Hospitality & Lifestyle Wine, Spirits, Sake & Coffee
Apply now if you are interested ! Let's set Wine & Spirits as your new learning target in 2024! This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF)* 此課程已列入持續進修基金 CEF 認可課程*
Programme Overview
Highlights
The programme aims to equip students with the credentials and expertise that they will be able to describe the characteristics of the principal wines of the world and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and price. Students will be able to assess wines accurately, and consequently be in a position to advise management, to answer customer queries authoritatively, and to make informed selections of wines in a variety of situations.
This programme will be suitable to those who are required to make professional evaluations of wines with regards to their style, quality and price. The programme also provides in-depth product knowledge required to underpin job skills and competencies, for example in product selection in the retail and hospitality sectors.
intended learning outcomes
On completion of the programme, students should be able to:
- identify the principal natural and human factors in the vineyard and winery that are involved in the production of still wines of the world and explain how they can influence the style, quality and price of these wines;
- identify and describe the characteristics of the still wines produced in the principal wine producing regions of the world and explain how the key natural and human factors in the vineyard, winery, law and commerce can influence the style, quality and price of these wines;
- identify and describe the characteristics of the principal sparkling wines of the world and explain how the key natural and human factors in the vineyard, winery, law and commerce can influence the style, quality and price of these wines;
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identify and describe the characteristics of the principal fortified wines of the world and explain how the key natural and human factors in the vineyard, winery and law can influence the style, quality and price of these wines;
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provide information and advice to customers and staff about wines; and
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accurately describe the key characteristics of the principal still wines of the world and use the description to make an assessment of quality and an assessment of readiness for drinking.
Why HKU SPACE?
- Students can taste about 75 samples of wines during the course of their studies, and they are systematically arranged by classroom session.
- Our wine courses are taught by qualified wine professionals who are also experienced in wine education.
- Our wine courses will be delivered by a single teacher throughout the entire course to ensure consistency in content and teaching style.
- All wines are carefully and impartially selected from different recognized wine suppliers to suit the genuine needs of the courses.
- All wines are tasted according to WSET requirements as benchmarks samples from around the world.
- Small class-size in all wine courses brings about better teaching and learning, and enhances teacher-student interaction.
WHAT WILL YOU GET?
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive:
- WSET Level 3 Award in Wines certificate
- WSET Level 3 Award in Wines lapel pin
- HKU SPACE Certificate for Module (Advanced Study in Wines) (證書(單元 : 葡萄酒高級鑑賞))
- Free membership of HKU SPACE Wine Alumni Association
- Free membership of HKU SPACE Alumni Association
- The right to use the Advanced certified logo of WSET
Programme Details
The programme consists of 39 face-to-face teaching hours, 3 hours in each session with wines tasting, and they are structured into 13 sessions with the following key topics. The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines (2.5 hours in total) theory and tasting examinations will usually be scheduled within four weeks after the last session.
Syllabus
1 |
Natural factors in the vineyard that influence style, quality and price |
2 |
Human factors in the vineyard that influence style, quality and price |
3 |
Human factors in the winery that influence style, quality and price |
4 |
The principal still wine producing regions of the world |
5 |
Key factors that influence style, quality and price of the principal still wines of the world |
6 |
Principal sparkling wines of the world |
7 |
Key factors that influence style, quality and price of sparkling wines |
8 |
Principal fortified wines of the world |
9 |
Key factors that influence style, quality and price of fortified wines |
10 |
Making wine recommendations |
11 |
Common faults |
12 |
Principles of food and wine pairing |
13 |
Social and health issues |
14 |
The analytical tasting of wine (appearance/nose/palate/assessment of quality) |
you will learn different wines produced in these area:
1 |
Burgundy |
2 |
Loire |
3 |
New Zealand |
4 |
Bordeaux |
5 | South West France |
6 | Tokaj |
7 |
Rhône |
8 | Southern France |
9 | Australia |
10 |
Germany |
11 | Alsace |
12 | Italy |
13 |
Spain |
14 |
Portugal |
15 |
Greece |
16 |
North America |
17 | South America |
18 | South Africa |
- The programme covered red wines, white wines, sweet wines, rosé wines, sparkling wines and fortified wines.
Textbooks (included in the course fee) & Specification
Assessment and awards
This programme will be assessed by a closed-book theory examination and a tasting examination. Setting and marking of the examination papers are conducted/verified by WSET.
Assessment Type and Weighting |
Assessment Format and Duration |
Pass Mark |
---|---|---|
Test (30%) |
Part 1 : 50 Multiple Choice Questions & 4 Short Questions (2 hours)
Part 2: Blind tasting of 2 wines: description and assessment of both red and white wines (30 minutes) |
55% and above |
Examination (70%) |
Part 1 : 50 Multiple Choice Questions & 4 Short Questions (2 hours)
Part 2: Blind tasting of 2 wines: description and assessment of both red and white wines (30 minutes) |
55% and above |
Students have to obtain ‘Pass’ (i.e. 55% and above) on BOTH Test (30%) and Examination (70%) for completion of this Certificate for Module programme and the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines professional qualification. Upon successful completion of this programme, graduates will be awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE the Certificate for Module (Advanced Study in Wines) (證書(單元 : 葡萄酒高級鑑賞)).
In addition, graduates of this programme with a mark of 55% attained in examination will be awarded by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) a WSET certificate ‘WSET Level 3 Award in Wines’ and lapel pin. Graduates will also be able to use the associated WSET certified logo on their name cards
Note: Students may apply to resit the examination if they are unsuccessful, subject to a fee. Students resitting the failed part(s) of the examination will be ineligible for any grade in excess of ‘Pass with Merit’ for the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines.
HKU SPACE Wine Alumni Association (WAA)
Students are eligible to be a member of HKU SPACE Wine Alumni Association (WAA) after completion of the course. On a regular basis, the executive committee will post the latest updates and promotional materials on the availability of the seminars and events, discounts and offers on the Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hkuspacewaa; Email will also be sent for information.
Life Membership Fee is HK$200 to current students and alumni of all HKU SPACE wine/spirits/sake/beer programmes. Majority of WAA events are hosted by leading figures in the wine industry. All events are exclusive to members, and sometimes with their guests.
Future Events
- Wine tastings
- Wine dinners
- Master classes
- Wine seminars
- Idea sharing programmes
Application Code | 2255-HT007A | Apply Online Now |
Apply Online Now |
Application Code | 2265-HT007A | Apply Online Now |
Apply Online Now |
Duration
- Contact Hours: 39 hours + 2.5-hour examination
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Island East Campus
IEC 9/F (Wine Room) -
Kowloon West Campus
KWC 5/F (Wine Room)
Modules & Class Details
Class Details
UPCOMING CLASS
Application Code |
Tutor (Medium of Instruction) |
Date |
Time |
Test & Examination |
Venue |
Application Deadline |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2255-HT007A (confirmed class) |
Raymond So (Cantonese supplemented with English) |
21, 28 November;
(Thursday) |
7:00pm-10:00pm |
Test: 6 March 2025 (7:00pm)
Examination: 10 April 2025 (7:00pm) |
IEC | 11 Nov 2024 |
2265-HT007A |
Ron Taylor (English) |
20 January;
3, 10, 17, 24 February;
3, 10, 17, 24 March;
7, 14 April;
12 May 2025
(Mondays) |
7:00pm-10:00pm |
Test: 29 April 2025 (7:00pm)
Examination: 9 Jun 2025 (7:00pm) |
IEC | 1 Jan 2025 |
- The programme team reserves the right to change the above timetable if necessary.
- All classes are subject to sufficient enrolment.
- Re-assessment fee for WSET Level 3 Awards: HKD1390
OUR WINE TUTORS
Mr. Chris So
Chris has great passion in wine and has been teaching about wine for the past 10 years. To endeavor professional and highest wine knowledge, he is studying the Master of Wine (MW) Programme after gaining the WSET Level 4 Diploma. Chris passed the MW practical tasting papers on his first attempt in 2012 and is now on the final stage working on his MW Research Paper. Chris is also a WSET Certified Educator, a member of Greater China Wine Critics Association, an associate member of the Institute of Wines and Spirits (AIWS) and a judge member of The Hong Kong Wine Judges Association.
Chris is a judge for the “Decanter Asia Wine Awards", "Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition” and “Everyday Bordeaux”. To strengthen his wine knowledge, Chris has travelled extensively to all major wine regions around the world including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Japan and China. Chris was awarded the "Outstanding Teacher Award of HKUSPACE College of Business & Finance 2018/19" for his teaching excellence.
Mr. Raymond So
Mr Raymond So is engaged in the banking industry. He teaches wine studies as the pursuit of his ardent interest. He holds the Diploma in Wines and Spirits issued by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Mr So is currently an Associate of the Institute of Wine and Spirit and a WSET Certified Educator. He has over 10 years’ experience in wine tasting. He is experienced in leading tasting discussion for inspiring students to structurally step into the wide wine world. Mr So also loves to share his experience in picking appropriate wines for fitting the banquet need of business entertainment.
Mr. Ron Taylor
Ron, born in Scotland and a resident of Hong Kong, has been studying wine & spirits for over 30 years and lecturing for at least 12 of those years.
A Certified Educator of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), Associate of the Institute of Wine & Spirits (AIWS), a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Wine Specialist and member of the Society of Wine Educators, Member of the Association of Wine Educators, Guild of Sommeliers and the Hong Kong Wine Society.
He has taught consumers, the F&B industry and staff of leading Hong Kong wine companies in both WSET courses and bespoke material.
Ms Alice Wong
Wine and healthcare seem to be contrasting elements, but as a licensed Physical Therapist and a Certified Wine Educator, Alice Wong specializes in both. Alice’s wine journey can be traced back to the early 2000s in New York City when she started her WSET education. Shortly after her relocation to Hong Kong in 2013, she obtained her Level 4 Diploma. Her involvement in the wine industry is multifold, including wine education, consultation, communication, event management, and judging. To fulfill her passion in Italian wines, she undertook the prestigious Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador Program and became the first batch of graduates of the enhanced version in 2018. Currently, Alice is the Deputy Master of the Cavalieri del Tartufo e dei Vini di Alba – Hong Kong Delegation, and the Vice Chair of the Food & Beverage Committee of The American Club Hong Kong. To honor her contribution in promoting Italian wines, Alice was the winner of the 2020 Hong Kong Living Influencer Award.
Mr. Chris Lai
Chris Lai is a holder of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET®) Diploma in Wines and Spirits (Pass with Merit). He is a WSET® Certified Educator and Internal Assessor. Over the past 12 years, Chris has been active in teaching wines and spirits courses with several WSET® Approved Program Providers across the Greater Bay Area. He has also developed and organized a wide variety of wine training and workshops for renowned international department stores, F&B corporates and other institutions. With his broad sense and knowledge in culinary skills, Chris is particularly instrumental in food and wine pairing that he served as wine consultant for various wine dinners and food pairing workshops.
Mr. Jack Cheung
Jack has been working in the wine industry for more than 15 years, and he has a solid experience in the Food and Beverage service industry as Bartender, Sommelier and Beverage Director. Apart from passing WSET Level 4 Diploma for Wines and Spirits in 2016, Jack has also completed both WSET L3 Award in Sake, as well as WSET L3 Award in Spirits. Jack has strong passion in wine, sake and spirits education as he wishes to promote interest and knowledge to all enthusiasts.
Jack has been a judge for Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Challenge (HKIWSC) for the past 5 years, and has involved in international wine and spirit buying in the past 10 years with his current position as Beverage Director in a prominent clubhouse in Hong Kong.
Our Edge
Professional Accreditation
HKU SPACE is one of the Approved Programme Providers (APPs) of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and this programme prepares students to attempt and complete WSET wines qualification, namely ‘WSET Level 3 Award in Wines’. This is an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for wine enthusiasts. This programme fully adopts all the learning outcomes, curriculum, specification, educational materials including textbooks, workbook and PowerPoints designed and provided by WSET, so that students exactly know the examination requirements and assessment criteria.
Tasting is a vital part of the WSET qualifications. Using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT), students need to accurately describe the key characteristics of the principal still wines of the world and use the description to make an assessment of quality and an assessment of readiness for drinking. Our experienced teacher will base on the WSET recommended tasting samples and choose wines samples accordingly. Students will have an opportunity to taste about 75 different grape varieties and styles of wines during the entire programme, and they are selected from different regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace, the Loire Valley, the Rhone Valley, Southern France, Germany, Austria, Tokaj, Italy, Spain, and other countries from the New World.
WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST (WSET)
WSET was founded in 1969 to provide high quality education and training in wines and spirits. Since then, WSET has grown into the foremost international body in the field of wines and spirits education, with a suite of sought-after qualifications. WSET qualifications are recognised internationally and are now represented in over 70 countries through the world. WSET Awards is recognised as an awarding body by the English regulator for qualifications, examinations and assessments, Ofqual. It also operates a quality management system that complies with ISO 9001:2015, and is a member of the UK’s Federation of Awarding Bodies. For details regarding WSET, please visit http://www.wsetglobal.com/.
Fee & Entry Requirements
Fee
- HK$12,500 per programme inclusive of:
1.) Student study pack for WSET Level 3 Award in Wines in English
2.) at least 75 Wines for tasting
3.) Test Fee for WSET Level 3 Award in Wines qualification
4.) WSET certificates & pins
Entry Requirements
Applicants shall:
- be aged at least 18 years or above; and
- be a holder of the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.
Applicants do not have any health problems that made them unfit for wine tasting.
Applicants with other qualifications will be considered on individual merit, and they are required to take and pass an online written entry test*.
Note: Applicants who have already passed WSET Level 3 in Wines should approach Programme Team before application.
*Students taking Entry Test are required to do an online written test (30 Multiple Choice Questions, 1 mark each) within 30 minutes. Students who pass this Entry Test with a score of 20 or above will be eligible to apply for the CertMod (Advanced Study in Wines). Those who fail this Entry Test will be encouraged to apply for the CertMod (Intermediate Study in Wines), or reattempt the Entry Test again (maximum 2 times) with additional tuition fee payment. This Entry Test format and its difficulty will mirror the assessment of WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.
A web link will be sent to registered students, who can take the Entry Test anytime within a designated time period (i.e. 7 calendar days). The web link will not be valid after this time period, and students may need to pay again.
Test result will be sent to students by email within 7 working days. Successful students can apply for the CertMod (Advanced Study in Wines). Students who failed are encouraged to apply for the CertMod (Intermediate Study in Wines) or reattempt the Entry Test again (maximum 2 times) with additional tuition fee payment.
*Click here to access Entry Test for Certificate for Module (Advanced Study in Wines).
CEF
- The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100
CEF Courses | ||
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CERTIFICATE FOR MODULE (ADVANCED STUDY IN WINES) 證書(單元 : 葡萄酒高級鑑賞) |
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COURSE CODE 43C127603 | FEES $12,500 | ENQUIRY 2520-4607 |
Continuing Education Fund
This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF)*
此課程已列入持續進修基金 CEF 認可課程
For more details, please visit HKU SPACE website: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/cef/application-procedures
Continuing Education Fund This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. |
|
Certificate for Module (Advanced Study in Wines)
|
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Online Enrolment
HKU SPACE provides 24-hour online application and payment service for students to apply to selected award-bearing programmes and to enrol in most open admission courses (courses enrolled on a first come, first served basis) via the Internet. Applicants may settle the payment by using either "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard online. Online WeChat Pay, Online AliPay and Faster Payment System (FPS) are also available for continuing enrolment in the same programme, if online service is offered.
For first time enrolment
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Complete the online application form
Applicant may click the icon on the top right-hand corner of the programme/course webpage to make online application, and then follow the instructions to fill in the online application form.
Some programmes/courses may admit by selection, and may require applicants to provide electronic copy of any required documents (e.g. proof of qualification) as indicated on the programme/course webpage. Only file format in doc, docx, jpg and pdf are supported. -
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To know more about first-time online application/enrolment and payment, please refer to the user guide of Online Application / Enrolment and Payment:
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Selected programmes offer online continuing enrolment service. Programme staff will inform students if they offer this service and offer further enrolment details.
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For first time enrolment
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For first come, first served short courses, complete the Application for Enrolment Form SF26 and bring or post the completed form(s), together with the appropriate application/course fee(s) and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres.
[Download Enrolment Form SF26] -
Award-bearing and professional courses may require other information. Forms are usually available at the enrolment centres or on request from programme staff. Bring or post the completed form(s), together with the appropriate application/course fee(s) and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres.
For continuing enrolment in the same programme
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The standard ‘Enrolment/Payment Slip’ is designed for students of award-bearing programmes or remaining programmes in a suite of programmes requiring continuing enrolment and it applies to most programmes.
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Students should complete the “Enrolment/Payment Slip” which will be made available by relevant programme staff and return the slip to any HKU SPACE enrolment centre or post it to the relevant programme staff with appropriate fee payment.
Please refer to available Payment Methods for fee payment information. If you are in doubt about the procedures, please check the individual course details, or contact our programme staff or enrolment centres.
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- If admission is by selection, the official receipt is not a guarantee that your application has been accepted. We will inform you of the result as soon as possible after the closing date for application. Unsuccessful applicants will be given a refund of programme/course fee if already paid.
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Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay or Alipay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.
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Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and applicant’s name. You may either:
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Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or Mastercard, including the “HKU SPACE Mastercard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE Mastercard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.
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Online application / enrolment is offered for most open admission courses (enrolled on first come, first served basis) and selected award-bearing programmes. Application fees and course fees of these programmes/courses can be settled by using "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard. In addition to the aforesaid online payment channels, new and continuing students of award-bearing programmes with available online service, they may also pay their course fees by Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay or Faster Payment System (FPS). Please refer to Enrolment Methods - Online Enrolment for details.
Notes
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If the programme/course is starting within five working days, application by post is not recommended to avoid any delays. Applicants are advised to enrol in person at HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres and avoid making cheque payment under this circumstance.
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Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, Alipay, cheque, FPS or PPS by Internet will be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will be reimbursed to the credit card account used for payment.
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- For payment certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to “HKU SPACE” to any of our enrolment centres.
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