What to Expect?
This short course consists of five modules which cover topics from wine ingredients and production methods, to how to taste wine, to different types of wine. Each module is designed to be interactive, so expect to post in discussion forums, watch videos, complete quizzes and reflect on tasks. Completing all the modules should take you six hours, excluding time for exam revision. You can work through the course at your own pace over the next four weeks.
For best performance, WSET's Online Classroom should be used on the current or previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Because Instructure products are built using web standards, WSET's Online Classroom runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake Online
Each course has a set start and finish date, with clear guidelines on progression, however there are no fixed times to log-on as there is no "live" delivery of content. Students can complete their learning at times that suit them. Students will learn through a range of independent and/or group activities supported by videos and quizzes, designed to achieve the required learning outcomes to prepare for the examination. Throughout the course, students will have access to a subject-specialist educator who’ll provide feedback on any assigned exercises and respond to course-related queries.
The course will be based around a four-week, six-module online learning programme with educator support available for this time. The course modules should be followed in sequential order during this four-week window. The course material should take about six hours in total to complete, plus revision time. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study.
The course prepares the student for our qualification and they are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each module includes a series of independent activities to help students understand sake production and different styles of sake.
Once you have completed the online study, you MUST complete the 45 min exam at one of our face-to-face classes at Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai on the following dates:
Online Course Dates Available
Dates: 8 December - 4 January (4 weeks)
Exam date: 25 January 2026. Registrations close: 28 November 2025
Dates: 19 January - 15 February (4 weeks)
Exam date: 22 February 2026. Registrations close: 9 January 2026
Dates: 16 March - 12 April (4 weeks)
Exam date: 26 April 2026. Registrations close: 5 March 2026
Dates: 11 May - 7 June (4 weeks)
Exam date: 28 June 2026. Registrations close: 1 May 2026
Dates: 22 June - 19 July (4 weeks)
Exam date: 30 August 2026. Registrations close: 12 June 2026
Your Online Educator
Your educator will be there to guide you through your learning. They will give feedback and guidance on your tasks and tasting notes. You are also welcome to contact them directly via the course 'Chat' or 'Inbox' at any point during the course. After this four week course finishes, your educator will no longer be available to assist you.
Topics Covered
What is sake and how is it made?
List and state the purpose of the main ingredients that are used in sake production.
List and state the purpose of the main production steps that turn the ingredients into sake.
Categories and grades of sake
Name the principal categories and grades of sake.
State the key characteristics of the principal categories and grades of sake.
State that a sake labelled junmai has no added alcohol.
Use the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting® Sake confidently to describe sakes.
Making different styles of sake
List and state the purpose of the production steps required to prepare the ingredients for sake.
State how polishing is used to define the grades of premium sake.
Japanese labelling terms and speciality styles of sake
Recognise the Japanese labelling terms for principal grades of premium sake.
Name some of the speciality styles of sake and state their key characteristics.
Storage, service and sake food pairing
State the correct procedures for the storage and service of sake.
State the common faults found in sake.
State the health issues resulting from the excessive consumption of sake.
State the three key considerations when making a sake and food pairing recommendation.
Revision and resources
Mock multiple-choice feedback examination which can be attempted as many times as the student likes.
Included in this course
All tuition and access to WSET’s online portal
Course guide book – ‘An Introduction to Sake’ accessible in the Course Resources area of your portal
Exam Fees
Domestic courier costs for your lapel pin
WSET Digital Certificate and metal Lapel Pin when you pass
Exam
You have 45 minutes to complete the exam which comprises 30 multi-choice questions and a pass mark of 70%.
Below are the results you can attend and the marks required.
Pass: 70% and above
Fail: 69% and below
Results are normally known up to 4-6 weeks later. WSET inform us and yourself by email. The certificate for successful candidates will be available digitally as soon as you receive your results and the lapel pin will be delivered to you within 2-3 days.
If you are unsuccessful, you are able to retake the exam without having to retake the course if you do not wish to. The cost to resit the exam is currently AED 450. Please contact us prior to booking.