turns water into wine
Higher education institution for wine-making technicians
Higher education institution for wine-making technicians
In brief
Training method
Plein temps
ou temps partiel
Duration of studies
2 years full-time
or 3 years part-time
ECTS Credits
180
Language(s) of instruction
French
Qualifications obtained
Certified wine technician ES
Training at Changins
Wine growers and cellar masters are experts in integrated production, marketing and the management of small to medium-sized businesses in Switzerland. They play a fundamental role in promoting the region and boosting the wine industry. They carry out their work in a spirit of sustainability.
The wine technician knows how to analyse the current situation of their business, define its type of production and its entrepreneurial strategy. They produce and market their wine from their own harvest throughout Switzerland thanks to the acquisition of modern marketing tools and knowledge of German.
As a vineyard manager or winegrower, they understand the quality requirements of grapes for winemaking.
As a cellar master or winemaking specialist, their extensive knowledge of viticulture is a huge asset in the selection of raw materials. They make wine according to high standards of quality, respect for the environment and consumer preferences.
1600 periods of lectures and practical work
18 weeks of practical placements integrated into the training programme
100 hours of work per semester
320 hours of degree work
1 week study trip
Admission requirements
Hold a Federal Certificate of Competence (FCC) in viticulture or wine cellar management and provide evidence of at least 12 months' professional experience in the wine industry after obtaining the FCC.
If the FCC in viticulture and wine cellar management has been obtained, the year of professional experience is not required.
Hold a Federal Certificate of Competence (FCC) in viticulture or wine cellar management and provide evidence of at least 12 months' professional experience in the wine industry after obtaining the FCC.
If the FCC in viticulture and wine cellar management has been obtained, the year of professional experience is not required.
Candidates who do not meet the above requirements may be admitted on the basis of their application. CHANGINS has issued a directive on this subject.
Admission on the basis of application
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Candidates applying for admission on the basis of their application must have at least a secondary II level education.
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Additional training and/or at least one year of proven practical experience in the wine industry must demonstrate a level of practical skills equivalent to the Federal Certificate of Competence (CFC) in viticulture and oenology.
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A professional interview to assess the level of practical skills will be held in weeks 25 to 27. A professional report must be completed and submitted one week before the professional interview. An application form must be completed for this procedure.
School fees
The costs of training are largely covered by public authorities (Confederation and Cantons). From June 2025, the financial contribution of students enrolled in the Wine Technician ES programme will be divided as follows:
Tuition fees: CHF 360 per semester
Expenses (materials, courses, miscellaneous): CHF 500 per semester 1, 2 and 4, CHF 850 per semester 3
Registration fee: CHF 150, payable upon enrolment.
Total for 2 years: CHF 3,990 + CHF 150 (registration fee) = CHF 4,140
Total for 3 years: CHF 4,710 + CHF 150 (registration fee) = CHF 4,860
In the footsteps of Caroline Jouniaux
Register for training
Contact person for queries
Isabel Baehler
Executive assistant and admissions officer