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.
Certified Courses
Upon successful completion of courses, students will be awarded a certificate along with the accompanying lapel pin.
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
23/07/2026
Sake x City Pop Jazz Vol.14
Join us for a special edition of our Sake & Jazz series at KURA Robata & Sake. While our events usually feature the enchanting sounds of Ghibli Jazz, this time we’re taking a nostalgic journey into the world of City Pop. Smooth grooves, neon city lights, and the soundtrack of Japan’s golden era. Details:Location: Maven […]
07/07/2026
Champion Sake Night
Join us for a special evening featuring 8 exceptional Shichiken sakes, including the IWC Champion Sake, paired with a specially curated menu by Maven by Morgan. We’re also excited to welcome a special guest from Yamanashi Meijo Brewery, joining us from Japan to share the story w craftsmanship behind Shichiken. Let’s raise a glass together […]
02/07/2026
Sake and Truffle Dinner
Sake and Truffle? Absolutely. It might not be the first pairing that comes to mind, but once you experience it, it makes perfect sense. Join us on Thursday 2 July from 6:30pm for a special evening celebrating the extraordinary harmony between Australian Black Winter truffles and artisanal Japanese sake. Details: Location: Baix, Brighton Date: Thursday, 2nd July […]
20/05/2026
Kazuki’s: An Immersive Sake & Two-Hat Dining Experience
Join us for an exclusive evening at Kazuki’s, an award-winning two-hatted restaurant renowned for its refined cuisine that blends Japanese sensibility with classic French technique. This immersive dining experience brings together a meticulously curated 5-course menu by Chef Kazuki, paired with a selection of premium sake. Each pairing has been thoughtfully chosen to enhance the depth, […]
30/04/2026
Exclusive Sake Pairing Dinner with Chef Ian Curley
This marks my first collaboration with Chef Ian Curley, a renowned chef with over three decades at the helm of some of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurants, known for his refined European cuisine with classic French foundations, paired with a carefully curated selection of premium sake. For one night only, enjoy a thoughtfully designed 4-course dinner, where each sake […]
17/06/2026
Sake Making Workshop on DOBUROKU
This workshop will provide a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the art and science of sake brewing. Workshop Highlights Who Should Attend?
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.