Introduction
When you walk through the wine & spirits section in the supermarket, have you ever wondered what’s behind all these bottles, and what makes each bottle so unique?
Drinking wine has become increasingly popular in Hong Kong. Consumers enjoy the pleasure of matching wine with different cuisines while executives and professionals find that talking about wine appreciation is a useful means of socializing with business associates. In recent years, spirits are becoming the next trend of drinking, high-end and premium liquors become more and more attractive in consumers' eyes, especially whiskey. Bartenders have raised the bar of the drinking industry and mixing cocktails has become a mixture of creativity and professionalism.
To cater to the need of consumers and professionals, a comprehensive and solid understanding of wine and spirits knowledge and tasting skills would be essential. With the abolition of wine duty, Hong Kong is well on the way to become the Asia's largest wine hub. Knowledgeable professionals and salesmen are in great demand in the industry. It is imperative to have a good foundation of knowledge and skills to excel in the sector.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the world’s leading provider of professional wine qualifications. Established in 1969, WSET has offered internationally-recognised wine & spirits courses in over 70 countries and more than 15 languages.
The aim of the quality-assured qualifications, WSET Awards, is to provide best-in-class education and qualifications to inspire and empower the world’s wine and spirits professionals and enthusiasts. WSET qualifications are covering wines, spirits and sake.
*The Hong Kong Management Association is a WSET Approved Programme Provider (APP) since 2011
All the WSET Courses are led by WSET Certified Educators
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根據香港法律，不得在業務過程中，向未成年人售賣或供應令人醺醉的酒類。 |
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
Course Structure
This course provides a basic introduction to the world of wine. It is designed for people who have little or no prior knowledge of wines. The qualification will assist those who need a basic familiarity with the main types and styles of wines, including front line staff involved in the selling and service of wine, and those who work with wines as part of a larger beverage portfolio in the retail and hospitality sectors. It introduces the technique of tasting wine and the characteristics of the common grape varieties used to produce wines.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize the key stages in grape growing and winemaking
- Familiar with the types, characteristics and styles of wines
- Familiar with the common grape varieties
- Apply basic principles of food and wine matching
- Understand the procedures for storage and service of wines and procedures for opening wines professionally
Session Plan (6 hours: 2 sessions of 3 hours each)
| Session 1 | An Introduction to wines, understanding the Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) Wine |
| Session 2 | The Storage and Service of Wine, Food and Wine Pairing |
| Exam | Examination (45 minutes) |
Course Information
For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below.
Fee
HKMA Member: $2,200
Non-Member: $2,400
(Includes tuition, wine tasting, WSET Level 1 copyright materials and WSET Level 1 Examination.)
| Course Code | Application | Dates & Times | Examination | Language | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IWSET-L3006-2025-1-F |
... |
Saturday, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm 15 February 2025 |
Tuesday, 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm 18 March 2025 |
Cantonese | F |
| IWSET-L3006-2025-3-SS |
... |
Saturday, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm 1 March 2025 |
Wednesday, 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm 2 April 2025 |
Cantonese | SS |
| IWSET-L3006-2025-5-F |
... |
Thursday, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 3, 10 April 2025 |
Tuesday, 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm 6 May 2025 |
Cantonese | F |
| IWSET-L3006-2025-7-F |
... |
Wednesdays, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 7, 14 May 2025 |
Wednesday, 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm 11 June 2025 |
Cantonese | F |
Language
Conducted in Cantonese or English. Textbook / reference materials and exams are in English.
Venue
| F | 14/F Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong |
| SS | 3/F, Tower 2,South Seas Centre, 75 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon |
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
Course Structure
This course is based on the materials and curricula of the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. It is suitable for those who want to acquire knowledge of the broad range of wines and product knowledge to underpin job skills and competencies in the customer service and sales function of the hospitality, retailing and wholesaling industries. It is also useful for those who are avid wine lovers seeking a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The main styles of wines from various regions, typical grape varieties and matching of food and wine would be introduced in the course.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand how the environmental factors and grape-growing options influence the style and quality of wine
- Understand how the winemaking options and bottle ageing impact the style and quality of wine
- Recognize the major style and quality of wines from regionally typical black and white grape varieties
- Understand how the production procedures impact the style of sparkling and fortified wines
- Understand the basic principles of food and wine matching and know the procedures of storage and service of wines
Session Plan (20 hours: 8 sessions of 2.5 hours each)
| Session 1 | Understanding the Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) Wine, Food and Wine Pairing |
| Session 2 | Factors Influencing the Production of Red Wines Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel/Primitivo |
| Session 3 | Factors Influencing the Production of White, Sweet and Rosé Wines Grape Varieties: Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sémillon/Semillon, Furmint |
| Session 4 | Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Albariño |
| Session 5 | Grape Varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz |
| Session 6 | Grape Varieties: Gamay, Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Carmenère, Malbec, Pinotage |
| Session 7 | Grape Varieties: Cortese, Garganega, Verdicchio, Fiano, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Corvina, Sangiovese, Montepulciano |
| Session 8 | Sparkling Wines & Fortified Wines |
| Exam | Examination (60 minutes) |
Course Information
For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below.
Fee
HKMA Member: $7,200
Non-Member: $7,400
(Includes tuition, wine tasting, WSET Level 2 copyright materials and WSET Level 2 Examination.)
| Course Code | Application | Dates & Times | Examination | Language | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IWSET-L3007-2025-1-F |
... |
Wednesdays, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm 26 February; 5, 12, 19, 26 March; 2, 9, 16 April 2025 |
Wednesday, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 21 May 2025 |
Cantonese | F |
| IWSET-L3007-2025-3-F |
... |
Thursdays, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm 8, 15, 22, 29 May; 12, 19, 26 June; 3 July 2025 |
Thursday, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 31 July 2025 |
Cantonese | F |
Language
Conducted in Cantonese or English. Textbook / reference materials and exams are in English.
Venue
| F | 14/F Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong |
| SS | 3/F, Tower 2,South Seas Centre, 75 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon |
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
Course Structure
This course is designed to give a thorough understanding of the factors that account for the style, quality and price of the principal still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world. It will assist those who are required to make professional evaluations of wines with regards to their style, quality and price. It also provides the in-depth product knowledge required to underpin job skills and competencies, including product selection in the retail and hospitality sectors. Also, the course will give more comprehensive coverage on the tasting techniques.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the principal natural and human factors in the vineyard and winery, explain how the factors in production can influence the style, quality and price of still wines.
- Name and characterize the characteristics of still wines from the major wine producing regions and explain the key natural and human factors can influence the style, quality and price of wines.
- Name and characterize the characteristics of sparkling wines from the major wine producing regions and explain the key natural and human factors can influence the style, quality and price of wines.
- Name and characterize the characteristics of fortified wines from the major wine producing regions and explain the key natural and human factors can influence the style, quality and price of wines.
- Demonstrate the ability to acquaint wines and advise customers with suitable wine choices
- Accurately describe the key characteristics of the principal still wines and use the description to make an assessment on quality of wines.
Session Plan (40 hours: 16 sessions of 2.5 hours each)
| Session 1 | Course induction and introduction to Tasting Technique |
| Session 2 | The Natural Factors and Human Influences in the Vineyard |
| Session 3 | The Human Factors in the Winery that Influence Style, Quality and Price |
| Session 4 | White Wines of Germany, Alsace, Austria and the Tokaj region of Hungary |
| Session 5 | White Wines of Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux |
| Session 6 | Red and Rosé Wines of Bordeaux, South West France and the Loire Valley |
| Session 7 | Red Wines of Burgundy and the Red and White Wines of the Northern Rhône Valley |
| Session 8 | Red, white and rosé wines of the Southern Rhône Valley, Southern France; Red wines of Spain part 1 and white wines of Spain and Portugal |
| Session 9 | Red Wines of Northern Spain and Red and White Wines of Northern Italy |
| Session 10 | Red and White wines of Central and Southern Italy, the Red Wines of Portugal, and the Red and White wines of Greece |
| Session 11 | Premium Red Wine Regions of the New World |
| Session 12 | Premium White Wine Regions of the New World |
| Session 13 | Regional Specialties of the New World |
| Session 14 | Sparkling Wines |
| Session 15 | Fortified Wines |
| Session 16 | Review Session |
| Examination | Examination (Part 1: 2 hours; Part 2: 30 minutes) |
Course Information
For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below.
Fee
HKMA Member: $13,800
Non-Member: $14,000
(Includes tuition, wine tasting, WSET Level 3 copyright materials and WSET Level 3 Examination.)
| Course Code | Application | Dates & Times | Examination | Language | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IWSET-L3018-2024-4-F |
... |
Saturdays, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm 11, 18, 25 January; 8, 15, 22 February; 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 March; 5, 12, 26 April; 3, 10 May 2025 |
Thursday, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 5 June 2025 |
English | F |
Language
Conducted in Cantonese or English. Textbook / reference materials and exams are in English.
Venue
| F | 14/F Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong |
| SS | 3/F, Tower 2,South Seas Centre, 75 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon |
Level 1 Awards in Spirits
Course Structure
This course provides a basic introduction to spirits It is designed for people who have little or no prior knowledge of spirits. The qualification will assist those who need a basic familiarity with the main styles and categories of spirits, for example people who work with spirits as part of a larger beverage portfolio, in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Learning Outcomes
- List and state the purpose of the main production processes and stills commonly used in the production of spirits.
- Name the principal categories and types of spirit and state their defining characteristics.
- Know and recognise the common equipment and principles involved in the storage and service of spirits
Session Plan (6 hours: 2 sessions of 3 hours each)
| Session 1 | An Introduction to Spirits Production, Introduction to Tasting Spirits variety: Brandy, Vodka, Whisky/Whiskey |
| Session 2 | Storage and Service of Spirits Spirits variety: Rum, Tequila, Flavoured Spirits and Liqueurs |
| Exam | Examination (45 minutes) |
Fee
HKMA Member: $2,200
Non-Member: $2,400
(Includes tuition, wine tasting, WSET Level 1 copyright materials and WSET Level 1 Examination.)
| Course Code | Dates & Times | Examination | Language | Venue | Application |
|---|
Language
Conducted in Cantonese or English. Textbook / reference materials and exams are in English.
Venue
| F | 14/F Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong |
| SS | 3/F, Tower 2,South Seas Centre, 75 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon |
Level 2 Awards in Spirits
Course Structure
This course is based on the materials and curricula of the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits. It is suitable for those who want to acquire knowledge of the broad range of spirits and product knowledge to underpin job skills and competencies in bar service, customer service and sales function of the hospitality, retailing and wholesaling industries. It is also useful for those who are avid spirits lovers seeking a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The major types of spirits would be introduced in the course.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the main production factors that determine types of spirits
- Understand how the principal types of spirits are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics
- Understand how the principal types of flavoured spirits, liqueurs and aromatised wines are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
- Know the common equipment used and the principles involved in the service of spirits.
Session Plan (20 hours: 8 sessions of 2.5 hours each)
| Session 1 | Course Induction, Introduction to Tasting, Key Principles in Spirits Production |
| Session 2 | Overview of the Spirits Industry Introduction to Spirits Service and Cocktails (part 1) |
| Session 3 | Fruit Spirits |
| Session 4 | Whisky/Whiskey |
| Session 5 | Introduction to Spirits Service and Cocktails (part 2) |
| Session 6 | Rum, Tequila and Mezcal |
| Session 7 | Vodka |
| Session 8 | Flavoured Spirits and Aromatised Wines |
| Exam | Examination (60 minutes) |
Fee
HKMA Member: $7,200
Non-Member: $7,400
(Includes tuition, wine tasting, WSET Level 2 copyright materials and WSET Level 2 Examination.)
| Course Code | Dates & Times | Examination | Language | Venue | Application |
|---|
Language
Conducted in Cantonese or English. Textbook / reference materials and exams are in English.
Venue
| F | 14/F Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong |
| SS | 3/F, Tower 2,South Seas Centre, 75 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon |
Sponsor
Enquiries
Course Details
| Ronnie Chan | |
| Phone: | 2774 8526 |
| E-mail: | ronniechan@hkma.org.hk |
General Enquiry / Course Enrolment / Membership
| Phone: | 2774 8500 / 2774 8501 |
| E-mail: | hkma@hkma.org.hk / enrol@hkma.org.hk |
| Fax: | 2365 1000 |