Where to train

Asia Wine Service and Education Centre (AWSEC)

Room 1501 & 1503-08, 15/F, Kai Tak Commercial Building, 317-319 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Email: whisky@awsec.com
Website: www.awsec.com
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Other training provided

WSET (Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 in Wine, Levels 1, 2 in Spirits, Levels 1, 3 in Sake), Wine Scholar Guild (French Wine Scholar, Spanish Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar Prep), Gin Ambassador, Barossa Wine School, Bordeaux l'Ecole du Vin, Sake Sommelier Academy, Wines of South Africa, Wine Australia, German Wine Academy, Wines of Chile Academy

Meet our people

Alex Fok

Based in the Hong Kong office of AWSEC, Alex has obtained the WSET Level 4 Diploma, WSET Level 3 Sake and Sake Sommelier Academy Certified Sake Sommelier.

He has spent several years in wine sales and retail, and is fluent in English and Cantonese. "Simple to understand, straight forward." WSET Level 1 Wine student

Alice Ye

Based in the Guangzhou office of AWSEC in China, Alice has obtained the WSET Level 3 in Wine (Pass with Distinction) and is a Nominated Educator for WSET Level 1 & Level 2 courses.

She is also a certified educator for the Barossa Wine School and an approved educator for the New Zealand Wine Certification Programme, the Bordeaux Wine School Programme, the Wines of Chile Academy Programme, the Sake Sommelier Academy programme in China and the Academy of Wines of South Africa.

Jerry Chen

Jerry is the Education Manager of the Guangzhou office of AWSEC in China.

He has attained the following certifications: WSET Level 4 Diploma, VinItaly International Academy Wine Educator, German Wine Institute Certified Consultant, Sake Sommelier Association Certified Sommelier, Organizzazione Nazionale Assaggiatori di China Certified Tutor, Associazione Italian Certified Sommelier and has been a Wine Judge for numerous competitions.

Julie

Based in the Shenzhen office of AWSEC in China, Julie has obtained the WSET Level 3 in Wine and is a Level 4 Diploma candidate.

She is also a French Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar with the Wine Scholar Guild, a CWSA Judge and has hosted many wine master classes.

Lawrence Chan

Based in the Hong Kong office of AWSEC, Lawrence has obtained the WSET Level 4 Diploma, WSET Level 3 Sake and WSET Level 3 Spirits.

Before his full time career in AWSEC, he was a wine consultant for a wine importer in Hong Kong while teaching at AWSEC as a part-time wine educator. He has also gained qualifications in a number of wine institutions, including the A+ Australian Wine School, Barossa Wine School, Wines of Chile Academy, Wine of South Africa Academy, Germany Wine Academy and the Rioja Wine Education Program. He is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. "Good instructor, simple and clear to understand. Interesting and enjoyable." WSET Level 1 Wine student

Stephen Mack

Steve Mack

Stephen Mack is the CEO of Asia Wine Service and Education Centre (AWSEC®). Stephen holds a Diploma from the UK’s Wine & Spirit Education Trust® (WSET®), for whom he runs Hong Kong’s only centre offering courses and exams up to and including Diploma level, is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, a French Wine Scholar (with Highest Honours), Barossa Master Educator and a Kikisake-shi. Stephen is also a Certified Sherry Educator and a Certified Spanish Wine Educator.

Stephen has selected the wines for an international airline, judged in numerous wine, sake and spirit competitions from London to Australia and has a wide range of corporate clients for whom he conducts entertaining and educational tutored wine, sake and spirit tastings and wine and food dinners for their staff and clients. Stephen has also trained the staff of a number of wine, sake and spirit producers and distributors, restaurants and hotels all over Asia. Stephen is a renowned wine, sake and spirits educator and speaker and has given wine, sake and spirits presentations all over the world on subjects including all the world’s major wine and spirit countries and regions and on matching wine, sake and spirits with various cuisines. Stephen has also had articles published in a number of wine and spirits magazines. In 2012, Stephen was made a lifetime honorary member of the Russian Sommelier Association for his contributions to wine education in Russia.

Testimonials

"Great teaching and good humour." WSET Level 2 Spirits student.

 

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From our blog

Gin and the British Navy (Part 3)

Sep 1: The development of Navy Strength gin is perhaps the most notable legacy of the Navy's association with the spirit. This high-proof gin, characterised by its robust flavour and potency, remains a popular choice among gin enthusiasts. It represents a distinct style within the gin category, appreciated for its intensity and its historical connection to the naval tradition of 'proofing.'

Gin and the British Navy (Part 2)

Aug 25: As gin's popularity within the British Navy grew, so too did its influence on naval traditions and practices. One of the most significant of these was the daily 'rum ration' or 'tot,' a practice that had its roots in the 17th century. Originally, the ration consisted of beer, but due to the difficulties in storing beer for long voyages, it was replaced with spirits, primarily rum, but gin was also included, especially on ships patrolling colder climates.

Gin and the British Navy

Aug 18: The relationship between gin and the British Navy is a fascinating chapter in the spirit's history, intertwining maritime tradition, global exploration, and medicinal practice. This connection was established during the late 17th century and continued well into the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on the culture and customs of the British Navy.

Gin Mare: A firm favourite

Feb 18: How many times have you been asked “What’s your favourite gin?” On my part, countless times, and the answer changes not necessarily every time, but definitely on where I am, my mood, the temperature outside, the temperature inside… you get my drift!

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