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;

• 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;

• provide information and advice to customers and staff about wines; and

• 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?

1. Students can taste about 75 samples of wines during the course of their studies, and they are systematically arranged by classroom session.
2. Our wine courses are taught by qualified wine professionals who are also experienced in wine education.
3. Our wine courses will be delivered by a single teacher throughout the entire course to ensure consistency in content and teaching style.
4. All wines are carefully and impartially selected from different recognized wine suppliers to suit the genuine needs of the courses.
5. All wines are tasted according to WSET requirements as benchmarks samples from around the world.
6. 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: 

1. WSET Level 3 Award in Wines certificate
2. WSET Level 3 Award in Wines lapel pin
3. HKU SPACE Certificate for Module (Advanced Study in Wines) (證書(單元 : 葡萄酒高級鑑賞))
4. Free membership of HKU SPACE Wine Alumni Association
5. Free membership of HKU SPACE Alumni Association
6. The right to use the Advanced certified logo of WSET

The programme consists of 36 face-to-face teaching hours, 3 hours in each session with wines tasting, and they are structured into 12 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 two 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
Theory Examination (50%)	50 Multiple Choice Questions & 4 Short Questions (2 hours)	55% and above
Tasting Examination (50%)	Blind tasting of 2 wines: description and assessment of both wines (30 minutes)	55% and above

Students have to obtain ‘Pass’ (i.e. 55% and above) on BOTH Theory Examination (50%) and Tasting Examination (50%) 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 both parts of theory examination and tasting 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 WAA Website at http://www.hkuspacewaa.com and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hkuspacewaa; Email will also be sent for information.

Membership fee is free to current students and alumni of all HKU SPACE wine 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	2140-1406AW	-

Application Code	2140-1408AW	-

Duration

• Contact Hours: 36 hours + 2.5-hour examination

Venue

• Island East Campus
  IEC 9/F (Wine Room)
• Kowloon West Campus
  KWC 5/F (Wine Room)

Course Fee

• HK$11,400 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