About SSA
The Sake Sommelier Association is built on 3 pillars:
Education, Challenge and Competition which cover the
wide range of our activities.
The Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) is the oldest non-Japanese body to provide formal sake education. The SSA is based in London, UK, and for over 20 years we have been fully committed to promoting global education and awareness of sake with exciting projects, such as our Sake Sommelier courses and regional Sake Challenge events. The SSA’s flagship course, the Certified Sake Sommelier, accredits students officially as Sake Sommeliers® upon completion of the program.
We offer courses
from beginner to
expert level.
Great for any level
Our courses are ideal for everyone, from beginners with a passion for sake, to experts who’ve been working in the drinks industry for years.
Become a Sommelier
The Sake Sommelier Academy’s courses are built around workshops and interactive teaching with the aim of giving usable sake knowledge.
Certified Courses
Upon successful completion of courses, students will be awarded a certificate along with the accompanying lapel pin.
Great for any level
Our courses are ideal for everyone, from beginners with a passion for sake, to experts who’ve been working in the drinks industry for years.
Become a Sommelier
The Sake Sommelier Academy’s courses are built around workshops and interactive teaching with the aim of giving usable sake knowledge.
Certified Courses
Upon successful completion of courses, students will be awarded a certificate along with the accompanying lapel pin.
partners across 6 continents;
we have reached over ten thousand students
through our expanding network
of educational franchises.
The SSA is delighted to work with
partners across 6 continents; we have
reached over ten thousand students
through our expanding network of
educational franchises.
Our Courses
Thrilled to keep our clients smiling with our sake courses.
Introductory Sake Professional
The Introductory Sake Professional course is the first step to entering the Sake Sommelier world.
Certified Sake Sommelier
The Certified Sake Sommelier is a fantastic way to further expand your career in the sake service industry.
Advanced Sake Sommelier
The Advanced Sake Sommelier course takes place in Japan. This trip offers a unique insider’s view of the country.
Master Sake Sommelier
The Master Sake Sommelier is the world’s highest sake sommelier qualification.
Master Sake Making
Our sake brewer’s qualification offers a full, in brewery, education on how to become a sake brewer.
Our Trainer
Kana Aoyama
Kana Aoyama is SSA Sake educator based in Melbourne.
As she also a certified sake sommelier with a passion for pairing sake with different types of cuisine. She finds joy in discovering new and exciting flavours and experiences through sake. Her mission is to share these experiences with customers and to help create meaningful memories through sake.
She is committed to helping people to explore the world of sake and find the perfect pairings for their meals. She offers sake tastings, sake seminars, and private events to help people discover the delights sake has to offer. Visit her site today to learn more about the experience she can provide.
Kana is helping
people explore the
world of sake
Events
20/08/2023
SAKE AND ITALIAN PAIRING
Collaboration event with chef. 3 different types of sake and 3 course of Italian dishes Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience as we bring together the best of Japanese sake and Italian cuisine at our exclusive event.Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavours, where traditional Italian dishes meet the rich and wonderful taste of […]
BOOK EVENT
11/12/2022
SAKE AND TEMAKI SUSHI WORKSHOP EVENT
Collaboration event with chef. 3 different types of sake and DIY Temaki set We will provide a Temaki set for each person (ingredients for making sushi such as rice, seaweed sheet, fresh sashimi) and we will make a sushi together and enjoy sake pairing with your Temaki sushi.
BOOK EVENT
30/10/2022
SAKE AND CHOCOLATE PAIRING EVENT
Introducing sake and chocolate pairing. 3 different types of sake and 3 different kinds of chocolate to pair with.Sake and chocolate go well together as they have a lot in common.Both have a fermentation process in the manufacturing process, and both are made up of a complex balance of sweetness, sourness, bitterness, richness, and aroma.For […]
BOOK EVENT
04/09/2022
SAKE AND CHEESE PAIRING EVENT
Introducing sake and cheese pairing. 3 different types of sake and 3 different kinds of cheese to pair with.Sake and cheese share one important flavour profile: Umami. Described as a pleasant, comforting savoury sensation, Umami is one of the five basic tastes of food give yourself the chance to experience it.
BOOK EVENT
09/07/2024
Sake x French Paring
You’ll experience a unique gastronomic journey that will delight your taste buds.
11/04/2024
Sake x Italian pairing event at Cucinettamelb2013
We had enjoyed beautiful sakes and amazing Italian cuisine to pair with.Thank you for wonderful dishes and lovely hospitality.@cucinettamelb2013 .
Certified Sake Sommelier Course
I had a wonderful time at your class with friends and I have learnt some new things about appreciating sake. I will definitely be visiting in the future.