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

• 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 premium Japanese wines from a variety of styles (sparkling, white, orange, red),, accompanied by fine cheeses and Japanese-influenced nibbles.

About the School and Instructor:

West London Wine School is a local, independent and award-winning wine, sake, beer and cheese education company founded in 2010 and based in the heart of West London. Our courses and tastings focus on enjoying beverages whilst learning more in a relaxed and informal setting with friendly people and industry-leading tutors. If you know what you like and want to find out why, our tastings and courses provide the answer. In 2018 we received the prestigious WSET Educator of the Year Award for the top wine education provider globally, and have an average review score of 5 stars on Trip Advisor.

Sarah Stewart teaches sake, wine and cheese classes at West London Wine School. She has extensive wine and sake qualifications, and also volunteers as the Membership & Events Officer for the British Sake Association. She lived in Japan for two years and returns annually to continue her beverage studies there. She has trained in Urasenke chado, “The Way of Tea”, for the past 17 years, giving her hands-on experience in traditional Japanese methods of service and hospitality and a deep understanding of Japan.You can find her @sakestudies on Instagram.

Cost: £70 per person