The term "UNESCO" often evokes images of ancient monuments and iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China or the Pyramids of Egypt. But did you know that UNESCO doesn’t just protect places? It also safeguards cultural traditions, including those linked to some of the world’s most iconic drinks.
Through its Intangible Cultural Heritage programme, UNESCO recognises living traditions - from music and food to seasonal rituals and, in some cases, drinks-related practices. It’s not just about the liquid in the glass. It’s about the knowledge, community and craftsmanship behind it. From ancient winemaking to communal beer culture, these traditions are celebrated for the roles they play in identity, connection and everyday life.
In 2024, traditional sake brewing in Japan was added to this list, joining other well-known traditions like Tunisian harissa, Neapolitan pizza-making and Argentinian tango. But sake isn’t the only drinks tradition to receive UNESCO recognition. Several historic brewing, winemaking and distilling practices have also been honoured for their cultural significance.
Let’s take a look at five drinks traditions that are now officially recognised as part of the world’s cultural heritage.
Sake brewing in Japan
Sake is more than just Japan’s national drink. It’s woven into the country’s spiritual and seasonal life. From ceremonial barrel openings to wedding toasts, it plays a role in both everyday culture and sacred rituals.
Added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2024, traditional sake brewing was recognised for its deep cultural and historical importance in Japan. UNESCO describes it as: "A traditional fermentation technique developed in Japan and passed down for centuries by skilled craftspeople."
Sake has been made in Japan for over 2,500 years, playing an important role in Shinto rituals, weddings, and festivals. Master brewers, called toji, use koji mold to convert rice starch into fermentable sugar - a crucial step that defines the sake-making process.
Even as modern brewing techniques evolve, many small breweries still follow these ancient practices, keeping alive a method that UNESCO says, "plays an important role in fostering social cohesion and cultural identity in local communities."
For more on sake’s rich traditions, you can start your journey with our Level 1 Award in Sake, or check out this blog article: Five sacred sake traditions you need to know – Q&A with Sake Expert Natsuki Kikuya.
You can also watch this sake webinar hosted by Natsuki Kikuya and Chris Hughes, where they explore global sake trends.
A sake brewery
Belgian beer culture
Belgium’s beer culture is internationally recognised for its diversity, history and craftsmanship. From centuries-old Trappist traditions to experimental brewing methods, beer has long played a role in Belgium’s regional identity and daily life.
Recognised by UNESCO in 2016, this cultural tradition continues to unite communities, shape local cuisine and preserve artisanal knowledge. UNESCO describes it as "A living heritage that contributes to social cohesion and is part of the daily life of many people in Belgium."
Belgium is home to over 1,500 beer varieties, including spontaneously fermented lambic beers and iconic styles developed in monastic communities. Brewing methods are often passed down through generations, and festivals like the Belgian Beer Weekend help keep these traditions alive.
Want to better understand the science, styles and stories behind brewing? Explore our beer qualifications or read our blog: Brewed by Monks: five intriguing facts about Trappist beer.
Qvevri winemaking in Georgia
Georgia is often called the cradle of wine, and for good reason. Winemaking here dates back 8,000 years, and the traditional use of clay qvevri pots is still central to the process today. In 2013, UNESCO recognised this practice as "an inseparable part of everyday life in the communities concerned, forming part of their identity and reinforcing their social ties."
These wines are traditionally fermented and stored in qvevri - large clay pots buried underground - a method believed to be one of the oldest winemaking techniques in the world. Many Georgian families still make their own wine this way, preserving a tradition that connects generations through craftsmanship and community.
To deepen your knowledge of wine, check out our Level 3 Award in Wines, or read our blog: Exploring Georgian wine.
Qvevri buried underground
The knowledge of Cuba’s light rum masters
Cuba’s light rum masters, or maestros roneros, are expert distillers who pass down their craft through generations. Recognised by UNESCO in 2022, they’ve upheld a tradition that began in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba - refining a distinctive national style that blends skill, memory and deep cultural pride.
These masters learn how to read barrels, balance blends, and understand how each step affects flavour and aroma. They follow a shared code that values sustainability, cultural pride and responsible consumption. Regardless of brand, they form a guild-like community that protects and promotes this national craft.
As one maestro put it, "you are the custodian of something that does not belong to you-it belongs to the nation." Cuban rum features in weddings, baptisms, community celebrations and national festivals, and is a powerful symbol of the island’s cultural identity.
Want to learn more about the rich diversity of rum styles and their histories? Explore our Level 2 Award in Spirits, or read our blog: Rum styles, histories and traditions.
Šljivovica - a traditional Serbian plum spirit
Šljivovica is a traditional Serbian plum spirit with deep roots in family and community life. Typically made using native varieties, the process involves fermenting the fruit, double distilling it in copper stills, and ageing the spirit in oak barrels.
Recognised by UNESCO for its social and ceremonial importance, šljivovica is central to weddings, religious holidays, and family gatherings, where it’s used to toast health and good fortune. It also has a place in traditional medicine, often infused with herbs or fruits.
What makes this practice UNESCO-worthy is how it’s passed down through generations - often within families - alongside related skills like copper still making. It’s a living tradition that reflects Serbia’s identity, values and way of life.
By recognising these traditions, UNESCO helps preserve the cultural knowledge, techniques and communities behind each drink. It highlights the role they play in shaping identity, bringing people together and passing on skills through generations.
Whether you're drinking sake at a ceremony, exploring Georgian qvevri wine, or learning about Belgium’s brewing culture, you're connecting with something far bigger than the final product.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of drinks and their cultural significance, WSET qualifications are a great place to start. Explore our qualifications here.
