Presentation

NEXT EDITION: JANUARY 2025

PRE REGISTER HERE

Gain a 360º perspective on the world of wine.

They say love moves us, coffee propels us, and wine saves us. There are different kinds of wine too. Whites with the soul of reds, pink bubbles, and stories behind each bottle. Tales filled with excitement and passion, but also strategy, knowledge, and discipline. This Master's program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the wine sector or, more precisely, the liquid art.

During the master's, students will explore the technical language characteristic of areas such as oenology and wine tasting, while also gaining knowledge in sommelier skills and wine pairings. They will also specialize in topics related to marketing, promotion, distribution, and wine export.

Our goal is to provide all the necessary tools and resources for students to develop their professional careers in the area that interests them most within the wine sector, whether it's in a winery, sales and distribution, the restaurant industry, or the world of wine tourism. Everything adds up, nurtures, and should be shared.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Start date: january, 2025
• Number of credits: 60 ECTS
• Campus-Based Learning at Basque Culinary Center
• Duration: 9 months in total
  • 6 months of on-site training (january to june 2025)
  • 3 months of external internships (july to october 2025)
• Schedule
  • Monday to Thursday from 15:00  to 20:00h (CEST)
• 20 spots available
• Master's program offered by MONDRAGON UNIBERTSITATEA and delivered by the Faculty of Gastronomic Sciences at Basque Culinary Center
• For inquiries and more information, please contact cursos@bculinary.com

MASTER'S OBJECTIVES

• Understand the value chain of wine, from the vineyard to the consumer, including the processes of production, aging, marketing, and distribution.
• Identify and characterize the main types of wines, spirits, liquors, and other beverages, as well as the most relevant production regions worldwide.
• Develop the sensory skills required to conduct professional tastings of wines and other beverages.
• Manage all processes and services related to the wine and beverage sector in a restaurant, from designing the offering and managing the wine cellar to developing sales techniques in the restaurant and gourmet food pairings.
• Acquire the necessary knowledge to analyze markets and establish marketing strategies and promotional activities in the world of wine, both in the domestic and international markets.

CAREER OPORTUNITIES

We know that professional opportunities can vary depending on geographical location and individual preferences of the students; however, with this program, participants can take on roles and functions in the following positions and fields:

• Wineries:
  • Technical-commercial and marketing area (national and export).
  • Communication and consultancy.
  • Institutional organizations:
  • Related to the production and promotion of the world of wine and gastronomy (Designations of Origin, interprofessional associations, consortia, etc.).
• Distribution sector:
  • Purchasing manager.
  • Professional customer relations.
  • Organization of tastings and events management.
• Wine shops.
  • Online sales.
  • Distribution to professionals.
• Restaurant sector
  • Wine expert.
  • Gourmet pairings.
  • Sommelier.
• Entrepreneurship:
  • In the enogastronomy sector.
  • Wine tourism.

LISTEN TO OUR STUDENTS

10+1 Reasons

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD DO THIS MASTER’S DEGREE

Programme

The Master's program is aimed at individuals with the following profiles:

• University graduates or holders of degrees in Vocational Training in fields ranging from Business and Tourism to Gastronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Communication, Humanities, Sommelier, among others.
• Graduates in marketing, distribution, or sales in companies related to the wine industry seeking specialized training.
• Individuals aspiring to develop their careers in the wine sector with existing experience in marketing, distribution, or sales in other industries.
• Hospitality professionals with solid experience looking for a career change to advance professionally.
• Individuals coming from families involved in the wine business looking to expand their knowledge to contribute to the family business.
• Professionals with experience in oenology who want to explore other aspects, such as marketing, sales, or gastronomy, within the wine context.
• Professionals with a background and/or experience in marketing departments looking to pivot toward the wine sector.
• Professionals seeking an opportunity to reinvent themselves in the wine industry and require specific training.

Language Requirements:

• A good command of English will be positively evaluated.

If you don't see your profile reflected in the above points but are interested in the Master's program, don't hesitate to apply. We will consider your education and experience and get in touch with you.

CURRICULUM

Module 1: Wine and Other Beverages (14 ECTS)

Viticulture and Soil Science History of the vine.

• Plant morphology.
• Factors influencing grape quality and production.
• Soils and climate.
• Vegetative cycle and plant health.
• Vineyard work.
• Harvest.
• Grape constitution and biochemistry.

Sensory Analysis

• Definition, parameters of wine quality.
• Sensory analysis techniques: from classical to cutting-edge methodologies.
• Senses involved.
• Specific tasting vocabulary.

Winemaking

• The winery: winemaking equipment.
• Production processes for different wine styles.
• Microbiology.
• Fermentation and wine transformation processes.
• Winemaking: white, red, rosé, sparkling, fortified, and sweet wines.
• Clarification, filtration, and wine stabilization.
• New trends in winemaking: natural, biodynamic, organic, vegan, etc.
• Wine aging: barrels, concrete tanks, clay amphorae, and other materials.
• Different types of oak.
• New bottle closures and packaging.
• Defects in wine production and preservation.

English for Viticulture and Sensory Analysis

Specific vocabulary related to vineyards, the winemaking process, and wine tasting.

National and International Geography

• European regulations.
• Classification of production zones: Wines with Designation of Origin (PDO and PGI) and without origin indication.
• Adaptation of the regulations to different EU wine-producing countries.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Spanish wine geography: wine regions, grape varieties, wine styles, climatic and soil factors, primary terroirs.
• Major wine-producing countries in Europe: France, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
• Relevant wine regions, primary grape varieties, and most important styles.
• New World Wines.

Other Alcoholic Beverages

• Beer: ingredients, production, types, and current trends.
• Cider: production, types, styles, and current trends.
• Sake: production and types.
• The distillation process: major spirits and brandies.
• Countries of origin.

Module 2: Sommelier, Gastronomy, and Pairing (6 ECTS)

History of Wine as a Fundamental Element in Gastronomy

• Gastronomic culture related to the world of wine.

The sommelier as a relevant figure in the restaurant industry.

• The tasks of a sommelier.
• How to present and sell wine.
• Service techniques: decanting, aeration, new service trends. Sommelier tools: glasses, corkscrews, Coravin, etc.
• Learning how to choose the most appropriate ones.
• Using other products in sommelier work; coffee, sake, cider, beer, oils, etc.
• Knowledge of grape distillates and other raw materials.
• Introduction to Mixology.  Traditional cocktail-making and current cocktail trends.

Wine Pairing.

• Current Theories and Techniques How to pair wines according to different methodologies.
• Seeking synergies with high-quality gastronomic products such as Iberian ham, cheeses, duck products, and desserts.
• Pairing options: by dish, for a complete menu.

Cellar Management and Wine List Design for a Specific Establishment

• Effective cellar management for various restaurant styles.
• How to sell wine through a well-structured wine list.

Module 3: Wine Marketing and Communication (9 ECTS)

Market Analysis and Wine Consumers Worldwide

• Trends in the Spanish and international markets.
• Market analysis and foreign trade management.
• Consumer analysis: qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Internal winery analysis.

Strategic Marketing

• Defining vision, mission, and values.
• Strategic roles of a winery.
• Consumer segmentation, targeting, and positioning.
• Defining the value proposition.
• Marketing objectives. 

Marketing Mix

• Product design and experiences: brand and branding.
• Defining pricing strategy.
• Selecting sales channels: supermarkets, specialty stores, and omnichannel.
• Promoting wine: digital marketing, public relations, trade fairs, communication, and others.
• Wine Tourism as a Business Unit.

Evaluation

• Defining KPI indicators.
• Budgeting and scheduling.

Module 4: Master's Thesis (12 ECTS)

You will develop a supervised project throughout the learning process, which you will submit one week after the end of in-person classes. The project will consist of:

• Developing a marketing plan for a real or fictitious product or company.
• Contextualizing a wine based on its region of origin, grape variety, and production process, as well as its gastronomic and service applications.

Module 5: Curricular Internship (19 ECTS)

After completing the academic period, you will put into practice everything you have learned over three months and gain real-life experiences in national or international companies and institutions related to the wine industry.

The Faculty of Gastronomic Sciences has collaboration agreements with over 700 companies in the wine, restaurant, and tourism sectors. You will be able to carry out internships in:

• Wineries: wine tourism, marketing, or export.
• Wine distributors.
• Specialized wine shops.
• Institutions related to the wine world.
• Restaurants where the wine list and pairings are key to the gastronomic offering.

External internships are an excellent opportunity to apply what you have learned during the course and acquire new professional skills. If you prefer, you can request credit for them by providing evidence of your professional experience.

Calendar

• Total Duration: 9 months
• Number of credits: 60 ECTS 
• Academic Period: january to june , 2025
• Schedule: monday to thursday from 15:00  to 20:00h (CEST)
• Curricular Internships: july to october 2025 (3 months)

Methodology

The Master's program is delivered using the "learning by doing" methodology, which is based on the idea that the best way to learn is through practical experience and direct action. Instead of focusing solely on theory and passive instruction, this methodology promotes students acquiring knowledge and skills by actively participating in practical activities and real projects.

The teaching and learning process is based on the following dynamics:

• Learning sessions in which the concepts and content of each module of the training program will be worked on.
• Practical case studies led by experts and master's program professors that allow for group dynamics, debates, and reflections.
• Masterclasses with over 40 invited experts in the fields of wine, marketing, and gastronomy, who will provide firsthand experiences and knowledge of the industry.
• Wine tasting workshops, where you will have the opportunity to taste over 400 references from around the world.
• Tastings, pairings, and other culinary activities guided by professors and guest experts that will help you consolidate the knowledge acquired.
• Knowledge activation activities: readings, exercises, etc.
• Learning journeys to four renowned wine regions, where you will gain a global perspective on the exciting wine sector. You will visit the most prestigious wineries to experience firsthand a range of experiences, from the most traditional to the most innovative. Some of the wine destinations visited in previous editions include Navarra, Jerez, a region unique in the world for the singularity of the wines produced there, Rioja, Txakoli, Burdeos, and Cava.

Teachers and guests

Learn from Industry Experts with Experience!

Students will have the opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals in the field, recognized for their academic, intellectual, and social influence, as well as their impactful contributions. The program features a panel of instructors composed of seasoned culinary experts with specialized knowledge in the field of Gastronomy.

MASTER'S COORDINATOR

Dani Corman

Dani is the Coordinator of the Master's program in Wine Tasting and Enomarketing. He holds a Master's in Enology and Viticulture from the International Social Science Council and a Master's in Wine Production from the European School of Arts. He is a professor of Wine Tasting in the Culinary Science degree program at the Basque Culinary Center, as well as in other educational institutions. Dani is an Ambassador of Champagne in Spain and a trainer for the Champagne Bureau. He also serves as an advisor to wine distributors, hospitality establishments, and wineries nationwide. He is the owner and manager of ESSENCIA wine, a space dedicated to authentic and distinctive wines.             

PROFESSORS, TECHNICAL DESIGN AND COORDINATION TEAAM

Koro Santos

Koro is the Coordinator of the Department of Restaurant and Sommelier at the Basque Culinary Center. She holds a degree in Psychology and is linked to the world of Restaurant Service and Sommelier with over 15 years of teaching experience. She is a certified trainer in Sherry and Cava wines and holds a WSET Level 3 qualification.

Jaume Gramona:

Jaume is a renowned winemaker and owner of Bodegas Gramona, a winery with a long tradition of producing high-quality sparkling wines in Spain. Known for his passion for sparkling wines, Jaume is also a university professor in this field, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. Throughout his career, he has played a crucial role in promoting Spanish sparkling wines worldwide, solidifying their position in the international market.

Cristina Alcalá:

Cristina is a sommelier with a Master's in Viticulture and Enology. Her love for wine led her to become an expert in this field. Throughout her career, she has worked in various renowned wineries and restaurants, acquiring a deep understanding of the intricacies of the world of wine. Cristina is known for her passion for sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for wine, making her an influential professional in the industry.

Ferrán Centelles:

Ferrán is a sommelier and "Drinks Manager'' at the El Bulli Foundation. His experience in the world of haute cuisine and sommellerie has led him to collaborate with some of the most influential chefs in the world. He is also a trainer and contributor at www.jancisrobinson.com , where he shares his profound knowledge of wines and beverages. Ferrán is a prominent figure in the industry, and his focus on excellence has influenced the way wines and beverages are appreciated worldwide.

Adela Balderas:

Adela is a Visiting Academic at the University of Oxford with research and consultancy expertise in tourism and management. Her extensive experience and knowledge have made her an expert in the field of tourism, with a focus on wine tourism. Through her research and consultancy work, she has contributed to the development of innovative strategies in wine-related tourism. Her unique perspective and emphasis on sustainability make her an influential figure in this field.

Fees / Grants

The total cost of the Master's program is €10,700, which will be paid as follows:

• €150 upon application (fully refundable in case of non-admission).
• 25% of the total, €2.745 upon admission confirmation as a reservation fee.
• The remaining amount to be paid in 3 installments of €2.745 in January, March, and May 2024.

The program price includes:

• Academic materials.
• Learning journeys (transport, visits, accommodation, and breakfast).
• Seminars and masterclasses with guest experts.
• Management of curricular internships.
• Issuance and delivery of the diploma.
• Access to over 5,000 references from the Faculty's library.
• Graduation ceremony.
• Enrollment in the Basque Culinary Center alumni service: Bculinary Alumni.

Admission

1 PRE- REGISTRATION

2 TO COMPLETE THE DIFFERENT STEPS OF THE SELECTION PROCESS

3 PAYMENT OF THE RESERVATION FEE

Accommodation

LIVENSA LIVING SAN SEBASTIÁN, AN INNOVATIVE CONCEPT OF LODGING

Livensa Living San Sebastian is located in the neighborhood of Ibaeta, in a quiet area and a step away from Tolosa Avenue that leads to Ondarreta beach. It is an accommodation that takes care of all the details and is designed to make you feel at home during your stay in Donostia-San Sebastian. It has spaces to relax and share time in company.

Features to highlight:

• Single rooms with full kitchen and private bathroom
• Laundry
• Gym
• Common kitchens or "txokos".
• Leisure areas: living room, games room, cinema room, etc.
• Music rehearsal rooms
• Co-working spaces
• Private parking

Take advantage of the preferential rates for Basque Culinary Center students.

More information about accommodation here

RELIGIOUS RESIDENCES

These types of residence are small and have restricted entrance times. The rooms can be single or double and they do not always have an ensuite bathroom. Those that offer full board may not offer all the meals at weekends. Admission to these residences entails a personal interview with the families.

The prices given below are approximate.

FEMALE RESIDENCES:

RESIDENCIA COMPAÑÍA DE MARÍA

Camino de S. Bartolomé, 24
Tel 943 464795
Regimen full board
Precio aproximado €625/month

ESCLAVAS DEL SAGRADO CORAZÓN

Avda. Gral. Zumalakarregi, 11
Tel 943 210800
Regimen full board
Precio aproximado €580-€615/month
Residents must leave the residence at weekends with the exception of examination periods.

MISIONERAS DEL SAGRADO CORAZÓN

http://www.misioneras-sc.com/es/residencia-universitaria/

Paseo de la Fe, 34
Tel 943 456072
Regimen full board
Precio aproximado €350-€490

RESIDENCIA VILLA ALAIDI E.A.M.

http://www.villa-alaidi.com/

Paseo de Heriz, 95
Tel 943 210866
Regimen half board or full board
Precio aproximado from €450 to €590/month
No se ofrecen comidas durante el fin de semana aunque hay una cocina a disposición de las residentes.

RESIDENCIA EL CARMELO PASIÓN

http://www.karmeloikastetxea.com/es/residencia-universitaria/quienes-somos

Ilumbe, 8
Tel 943 456600
Regimen full board
Precio aproximado €540-€605/month

COLEGIO MAYOR JAIZKIBEL

http://cmjaizkibel.com/

C/ Aldapeta, 49
Tel 616 369 815
Regimen Pensión completa
Precio aproximado 932€/mes
No hay cocinas disponibles para las residentes pero las estudiantes de BCC podrán realizar prácticas de cocina.

RESIDENCIA CET ORIA

http://proyectocet.com/

Paseo de Ayete, 25
Tel 943 242400
Regimen pensión completa
Precio aproximado 370€
El precio del alojamiento y pensión se costea trabajando en el servicio de alimentación. Admisión mediante entrevista.

MALE RESIDENCES:

COLEGIO MAYOR AYETE

http://www.ayete.es/

Pº Ayete, 25
Tel 943 21000
Regimen Pensión Completa
Precio aproximado 1.055€/mes

RESIDENCIA LA SALLE

http://www.residenciauniversitarialasalle.com/

Pº Maddalen Jauregiberri,2
Tel 943 454400
Regimen habitación y desayuno
Precio aproximado 320€-380€/mes

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SECULAR RESIDENCES

These are mixed and are larger than the religious residences. As a general rule, they do not have entrance times.

MIXED RESIDENCES:

NUMAD STUDIOS

https://numadstudios.com/

Paseo de Miramón, 162
Tel (+34) 943 56 91 28
Regimen acommodation in studio with fully furnished kitchen and private bathroom
Precio aproximado desde 600€ hasta 880€/mes
A tan solo un paso de Basque Culinary Center. Instalaciones equipadas con un amplio espacio de cocina dedicado a prácticas culinarias, salas de estudio, gimnasio y zona lounge para socializar con otros residentes.

COLEGIO MAYOR OLARAIN

http://www.colegiomayorolarain.com/

Pº Ondarreta, 24
Tel 943 003300
Regimen alojamiento y desayuno, media pensión o pensión completa
Precio aproximado desde 498€ hasta 1.090€/mes
El precio incluye la limpieza del uniforme de cocina. No hay cocinas disponibles para los residentes aunque los estudiantes de BCC podrán hacer prácticas de cocina en un espacio debidamente equipado para ello.

RESIDENCIA MANUEL AGUD QUEROL

http://www.resa.es/es/residencias/san-sebastian/residencia-universitaria-manuel-agud-querol/residencia/

Pº Berio, 9
Tel 943 563000
Regimen alojamiento
Precio aproximado desde 403€ hasta 690€/mes
Residencia de la Universidad de País Vasco; alojan prioritariamente a los estudiantes de la UPV pero pueden tener plazas disponibles desde la reciente ampliación.

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ACCOMMODATION IN SHARED FLATS

Prior authorisation from interested parties, the BCC Students'Office favours contact among admitted students so that they can organise themselves to share flats. Traditionally, students have created groups in social media to contact each other. The BCC also informs students about rented flat offers that the owners send us.
The average price per student in a shared flat in Donostia-San Sebastian is around €300 per month.

Procedures before travelling

Students from European Union member countries, Norway, Switzerland. Liechtenstein and Iceland will not require a visa to reside in Spain.
Other international students will have to request a long-term student visa which will allow them to reside in Spain for a period longer than 180 days.

Visas should be requested from, and issued by the Diplomatic Missions and Spanish Consul offices abroad (Diplomatic Missions and Spanish Consul Offices abroad).  It is important to obtain information on the required documentation and gather it as soon as possible, since the relevant authorities may take up to two months to notify that the visas will be granted.

Once students have arrived in Donostia-San Sebastian, they have one month from the time of their arrival to request the foreign student card at the Foreign Residents Office in Donostia-San Sebastian.  The students’ office of the BCC will provide the necessary information to students on this matter.

Sport service

Cost of living info

Information on the COST OF LIVING in San Sebastian is given below:

Entertainment

Transport

The best way to get around the city is with the network of urban buses. The company which provides this service is Compañia del Tranvia de Donostia-San Sebastian.

Their web page www.dbus.es contains all information on routes, timetables and tariffs. The web page also enables the calculation of the bus route between two points and its estimated duration.

Students can benefit from monthly season tickets which reduce the cost of travelling by bus.

Shopping basket  

Accommodation

Donostia-San Sebastian offers accommodation in student residences. It is advisable that those interested in this type of accommodation make their reservation as soon as possible.

A document containing information on some of the residences in the city can be found below. Download: Accommodation in San Sebastian

Donostia - San Sebastián

Donostia-San Sebastian is the administrative capital of Gipuzkoa, one of the territories that integrates the Basque Country. There are two official languages: Spanish and Basque.

On the banks of the Bay of Biscay,, Donostia-San Sebastián is a small town within a natural framework of incomparable beauty. A holiday destination for monarchs and nobles during the Belle Epoque, Donostia-San Sebastian arose as a lordly city where tradition and modernity exist side by side.

Images courtesy of San Sebastian Tourism

If there is something that can compete with its spectacular beauty that is its gastronomy: cradle of the “new Basque cuisine”, Mecca of culinary avant-garde and the world capital of the pintxo, Donostia-San Sebastian is the city with the most Michelin stars per square metres in the world. The importance of its restaurants, its famous gastronomic societies and the quality of its raw material convert Donostia-San Sebastian into a gastronomic reference in the world. Not in vain, the British magazine, “Which”, chose Donostia-San Sebastian as the best gastronomic destination in the world.

Over the last few years, innovation and sustainability have been the two main pillars for the development of Donostia-San Sebastian, which has fostered an ideal city of pedestrians and bicycles.

Images courtesy of San Sebastian Tourism

WHY STUDY GASTRONOMY IN DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIAN?

• Because in Donostia-San Sebastian, as in the rest of the Basque Country, gastronomy forms part of society and good food is present at any event and celebration. Donostia-San Sebastian, a city of 185,000 inhabitants, has 120 gastronomic societies.
• Because four of the eight restaurants with three Michelin stars in Spain are in the Basque Country, three of them in Donostia-San Sebastian.
• Because of its cultural offer, which includes internationally renowned film and jazz festivals. Donostia-San Sebastian has been named as European Capital of Culture for 2016.
• Due to its beaches, ideal for practicing surf all year round.
• Due to its mountains, just 2.5 hours from the Pyrenees.
• Because it is a safe, accessible and welcoming city.

Images courtesy of San Sebastian Tourism

HOW TO REACH DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIAN

Donostia-San Sebastian is connected to the main Spanish cities by bus, train and plane.

The airport of Donostia-San Sebastian is 20 kilometres from the city. It is a small airport with direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona. It has a bus service to the city centre.

The international airport of Bilbao is one hour from Donostia-San Sebastian, and it is connected to the city with a frequent bus service from the actual airport.

The international airport of Biarritz is 45 minutes away although it only offers a direct bus to Donostia-San Sebastian once a day.
DISTANCE IN KMS.
   Bilbao – 99 km
   Biarritz – 50 km
   Madrid – 450 km
   Barcelona – 570 km

Images courtesy of San Sebastian Tourism

BCC Students