Fine Wine: Discover the Premium Wines of Japan

Japan is famous for sake, but did you know it also makes excellent wine – and boasts its own native white varietal, koshu? Join our tutor and Japan expert Sarah for a fabulous evening exploring the history and culture of Japan’s wine-growing regions while tasting some hard-to-find top Japanese wines!

We will delve into the fascinating history of wine in Japan from medieval times to the Meiji period and explore Japan’s main wine-producing regions:

Yamanashi - famous for koshu, Muscat Bailey A and a unique vine trellising method adapted for this humid climate

Nagano and Yamagata - emerging stars in the Japanese wine industry focusing on Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot

Hokkaido - pushing the limits of cool climate viticulture in the north.

On this evening you will taste at least seven Japanese wines from a variety of styles, accompanied by fine cheeses and Japanese-influenced nibbles.

Wines to taste (7):

• Lumiere Sparkling Koshu - Silver Medal, 2018 International Wine Challenge
• Grace Koshu Private Reserve 2021 (white) - Platinum Award Best Asian White, 2016 Decanter Awards
• Château Mercian Chardonnay Rivalis Left Bank (white) - Gold Medal and Japanese White Trophy, 2019 International Wine Challenge
• Lumiere Prestige Class Orange Fuefuki, skin contact koshu (orange) - Silver Medal, 2018 International Wine Challenge and Bronze Medal, 2018 Decanter Awards
• Grape Republic Rosato 2019, natural rose wine partly fermented in amphorae (Steuben, Delaware, Niagara)
• Chateau Mercian Mariko Syrah (red) - Silver Medal, 2018 International Wine Challenge and Gold Medal, 2017 and 2016 Asian Wine Review
• Manns Wines Yamanashi Muscat Bailey A 2019 (red) - Bronze Medal, Japan Wines Competition 2019