of the whole olive oil value chain, learning how to taste olive oils in a professional way, identifying positive and negative attributes, and being able of classifying olive oil samples. This way, you will better know the quality of the olive oils that you currently work with.
Olive Oil Sommelier Certificate
DON'T FALL BEHIND IN THE PROFESSIONALISM OF THE SECTOR
Training accredited under ISO 9001 standard
ONLINE
Duration: 12 weeks | 5-6 hours per week
2025 editions price: 2.255€
2026 editions price: 2.950€
ONSITE
Duration: 1 week
2025 editions price: 2.255€
2026 editions price: 2.950€
Olive Oil Sommelier Certificate
Language: English (also available in Spanish)
2025 editions
ONSITE (SPAIN)
10-15
November
Last day of registration:
3rd November 2025
ONLINE
11
December
Last day of registration:
4th December 2025
2026 editions
ONLINE
26
February
Last day of registration:
19th February 2026
ONSITE (SPAIN)
20-24
April
Last day of registration:
13th April 2025
ONLINE
11
June
Last day of registration:
4th June 2026
It is also possible to take the online Olive Oil Sommelier Certification on an individual basis starting on the date selected by the student once the registration is done.
This Certification is for you if…

You want to obtain an accreditation
from a prestigious school that endorses your knowledge.

You commercialise olive oils
and are looking for a more technical knowledge to improve both your purchase and sales negotiations – thus increasing your sales and benefits.

You own an olive oil brand or work in an olive oil mill
and want to inform your current or potential customers more rigorously of the qualities of your product.

You want to save time and money
with an endorsed training that is practical and has the constant support of experts to guide you throughout the process.
Why should you get the Olive Oil Sommelier Certificate?
Acquire a good
understanding
Understand
the main parameters of the physicochemical analysis of virgin olive oils.
Estar preparado
para valorar de manera profesional la calidad de los aceites con los que trabajas.
Learn notions
of gastronomy/ food-pairing, olive varieties, elaboration process, and more.
Connect with great
specialized professionals
with a wide professional career and learn
from their knowledge and experience. Experts include: Tasting Experts, Master Millers, Specialized Chefs, Award-winning EVOO producers, and more.
Get access
to a new international specialised contact network - our Alumni group.
METHODOLOGY
Olive Oil Sommelier Certificate
ONLINE
Welcome
Professional Virgin Olive Oil Tasting (theory + training)
Final Exam
Closure
ONSITE
Professional Virgin Olive Oil Tasting
(theory + training)
Final Exam
Closure
CONTENT
Olive Oil Sommelier Certificate
ONLINE METHODOLOGY. STRUCTURE.
Welcome
The welcome consists of an online group session, where you will meet your tutor, as well as the rest of the students, and it will help you to familiarize yourself with the ESAO online campus. In addition, from this moment on, you will be able to access the ESAO Alumni group, a network of contacts where we encourage you to take advantage of the synergies that may arise.
Professional Virgin Olive Oil Tasting
The first module of the Certification is the Professional Virgin Olive Oil Tasting. It is structured in different chapters through which you will learn the most important aspects to become a good virgin olive oil taster. The module is designed to learn at your own pace and in a fun way. Presented in an agile way, this module has careful and extensive material, which will help you acquire the knowledge that every taster should have.
GROUP SESSION
A group session will be given by an expert specialized in virgin olive oil tasting. It is a live online class where you will interact with the expert and the rest of the students.
INDIVIDUAL SESSION
At the end, you will carry out an individual session. Through the individual session, you will get personalized advice from an expert. This consulting session is an opportunity for the student to address specific issues that allow them to delve into the areas of greatest interest.
Professional Virgin Olive Oil Training
Through this section, you will continuously train the tasting of virgin olive oil in the most comfortable way. You will receive a set of 5 VOO samples monthly. You will compare the results of your tasting with those of the ESAO Independent Tasting Panel on the Online Campus and you will write your own tasting notes in a guided and professional way.
Final Exam
The purpose of the final exam is for you to verify that you have integrated the knowledge acquired throughout the certification. It is important that you enjoy your training, since, in this way, learning will be more solid.
Closure
Once all of the above is completed, you will access your ESAO training certificate.
ONSITE METHODOLOGY. STRUCTURE.
Professional Virgin Olive Oil (Theory + Tasting) (Onsite)
This programme takes place in Spain, the world's largest producer of olive oil. It is held in English and it combines theoretical lessons with tastings. In this onsite training you will learn the most important aspects to become a good virgin olive oil taster.
Final Exam
The purpose of the final exam is for you to verify that you have integrated the knowledge acquired throughout the certification. It is important that you enjoy your training, since, in this way, learning will be more solid.
Closure
Once all of the above is completed, you will receive your ESAO training certificate by email.
MATERIAL
Olive Oil Sommelier Certificate
Throughout the Certificate, you will receive complete material*, which includes:
- Pack of official virgin olive oil tasting glasses
- Pack of watch glasses
- Test tube
- Tasting tablecloth
- Tasting sheets
- Samples of extra virgin, virgin and lampante oils
- ESAO Book of Professional Tasting of Virgin Olive Oil
- Bag and pens
- Cap and vest or gown
* Materials are only given to the student in the ONLINE methodology of the Certification.

ESAO Teaching Team
Strengthening our Teaching Team is an ongoing activity that leads us to continuously incorporate new experts whose dedication to the students, passion for teaching and personal qualities stand out.
Currently we have more than 10 professors dedicated to this Program.

Alumni Network
Once you start this Program, you will become part of the ESAO Community, with Alumni in over 20 countries. As an ESAO student you will gain lifelong access to ESAO’s network and the opportunities that come with it.
Furthermore, you will obtain a 10% discount on future courses that you decide to take with ESAO.
Get feedback from our students
View list of students certified by ESAO
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak English to apply to the Olive Oil Sommelier Certification?
Yes. English is a requirement for admission.
At the Olive Oil School of Spain, English is the working language used in the classroom. In case you do not speak English, please contact us to evaluate a different training alternative
How can I experience Olive Oil School of Spain first-hand before applying?
If you are considering applying to the Olive Oil Sommelier Certification, we recommend that you arrange an online interview with our Responsible for Registrations in International Programs.
Please schedule meeting here: Book Meeting
After obtaining the Olive Oil Sommelier Certification, can I continue my training at ESAO?
Yes. Continuous training is a fundamental pillar for success.
You can continue your training accessing to our Master Olive Oil Consultant Certification, Special Edition for ESAO Sommeliers. This is the highest degree that can be obtained within the School.
What is the difference between the Olive Oil Sommelier Certification and the Master OliveOil Consultant Certification?
The Master Olive Oil Consultant Certification has a wider approach. It is more oriented for professionals and entrepreneurs that want to set up a business in the sector or hold managerial positions at olive oil-related businesses or would like to assess other professional and businesses to optimise their procedures.
What happens if I cannot attend the onsite training?
If you are unable to attend the onsite edition of the Olive Oil Sommelier Certification, please check our cancellation policy.
