change with your curiosity
The wine school for everyone
The wine school for everyone
Training courses combining knowledge and enjoyment
Located in Nyon on a site unique in Switzerland, the wine school is a department of the prestigious Changins School. Since 1999, the wine school has been offering courses that combine serious teaching with the pleasure of tasting, aimed at :
for wine lovers, beginners or experienced
to professionals in the restaurant and hotel sector
to professionals in the sale of wines and spirits.
Each year, more than 60 lecturers offer modules to nearly 300 enthusiasts and industry professionals. Courses are mainly held in the evening and cover tasting, sensory analysis, knowledge of Swiss and international wines by region and grape variety, viticulture and winemaking techniques, as well as the legal aspects of wine sales. Not to mention the pleasures and discoveries segment, ranging from olive oil to whisky, rum, and beer.
You can offer your loved ones a gift voucher for the amount of your choice, or select the course you wish to give them directly.
The cost of the courses may be reduced in your tax calculation in accordance with the provisions in force.
Subjects taught
Discovering the wines of Lavaux
Learn more about the grape varieties grown in this vineyard, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Basic tasting course
Courses to learn and improve your tasting skills, for all levels.
Viticulture and winemaking
To better understand viticultural techniques and winemaking methods
Wine market, management, legislation
These courses will enable you to improve your knowledge of the legal aspects of wine sales, cellar management and wine marketing.
Practical workshops
Professionals guide you through learning how to make your own wine, beer or spirits in practical workshops.
Knowledge of wines from around the world
Discover and taste the world's finest wines: from Bordeaux to Italy, Burgundy to the New World, via Switzerland.
Knowledge of grape varieties and terroirs
Through tasting, you will discover what characterises the greatest white and red grape varieties: Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir, etc.
Discoveries
Specific themes such as old vintages and biodynamics, and the opportunity to discover other products (rum, whisky, olive oil, etc.).
Service and gastronomy
Practical courses to learn how to serve wine properly (decanting, choosing the right temperature, etc.) and how to pair wines with food.
Our upcoming free courses for restaurateurs
Vaud wines in restaurants: discovery and sales
Are you active in the service and catering industry and want to improve your knowledge of Vaud wines? Our two-day training course offered by GastroVaud, the Office des Vins Vaudois and CHANGINS, with the support of the State of Vaud, is made for you.
Perfect the art of tasting, your knowledge of the terroir, as well as serving and storage techniques and margin management to better promote Vaud wines in your establishment and in your daily life.
Distinctions:
Certificate of completion
Membership of the Académie des Vins Vaudois
Opportunity for the best candidates to enrol in the Federal Sommelier Certificate programme, subject to meeting the admission requirements
Price:
This training course, valued at CHF 450, is offered free of charge by the Canton of Vaud, the Vaud Foundation for Training in the Food Industry, CHANGINS, the Office des Vins Vaudois and GastroVaud.
However, you must have a valid employment contract in the restaurant industry in the Canton of Vaud to benefit from this offer.
Dates:
April 20, 2026 and May 4, 2026
May 11 and June 1, 2026
August 31 and September 14, 2026
September 28 and October 12, 2026 (Pully)
November 23 and 30, 2026
December 7 and 14, 2026
Valais wines
This intensive two-day course, developed in collaboration with Ritzy, is aimed at catering professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge of Valais wines and strengthen their ability to recommend and promote them to their customers.
Combining theoretical knowledge, tasting and practical applications, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the Valais vineyards and teaches the essential basics for advising with confidence, describing wine accurately and promoting regional wines in a professional context
Day 1
Discovering the Valais vineyards and an introduction to tasting
Day 2
Promoting Valais wines in the restaurant industry
Price :
For participants working in the accommodation and catering sector in the canton of Valais (ritzyFamily programme), the training costs are covered by the LHR fund.
Participants are only required to pay the administration fee of CHF 50 per day.
Available dates:
Sierre: March 30 and April 13, 2026 OR May 11 and June 1, 2026
Pully: September 28 and October 12, 2026 OR November 30 and December 14, 2026