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How much does an Italian sommelier course cost?

The AIS sommelier pathway is quoted at about EUR 1,500 for three levels, plus a EUR 90 annual membership: the real starting total is EUR 1,590 and can exceed EUR 2,000 at higher-priced local branches.

Verifiable answer

The AIS sommelier pathway is quoted at about EUR 1,500 for three levels, plus a EUR 90 annual membership: the real starting total is EUR 1,590 and can exceed EUR 2,000 at higher-priced local branches.

Question
How much does an Italian sommelier course cost?
Average cost
€1,590 / complete pathway
Price range
€1,590 – €2,150
Area
Italy
Last verified
11 November 2026
Confidence
Confidence: High
What is included
Three AIS levels and 45 lessons; AIS-listed teaching materials; Annual AIS membership; Final examination after level three
What is not included
Travel to the venue; Overnight stays; Optional tastings and events; Membership renewals in later years
What the price depends on
AIS branch; Price of each level; Actual pathway duration; Membership timing; Examination and invoicing
Sources and methodology
4 sources

Official price versus real cost

Official price

€1,590

/ complete pathway

Difference+€560 (+35%)

Real cost

€2,150

€1,590 – €2,250

The official starting EUR 1,590 combines the national indicative pathway and compulsory membership. The real total can rise because each branch sets its own charges and may separate the examination or invoice. This is local course structure, not a hidden surcharge.

Short answer

AIS runs a modular course without one nationwide fixed list. Membership is compulsory and the final examination can be charged separately.

Becoming an AIS sommelier involves three levels, 45 lessons and roughly eighteen months. The national indicative price is EUR 1,500, but it is a starting point rather than a universal quotation because regional branches organise the courses. The EUR 90 AIS membership is required to attend. Local pages show why each level needs checking: Milan listed a 2026 second level at EUR 750, while Mantua listed a third level at EUR 730 plus a EUR 50 examination. This guide keeps the national indication separate from local examples rather than treating a Lombardy timetable as an Italian tariff.

What is included

  • Three AIS levels and 45 lessons
  • AIS-listed teaching materials
  • Annual AIS membership
  • Final examination after level three

What is not included

  • Travel to the venue
  • Overnight stays
  • Optional tastings and events
  • Membership renewals in later years

How the price breaks down

How the price breaks down: An Italian sommelier course
ItemTypeFrequencyTypical
Three AIS levelsNational indicative price for the 45 lessons and complete pathway.Compulsoryone-off€1,500
AIS membership feeAnnual membership required to attend the course.Compulsoryper year€90
First level, Bergamo examplePublished member charge for a local first level.Optionalone-off€620
Final exam, Mantua exampleFee published by the regional branch for written and oral exams.Optionalone-off€50

What the price depends on

  • AIS branch
  • Price of each level
  • Actual pathway duration
  • Membership timing
  • Examination and invoicing

Hidden costs

  • Membership is compulsory and annual
  • Prices differ between branches
  • The examination can be charged separately
  • An invoice may add VAT depending on the branch

Three realistic scenarios

National benchmark

€1,590

AIS's indicative three levels at EUR 1,500 plus EUR 90 annual membership.

Local example with examination

€2,150

A local pathway using published second- and third-level charges and a separate examination fee.

With travel

€2,250

A local pathway with examination and EUR 100 travel allowance, not an AIS fare.

How to spend less

  1. Compare the branch nearest to you before joining level one.
  2. Check whether your branch allows instalments.
  3. Check whether your paid membership covers the year in which the next level begins.
  4. Ask in writing whether examination charges and VAT are included.
  5. Choose a reachable venue because the course runs for months.

Frequently asked questions

Is the AIS course a legally required professional qualification?

No. AIS presents it as a pathway open to adults and useful in hospitality, wine tourism, distribution and communication. The diploma follows the level-three examination; it is not a single statutory requirement for working in the sector.

Is membership included in the EUR 1,500?

No. The national page gives about EUR 1,500 for three levels and separately says that annual EUR 90 membership is required. Check membership timing against the chosen course calendar before paying.

Why does the total change so much by city?

AIS delivers courses through regional associations and local branches. Their schedules can price levels differently and may separate exams or VAT. The national figure is a guide; the reliable quotation is the one for the branch you will attend.

Sources and methodology

How we worked it out

The main figure comes from AIS's national page, which gives about EUR 1,500 for three levels and EUR 90 annual membership. We opened two 2026 AIS Lombardia schedules, one for level two and one for level three, both with explicit prices. They agree that location moves the price and that membership is required. The minimum is therefore EUR 1,590; the typical figure uses published local charges and does not invent travel or accommodation costs.

Why this confidence level

Confidence is high for the published charges because they come from AIS and two branches selling the courses directly. We do not present a national fixed price because AIS says it varies by venue.

  1. AIS three-level course, indicative EUR 1,500 price and EUR 90 annual membership

    Come diventare sommelier AIS (opens in a new tab)

    Associazione Italiana Sommelier · Official tariff · Verified on 11 November 2026

    Official AIS page opened on 11 November 2026. It states duration, structure, membership fee and that prices vary by location.

    Authority4/5

  2. Bergamo AIS first-level example: EUR 620 for members

    La formazione del sommelier, le tecniche di servizio, la degustazione (opens in a new tab)

    AIS Lombardia · Official tariff · Verified on 11 November 2026

    AIS regional page opened on 11 November 2026; it shows a local first-level charge.

    Authority4/5

  3. 2026 Milan AIS second-level example: EUR 750 for members

    La tecnica della degustazione, l'enografia italiana e internazionale (opens in a new tab)

    AIS Lombardia · Official tariff · Verified on 11 November 2026

    AIS regional page opened on 11 November 2026. It confirms a local price and that an active membership is required.

    Authority4/5

  4. 2026 Mantua AIS third-level example: EUR 730 plus EUR 50 examination fee

    Tecnica dell'abbinamento cibo-vino (opens in a new tab)

    AIS Lombardia · Official tariff · Verified on 11 November 2026

    AIS regional page opened on 11 November 2026. It separates the course charge from the final examination fee.

    Authority4/5

Read the methodology

Revision history

First published on 11 November 2026 with AIS national pricing and two verified 2026 local schedules.

Published on
11 November 2026
Last verified
11 November 2026
Next review
11 February 2027

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