WSET Level 1 Award in Sake – 100% Online Format

Your introduction to the world of sake

Curious about sake and want to understand it with clarity and confidence? The WSET Level 1 Award in Sake is the ideal course to begin exploring this fascinating and complex drink, even if you have no prior experience. In just a few weeks, you'll gain the key knowledge needed to speak about sake, its styles, how it’s made, and how to serve it properly.

This course is perfect for professionals in hospitality or retail, as well as sake enthusiasts looking for a solid foundation and internationally recognised certification.

What will you learn?

Throughout this course, with the support of a certified WSET educator, you will:

• Discover how sake is made, from rice polishing to fermentation and bottling.
• Identify the key sake categories and styles.
• Understand the main ingredients and their influence on the final product.
• Learn to store and serve sake correctly, including service temperatures and vessels.
• Understand how food interacts with different types of sake.
• Describe sake accurately using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT).

Course structure

• Format: 100% online via WSET Global Campus
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Modules: 6
• Course hours: 6 hours of guided study (plus revision time)
• Language of instruction and exam: English
• Includes:
• Official WSET digital study materials
• Interactive modules, videos and quizzes
• Educator support provided by WSET and guidance
• Tasting guidance and food pairing examples
• Online exam
• Official WSET digital certificate

Next courses 2025 - 2026

Course code                       Start date                             End date

O1SK2602                          03/11/2025                       30/11/2025 

O1SK2603                          05/01/2026                       01/02/2026 

O1SK2604                          09/03/2026                       05/04/2026 

O1SK2605                           11/05/2026                       07/06/2026 

O1SK2606                           13/07/2026                       09/08/2026 

Course content

Module 1 – What is sake and how is it made?

• Understand the structure of sake production from rice polishing to bottling
• Identify the key steps: rice selection, washing, steaming, koji making, fermentation, pressing, filtering, dilution

Module 2 – Types and styles of sake

• Recognise main sake types: Junmai, Honjozo, Ginjo, Daiginjo, Namazake, Nigori…
• Understand style differences based on production methods and ingredients
• Learn to assess and describe sake using the WSET Level 1 SAT
• Identify aroma and flavour profiles across different styles

Module 3 – Making Sake

• List and state the purpose of the main stages of production
• State how polishing is used to define the grades of Sake
• List and state the main ingredients of sake and its mission revealing different sake profiles across different styles

Module 4 – Labeling and specialty sakes

• Recognise the main Japanese labelling terms
• Know some of the specialty styles and their characteristics

Module 5 – Serving, storing sake Sake food armony

• Explore optimal storage and handling of sake
• Learn recommended temperatures and appropriate service vessels
• Discover key food and sake pairing principles
• Explore examples of successful combinations

Module 6 – Revision

• Mock multiple-choice feedback examination

Assessment and certification

• Exam format: 30 multiple-choice questions
• Exam duration: 45 minutes
• Pass mark: 70%
• Certification: Official WSET digital certificate and pin

The exam can be taken either online via Remote Invigilation or in person by joining one of the paper-based exam sessions scheduled across Spain by More than Wines in any of its satellites sites.

In both cases, students must contact academia@morethanwines.com when the course is finished to confirm their preferred option and exam date with at least 21 days prior the desired date.

All exams are corrected by WSET London and results are sent to the student.

Why choose this course?

With a user-friendly online platform, clear guidance from expert educators, and flexible access to engaging content, this course is the ideal way to explore the fundamentals of sake. Whether you’re pursuing a professional path or simply curious about Japan’s national drink, the WSET Level 1 in Sake will open your palate and your mind.