David Biraud joins KEDGE Wine School with an impressive career in luxury hospitality and fine dining, crowned by his 2004 achievement of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France title in sommelier expertise.
A graduate in sommelier studies from the Talence/Bordeaux hotel and tourism school, David Biraud built a formidable reputation during his 16-year tenure at Les Ambassadeurs at the Hôtel de Crillon, before heading up the wine service at Thierry Marx's Sur Mesure at the Mandarin Oriental Paris. There, he also managed the neo-brasserie Le Camelia.
Widely acknowledged for his expertise and dedication to the world of sommellerie, Biraud has won numerous accolades, including the Ruinart Trophy for Best Young Sommelier of France in 1998, as well as the titles of Best Sommelier of France in 2002 and Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2004. Internationally, he achieved second place in the Best Sommelier of Europe competitions in 2010 and 2013, and came runner-up at the 2016 Best Sommelier of the World contest.
As director of KEDGE Wine School, Biraud will be tasked with shaping the school's development strategy, ensuring that its academic offerings remain attuned to the evolving demands of the wine and spirits market. He will also oversee experiential activities such as tastings, study trips, and conferences, ensuring the curriculum strikes a fine balance between theory and hands-on experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome David Biraud to our institution. As a recognised authority in his field, I am confident that under his leadership, KEDGE Wine School will continue to solidify its reputation as a benchmark in higher education, while addressing the challenges of ecological transition. I have every confidence that he will train professionals who are not only skilled and adaptable but also responsible, ready to thrive in a rapidly changing market.”
As a leading institution in wine and spirits education, KEDGE Wine School offers specialised programmes that combine academic rigour with professional immersion. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the school equips its graduates to tackle the industry’s modern-day challenges, particularly in the area of ecological transition. Thanks to its extensive network of industry partners, KEDGE Wine School provides students with unique opportunities to hone their skills and forge successful careers. The school's offerings include two MSc programmes taught in English, a Bachelor-level specialisation combining French and English, a sommelier training course with a dedicated diploma as well as an RNCP-certified course with work-study options, both in French.
