Sake isn’t just a drink — it’s a bridge to Japanese culture, history, artistry, and flavor traditions that span centuries. And much like wine, there’s a spectrum of styles, techniques, terroir-like influence, and tasting nuances waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a curious wine lover who’s always wanted to understand sake beyond the basics, or you dream of tasting sake with confidence on your next Japan trip — Capital Wine School has the perfect path for you to begin your sake journey.

At the Capital Wine School, our sake courses are taught by Caroline Hermann MW,  WSET Certified Sake Educator (2018), Advanced Sake Professional (2020), Diploma in Sake from the Japan Sommelier Association (2020).

Why Sake Deserves Your Attention

Often referred to as nihonshu (日本酒) in Japan, sake is sometimes mistakenly called “rice wine.” But unlike wine, which ferments fruit, sake is brewed like a beer from rice that has been polished to varying degrees. This gives sake its own unique world of aromas, textures, and tasting experiences. From crisp and floral to rich and umami-driven, sake caters to a surprising variety of palates — and learning to taste it properly unlocks a whole new dimension of appreciation.

Step 1: Start with the Fundamentals — WSET Level I in Sake

If you’re brand new to sake, the WSET Level I in Sake class is your ideal starting point. It’s designed for beginners — no prior knowledge required.

What You’ll Learn

The basics of sake production: rice, polishing, fermentation, and key styles

  • How to taste sake using a simple, structured approach
  • Common terms like junmai, ginjo, daiginjo, honjozo — and what they really mean
  • Style profiles: how to recognize light and delicate vs. full-bodied and rich sake
  • How to match sake with food — from sushi to grilled meats and beyond

This class removes the mystery and gives you a confident foundation — perfect for enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and anyone who wants to taste sake with understanding instead of guesswork.

Take the Next Step — WSET Level 2 Award in Sake

Once you’ve mastered the basics, the WSET Level 2 Award in Sake invites you deeper into the world of premium sake.

What Sets Level 2 Apart

Level 2 builds on foundational concepts and expands into:

  • A broader exploration of production methods and how they impact flavor
  • More detailed study of regional differences and style categories
  • Intermediate tasting techniques to help you articulate aroma and flavor nuances
  • Confidence to compare and contrast sake styles side-by-side
  • Understanding quality indicators and how they relate to price and style

By the end of Level 2, you won’t just like sake, you’ll be able to talk about it, taste it, and select sake with intention.

Who Should Take These Classes?

These sake courses are perfect for:

  • Wine, beer, and spirits lovers who want to expand into a new beverage category
  • Hospitality professionals — servers, sommeliers, bartenders, retail staff — looking to level up their sake knowledge
  • Travelers planning a cultural trip to Japan
  • Curious foodies eager to elevate food pairings
  • Anyone who’s ever ordered sake and wondered, “What exactly am I drinking?”

Why Learning Sake Matters

Sake bridges art and science. Its production is steeped in tradition, yet it also embraces innovation.

Learning about sake:

  • Gives you new tasting vocabulary and sensory skills
  • Deepens your appreciation for a global beverage culture
  • Opens up confident choices at restaurants, bars, and retail shops
  • Connects you more deeply with food — especially Asian and fusion cuisine 

Begin Your Sake Journey with Us!

Whether you’re just beginning or ready to learn more about Sake, our classes give you structured, enjoyable, and credentialed learning paths.

Many students tell us that once they start exploring sake in a guided setting, they discover a whole world of flavor they’d been missing — and that’s the best reason to start.