WSET Sakè In-Person
Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of sake or looking to develop professional-level expertise, our WSET Sake courses provide a structured and internationally recognised pathway to sake knowledge. From discovering the principal styles of sake, understanding the fundamentals of sake production, tasting, and service in Level 1, to exploring how rice polishing, fermentation, production techniques, and regional traditions influence the style and quality of Japan’s most celebrated beverage in Level 2, each course combines expert tuition with extensive guided tastings and practical learning. Led by award-winning educators, these qualifications are designed for both passionate enthusiasts and hospitality professionals seeking confidence, credibility, and an internationally recognised certification.
WSET Sake Level 1
Take your first step into the world of professional sake education with the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake. This internationally recognised course introduces the key styles of sake, production fundamentals and systematic tasting, providing the perfect foundation for beginners, hospitality professionals and passionate sake enthusiasts.
Summary
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Sake is an ideal starting point for anyone considering a professional career in the drinks industry, or for those with little or no prior experience in sake.
It is an enjoyable, relaxed and interactive course completed in a single day, including the exam, making it easy to fit in with busy working schedules.
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake has full accreditation from Ofqual as part of the UK Government’s Qualifications & Credits Framework as a Level 1 Vocational Qualification.
Location: Podere Tovari
Duration: 9:00am – 5:00pm (one day, including the exam)
Private study: Not required – recap and revision exercises are built into the day
What Will I Learn?
During the course, you will cover:
- The basic principles of sake production
- The main styles and categories of sake
- The key ingredients used in sake production and how they influence flavour
- A guided tasting of a selection of sake
- How to store and serve sake correctly
- How to describe sake using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT)
By the end of the course, you will be able to taste and describe sake using a globally recognised method, recognise key sake styles, and understand the ingredients and production techniques that define them. You will also gain confidence in selecting and serving sake in a professional or personal setting.
For more information, please view the WSET course specification.
What’s included?
- Six hours of expert guidance from our awarded Sommeliers and Educators (Winners of the 2025 Sommelier Edit UK “Excellence in Education Award”).
- Course workbook
- Refreshments throughout the course
- Lunch in exclusive venues with our seasoned Educators and former Sommeliers. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions outside the scope of the specifications.
- A guided tasting of a selection of 10 sakes
- 30 multiple-choice questions examination
- WSET Level 1 Award in Sake digital certificate and WSET lapel pin for those who pass the course (collected by or posted to guests once all exams have been assessed by WSET)
Assessment
- Examination:
- The Level 1 Award in Sake assessment consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, to be completed within 45 minutes. To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 70% or higher.
- Certification:
- Successful candidates will be issued with a secure digital certificate by WSET, which you will be able to print for framing, along with a lapel pin (a globally recognised mark of sake knowledge).
- Results:
- This qualification is Ofqual regulated and results are issued approximately two working weeks after the exam.
For further details, please refer to the Exam & Results FAQs.
WSET Sake Level 2
Build real confidence in sake with the WSET Level 2 Award in Sake. Through guided tastings and structured learning, you will explore the world’s major sake styles, production techniques and flavour profiles while earning an internationally recognised qualification valued across the global drinks and hospitality industry.
Summary
When selecting one of the available dates, please ensure you are able to attend all three days of the programme. Full attendance is recommended to complete the course.
Our WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) courses give you the opportunity to achieve an internationally recognised qualification in sake, all while learning in the stunning dedicated rooms of our trusted partners — an inspiring setting that elevates the entire experience.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake is designed to build real confidence and understanding of the world’s most important sake styles and production traditions. You will begin by learning the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT) — the globally recognised method for analysing and describing sake with clarity and precision.
From there, the course explores how ingredients, rice polishing, fermentation techniques and maturation influence the style and quality of sake.
You will study the principal styles of sake in depth, including Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo and Nigori, exploring how production choices and regional traditions create distinctive flavour profiles.
The programme blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice as attendants taste a wide selection of sake from Japan throughout the course.
The course includes 18 hours of expert-led tuition, providing structured guidance and support, alongside 11 hours of recommended home study to consolidate and deepen your understanding at your own pace.
Assessment takes place at the end of the course in the form of a 60-minute multiple-choice examination, designed to evaluate your knowledge and reinforce your progression as a confident sake enthusiast. Successful candidates receive an official digital certificate and the WSET lapel pin.
No prior experience is necessary to enrol. However, students who have completed the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake may find it beneficial preparation for achieving the strongest possible results.
Location: Podere Tovari
Duration: Three consecutive days from 9:00am – 5:00pm (three days, including the exam)
What Will I Learn?
- How to taste and describe sake using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT)
- How ingredients, rice polishing and fermentation techniques influence the style and quality of sake
- How production techniques influence key styles of sake including: Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, Nigori
- How regional traditions and production practices shape the character of sake from Japan
- The key labelling terms used to indicate style, origin and quality
- Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of sake
For more information, please view the WSET course specification.
What’s included?
- Expert guidance from our awarded Sommeliers and Educators (Winners of the 2025 Sommelier Edit UK “Excellence in Education Award”).
- All sake samples and tasting equipment
- Study pack: Students will receive the WSET Level 2 Award in Sake course study pack prior to the beginning of the course. The course study pack consists of the official course textbook, a study guide (including example questions and tasting note templates), the course specification document and a laminated tasting card.
- Refreshments throughout the course
- Lunch in exclusive venues with our seasoned Educators and former Sommeliers. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions outside the scope of the specifications.
- Approximately 30 sake samples during the course
- 60-minute multiple choice examination
- WSET Level 2 Award in Sake digital certificate and WSET lapel pin for those who pass the course (collected by or posted to guests once all exams have been assessed by WSET)
Assessment
- Examination:
- 60-minute multiple-choice exam designed to test your understanding of sake production techniques, styles and tasting methods. The exam includes 50 multiple-choice questions, and a minimum of 55% is required to pass.
- Certification:
- Successful candidates will be issued with a secure digital certificate by WSET, which you will be able to print for framing and a lapel pin (a globally recognised mark of sake knowledge).
- Results:
- This qualification is Ofqual regulated and results are issued approximately two working weeks after the exam.
For further details, please refer to the Exam & Results FAQs.
FAQ
Do I Need Any Prior Knowledge?
The entry requirements depend on the WSET level you choose:
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake
No previous sake knowledge or tasting experience is required. This course is designed for complete beginners and anyone looking to take their first structured step into the world of sake.
WSET Level 2 Award in Sake
No prior experience is required, though completing the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake can help you achieve the best results.
With 18 hours of expert-led tuition and 11 hours of recommended home study, you’ll be fully prepared to deepen your understanding of sake styles, production techniques and tasting.
Additional Requirements
- All classes are delivered in English, so a good level of spoken and written English is recommended.
- Participants must be at least 18 years old.
- We recommend reviewing the official course specification before attending to understand the syllabus and maximise your learning experience.
Who Are These Courses For?
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake
Perfect for complete beginners, sake enthusiasts and anyone starting a career in hospitality or beverage retail. It introduces the fundamentals of sake production, sake styles, tasting, storage and service, providing an ideal foundation for further study.
WSET Level 2 Award in Sake
Designed for enthusiastic sake lovers and hospitality professionals who want to develop a broader understanding of production techniques, sake styles and flavour profiles. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll learn how ingredients, production methods and regional traditions shape sake from Japan.
This internationally recognised qualification is ideal for professionals working in the drinks industry as well as anyone wishing to study sake through a structured programme and build a solid foundation for a career in the beverage sector.