major wine-producing regions, studying the characteristics of key international wine areas. Through guided tastings of representative wines, you will refine advanced tasting techniques, including descriptive oral tasting, written tasting notes, and commercial wine evaluation.
Spirits and distilled beverages	6	You will learn the fundamental principles of distillation and study the main categories of spirits, including their origins and production methods. Practical tasting sessions will enable you to identify and evaluate their sensory characteristics.
Wine service technology II and beverage purchasing and sales management	6	You will study key gastronomic products relevant to sommellerie, including cheeses and international wines. You will further develop your wine service skills while learning about food and wine pairing, as well as beverage distribution, purchasing, and sales management in both national and international markets.
Prácticum	6	You will integrate academic learning with professional practice, developing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for a successful career in the wine industry. The practicum focuses on applying your learning in a professional environment, gaining first-hand industry experience, and strengthening your professional competencies.

Official qualification in sommelier studies

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded the University Diploma in Sommelier from the University of Barcelona.

The diploma has been delivered since 2004 and is recognised by the Catalan Association of Sommeliers (ACS) and the Spanish Union of Sommelier Associations (UAES), both members of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).

A previous university qualification is not required to enrol in this programme.

Academic quality

CETT is the ideal partner for companies and institutions that recognise talent acquisition as a strategic driver of growth and development.

Through expert guidance, project implementation, and tailored initiatives, we help organisations strengthen their talent recruitment processes by creating dynamic environments that connect them with the professionals best suited to their needs.

International support

We understand the challenges of living in a new country. That's why the CETT-UB Campus offers the International Relations Office (ORI), a dedicated service providing guidance, advice, and support for international students enrolled on our master's programmes.

The ORI team will provide practical information on key aspects of life in Barcelona, including local registration, applying for a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE), and finding accommodation in the city.

Procedures for international students

The ORI team will provide up-to-date guidance on the administrative procedures you will need to complete once you arrive in Barcelona, including essential documentation such as your Foreigner Identity Number (NIE), local municipal registration (padrón), and your university student card.

Languages

If Spanish is not your first language, the ORI team will advise you on how and where to learn it. They can also provide information about learning Catalan, helping you integrate more easily into everyday life in Barcelona. In addition, you can improve your Spanish through the certified language courses offered by the CETT-UB Language Department.

If you would like to practise another language in a more informal setting, you can also take part free of charge in CETT-UB's language exchange programme with fellow students.

International Office

International Office

We help you plan your stay abroad and inform you about the available options for academic mobility and international activities.

Floor: 4

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Fridays from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

[email protected]

Professional internships

During your studies at CETT-UB, you will have the opportunity to undertake internships with leading companies and institutions, allowing you to apply and build on the knowledge gained throughout your academic programme while developing the professional skills and competencies needed for your future career.

Internship formats

Curricular internships: These are linked to modules within your programme and form part of the academic curriculum. They are therefore compulsory.

Extracurricular internships: These are voluntary placements undertaken outside the formal curriculum.

All internships are carried out through university–industry partnership agreements and are supervised by academic staff with expertise in the relevant field.

Each year, CETT-UB receives more than 900 internship requests from companies and organisations. We will help you identify the opportunities that best match your professional profile and career aspirations, while supporting you throughout the process of securing placements with leading employers and institutions.

One of CETT-UB's key differentiators is its unique ecosystem of training and hospitality businesses, allowing you to apply your practical skills without leaving the campus. These include: