National oenologist diploma

Oenologists work in the following sectors:

• wine-producing companies (sole proprietorships, cooperatives, producer groups)
• wine merchants, trading companies
• oenology laboratories, audit and consultancy firms
• consular bodies (chambers of agriculture)
• trade unions and inter-professional organisations, technical institutes ;
• government departments (DGCCRF, INAO, VINIFLHOR, Agriculture, Environment)
• training and research structures
• research and development departments of the oenological products and equipment industries
• wine trade, distribution and communication

Oenologists must master the high-level professional knowledge required to fulfil the following tasks:

• helping to establish and cultivate vineyards
• participate in the design of materials used in cellar technology and equipment
• direct the vinification, selection, maturing, conservation, ageing and bottling of wine
• use sensory analysis in all phases of product development and conservation
• know how to adapt the product to production constraints and market demand
• carry out analyses (physical, chemical and microbiological) of the products concerned and interpret the results
• initiate and train students in the discovery of wines and derived products
• master quality control for the wine industry (environment, health, safety)
• carry out technological research.

 Skills and assessment framework (PDF)

To be enrolled on courses leading to the national oenology diploma, students must provide proof of :

• a bachelor's degree in the biological, chemical, biochemical or agronomic sciences or any other diploma certifying a level of higher education equivalent to 180 European credits in the same fields ;
• or one of the validations provided for in articles L. 335-5, L. 613-3, L. 613-4, L. 613-5 and L. 613-6 of the Education Code and the texts adopted for their application.

Candidates' applications are examined by a panel of teacher-researchers and oenologists.

The course is open to continuing education trainees and work-study students on the same criteria.

The course lasts 2 years and is organised into semesters comprising compulsory and optional teaching units and work placements. The Teaching Committee decides on the organisation of the course.

  Timetable for initial DNO training 2023-2025

  Timetable for initial DNO training 2024-2026

Block course

The course can be delivered in blocks of RNCP skills

The main aim of the Diplôme National d'Oenologue is to enable students to work as oenologists in companies in the wine industry, but it can also be used to apply for a Master's degree in Vine and Wine Sciences in order to move into research activities.
As part of the programme, at the end of the first year, students can take the competitive entrance examination for 'engineers' and join Bordeaux Sciences Agro as part of the agricultural engineering programme after obtaining their DNO.

Possibility of exemption from equivalent courses after application to the teaching committee.

Organisation of teaching :

The first year of the Diplôme National d'Œnologue comprises two semesters of study, including a minimum 3-week work placement.
The second year of the Diplôme National d'Œnologue consists of two semesters, including a minimum of three months' practical training in viticulture and winemaking in wine-producing companies, in one or more periods.

The programme for the national oenology diploma is made up of the following compulsory and optional teaching units:

  Programme details and teaching objectives

 Teaching unit content and objectives

 UE list (summary table) and timetable

The teaching methods used contribute to the acquisition of knowledge and skills through lectures, practical work, tutorials, site visits and periods spent in companies.
For students on work-study contracts (apprenticeship and professional contracts), the above teaching methods are supplemented by periods of skills acquisition in companies.

  DNO 1 assessment procedures

  DNO 2 assessment procedures

The course is accessible to people with special needs.
Accommodations and individualized support can be offered to you by the PHASE service..

Find out more : Students with special needs - Université de Bordeaux

The national oenology diploma is awarded under the conditions laid down by the law of 19 March 1955 (amended by decree in 2007) to those who have passed all the examinations and tests.

A "passable" grade is awarded when the average of the marks obtained for all these examinations and tests, affected by the coefficients set out above, is at least equal to 10 out of 20 and less than 12; a "good enough" grade is awarded when this average is at least equal to 12 and less than 14; a "good" grade is awarded when this average is at least equal to 14 and less than 16; a "very good" grade is awarded when this average is at least equal to 16.

Official documents published in the Official Journal

• Order of 2 September 2021 on the organisation of studies with a view to obtaining the national diploma of oenologist
• Decree no 2021-1147 of 2 September 2021 on degrees conferring the grade of master and amending article D. 612-34 of the Education Code

Application timetable for 2025/2026

• Opening of the server and downloading of application forms: from 1 April to 5 May 2025
• Deadline for receipt of applications: 12 May 2025
• Selection committee: weeks of 19/05/2025 and 26/05/2025
• Final admission decision: 5 June 2025

Documents to be prepared for the application

In addition to the application form you have downloaded and completed, you will need to provide :

• The highest level diploma and the corresponding transcript of marks
• Transcripts of each examination session since the baccalauréat or equivalent
• A one-page curriculum vitae
• New: a video presentation in French outlining your motivations and objectives (maximum length: 3 minutes)
• A letter of recommendation (optional)
• Proof of proficiency in French, DALF, DELF, TCF (for foreign students only)

Applications can be made online via the Université de Bordeaux website, using the eCandidat application.

Apply now

Students with foreign qualifications:

Students with foreign qualifications : visit the University of Bordeaux website 

For national diplomas, tuition fees are set each year by joint order of the ministers responsible for higher education and the budget.

Registration fees for Community students for the 2024/2025 DNO year (tuition fees + library): €250.

For more information, visit the Université de Bordeaux website: https://www.u-bordeaux.fr/Formation/Admission/Frais-d-inscription