WSET Level 2 in Sake – 100% Online

Gain in-depth knowledge of sake with the world’s leading sake qualification

The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake is an intermediate-level course designed for professionals and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of Japan’s most iconic beverage. Whether you work in restaurants, retail, import/export or simply wish to explore the culture and complexity of sake, this course provides the tools to speak confidently about styles, production and tasting.

No prior knowledge is required, though the Level 1 in Sake or relevant experience is helpful. The course is delivered online through our Virtual Campus, allowing flexible, self-paced study supported by expert educators.

What will you learn?

Throughout this course, you will:

• Learn how to describe and assess sake using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
• Understand key sake ingredients and production steps
• Identify the main categories and grades of sake
• Explore the impact of rice polishing, yeast, fermentation, and pressing on sake style and quality
• Interpret Japanese labelling terms and classifications
• Understand how to store and serve sake, including temperature and food pairing principles

Course structure

• Format: 100% online via WSET Global Campus
• Duration: 5 weeks
• Study modules: 6
• Total recommended study time: 30 hours
• Language of course and exam: English
• Includes:
• Digital official WSET study materials
• Interactive learning modules and revision activities
• Expert tutor guidance
• Tasting practice and examples (self-supplied)
• Online or paper-based exam option
• Official WSET digital certificate

Next courses 2025 - 2026

Course code           Start date                 End date

O2SK2602                          13/10/2025                        16/11/2025

O2SK2603                          15/12/2025                        18/01/2026

O2SK2604                          16/02/2026                        22/03/2026

O2SK2605                          20/04/2026                        24/05/2026

O2SK2606                          22/06/2026                        26/07/2026

Course contents

Module 1: Introducing Sake

• Identify the common and optional ingredients used to make sake.
• Recall how to use the Systematic Approach to Tasting and Sake-lexicon to assess and evaluate the quality of a sake.

Module 2: How is Sake Made?

• Describe the rice used to make sake and how it is grown.
• Describe how and why steamed white rice is made.
• State the role of kōji in sake production and describe how it is made.
• Describe the approaches to alcoholic fermentation and their impact on style.

Module 3: After Alcoholic Fermentation

• Describe the post-fermentation options in the production of sake and their impact on style.
• Describe how and why sake is usually stored at the brewery
• Describe why sake brewers need to dilute their sake before packaging.

Module 4: Sake Labels and Style

• Describe the two categories of sake.
• Name and describe the eight grades of premium sake.
• Name and describe the principal speciality styles of sake.
• Identify Japanese labelling terms that commonly appear on sake labels.
• State the key production choices that create delicate, dry, fruity ginjō styles of sake, and the rich junmai styles of sake.

Module 5: Serving, Storing and Pairing Sake

• Identify the ideal conditions for storing sake.
• Identify common faults and how they can affect the aroma and flavours of sake.
• State the correct procedures for serving sake.
• Identify the key considerations when making a sake and food pairing recommendation.

Module 6: Revision

• Mock multiple-choice feedback examination

Assessment and certification

• Exam format: 50 multiple-choice questions
• Exam duration: 60 minutes
• Pass mark: 55%
• Certification: Official WSET digital certificate

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 either case, students must contact academia@morethanwines.com to arrange their preferred exam date and format with at least 21 days prior the desired exam date.

All exams are marked by WSET in London and results are communicated to the student.

Why choose this course?

This course is ideal for professionals in the hospitality or drinks industry, and for sake lovers looking to gain a formal qualification. With expert guidance, flexible online study, and internationally recognised certification, it offers a complete foundation in the fascinating world of sake.