WLA101 Wine + Beverage Service
WLA101 is a practical introduction to wine and beverage service, created to give you a clear, confident understanding of the drinks you serve and enjoy. It focuses on building strong foundations in wine knowledge, beverage styles, and professional service, with a particular emphasis on South African wine.
The course introduces you to how wine is made, key South African grape varieties and regions, the basics of beer, cider and spirits, and the essential skills needed to serve beverages confidently and professionally.
WLA101 is an ideal starting point for wine enthusiasts and hospitality staff who want to build confidence and practical knowledge in wine and beverage service.
No prior wine knowledge is required, just enthusiasm!
All our in-person classes are delivered in English therefore a good level of English is beneficial.
You must be at least 18 years old to enrol on any of our courses.
Topics you will cover in the Level 1 Wines course
- The main types and styles of wine
- The characteristics of the most common wine grapes
- The correct way to store and serve wine
- Foundations of food and wine pairing
- How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
Topics you will cover in the WLA101 course
The main varietals and styles of wine
How grapes grow and how wine is made
Key South African grape varieties and wine regions
How to read and understand wine labels
Basics of beer, cider, spirits and fortified wines
Correct wine storage, preservation and service temperature
Professional beverage service etiquette
Foundations of food and wine pairing
Responsible alcohol service and alcohol awareness
Exam / Assessment
The WLA101 exam consists of two sections
*Multiple-choice question exam
*Verbal assessment
To pass you must get 60% for each of the two options
Successful students will receive a WLA101 Certificate
The SASA exam consists of two sections
*A theory test with multiple-choice questions covering basic wine knowledge, basic wine service, general service etiquette, surface knowledge of other beverages, basic food and wine pairing and alcohol awareness
*An oral examination based on real-life service scenarios with a focus on basic wine knowledge and wine service
To pass you must get 60% for each of the two options
Successful students will receive a SASA Foundational Certificate and Pin
Included in the course fee
The course will be hosted in-person
You receive a WLA101 Wine + Beverage Service course workbook
All tasting wines and the sample food pairings
Practical service demonstrations
SASA Foundational Certificate exam fee
SASA membership fee for one year
Certification and lapel pins
venue.
course date/s.
exam date.
payment date.
price.
Rosebank, Gauteng
11 May 2026
11 May 2026
24 April 2026
R
1950
Rosebank, Gauteng
27 July 2026
27 July 2026
10 July 2026
R
1950
Rosebank, Gauteng
5 October 2026
5 October 2026
18 September 2026
R
1950
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
This course is an ideal starting point for candidates who wants to embark on a career in wine or hospitality as well as wine enthusiasts who wants to get to grips with the basics.
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
This entry level course will suit candidates wanting to learn more about spirits within an interactive, structured framework and for those with their first job in hospitality, retail or in other sectors of the spirits industry.