Here are some tips for increasing average customer spending and developing menus First time in Kansai! Kansai is all about wine and sake!
Japan's top sommelier, SAKE DIPLOMA, will suggest pairings with food. Held for the first time in Kansai! Kansai is wine and sake! Supervised by sommelier Shinya Tazaki, we will deliver a special pairing experience of approximately 100 types of wine and sake from around the world with food.
Champion of the 2018 A.S.I.
Asia-Oceania Best Sommelier Competition Wataru Iwata
Vice President of the Japan Sommelier Association
Hiroyasu Kondo
Okonomiyaki and sushi each day 1,000 meals available!
Provided by:
PURPOSE OF THE EVENT
As young people turn away from alcohol and wine consumption around the world declines, here are some hints to change this trend. This project aims to further develop the wine industry and promote Japanese cuisine overseas by proposing unprecedented wine and food pairings centered around the experience of pairing Japanese food with wine.
Feature 1
Tasting available
Discovering new wines. More than 100 types of wine from around the world.
Feature 2
I can listen to what they have to say with peace of mind. Professional sommeliers, including top sommelier Shinya Tazaki, will guide you.
Feature 3
The keyword is mariage. We suggest ways to enjoy Japanese food and wine.
MARRIAGE EXPERIENCE
Wine and Sushi Provided by:
Scallop Salt/Lemon Hokkaido
[One type of wine]
Domaine Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner 2023
Country of Origin
: Austria
Region
: Niederösterreich DAC Kamptal
Producer
: Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg
Grape Varieties
: Grüner Veltliner
Alcohol content:12.5%
Pairing
The wine's notes of citrus, white flowers, and subtle hints of coriander seed and white pepper complement the seasoning used on scallop sushi—such as salt and lemon—enhancing the dish with a more vibrant and elegant impression.
Kotoura-Salmon Soy Sauce/ Wasabi Tottori
[2 types of wine]
K puro Koshu 2024
Country of Origin
: Japan
Region
: Yamanashi Katsunuma
Producer
: Casa Watanabe
Grape Varieties
: Koshu
Alcohol content: 11.8%
Sol Lucet Koshu 2024
Country of Origin
: Japan
Region
: Yamanashi Katsunuma
Producer
: KURAMUBON WINE
Grape Varities
: Koshu
Alcohol content : 12%
Pairing
The citrus aroma of grapefruit, Japanese pear, white flowers, hints of dry leaves, smoke, and mineral nuances bring out the minerality of the salmon, which also has a hint of soy sauce, and the gentle, mellow first impression of the wine's flavor harmonizes with the sweetness and umami of the salmon's fat.
Bigeye Tuna Soy Sauce/Wasabi Shizuoka
[One type of wine]
Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021
Country of Origin
: France
Region
: Bourgogne
Producer
: Couvent des Visitandine
Grape Varieties
: Pinot Noir
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Pairing
The lean tuna (red meat of tuna) comes from the iron-containing proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin, and its flavor includes impressions of iron and red fruit. Also, soy sauce contains a small amount of furaneol, which gives it a strawberry-like aroma, and it has an overall red fruit aroma and goes well with red wines that have soft tannins and a silky texture.
Wine x Croquette Provided by:
Wine x Okonomiyaki Provided by:
Croquette Without Sauce
[One type of wine]
Alsace Pinot Gris Les Prelats 2023
Country of Origin
: France
Region
:Alsace
Producer
: Paul Ginglinger
Grape Varieties
: Pinot Gris
Alcohol content : 13.5%
Pairing
In Alsace, Pinot Gris is paired with Beckeoffe, a dish made by stewing meats such as pork or veal with potatoes and carrots. The soft acidity, rich fruitiness, and hints of dried leaves and smoke, as well as a hint of white spices, of Pinot Gris harmonize with the fatty flavor of pork and other meats, giving the dish a rich flavor as well as a mellow elegance.
Wine x Okonomiyaki Provided by:
Okonomiyaki Sauces and mayonnaise
[One type of wine]
Linea Classica Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2022
Country of Origin
: Italy
Region
:Sicilia IGT Terre Siciliane
Producer
: Cantina Orsogna
Grape Varieties
: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
Alcohol content : 13.5%
Pairing
The ingredients used in okonomiyaki sauce go well with the fruity aroma and bitter-sweet spicy aroma of red wine. Therefore, by pairing red wine, that has a good flavor compatibility with the sauce, with okonomiyaki, that has the sweetness of the sauce and the richness of the oils and fats added by mayonnaise, the acidity of the wine gives the aftertaste a more refreshing and elegant impression. However, it is better for the bitterness and spiciness of the tannins to be soft and smooth if you consider the taste of the cabbage and pork.
Okonomiyaki soy sauce
[One type of wine]
Brigata Verde Rame Zibibbo Orange 2024
Country of Origin
: Italy
Region
:Sicilia IGT Terre Siciliane
Producer
: Cantina Orsogna
Grape Varieties
: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
Alcohol content: 13%
Pairing
This okonomiyaki is made with pork belly, which goes well with the flavor of fruit, and is served with only soy sauce to bring out the flavor of the ingredients. We selected the orange wine, which contains the scent of melon, lychee, and lavender flowers from the variety. In addition to pairing the aromas, the subtle bitterness acts as a spice to enhance the flavor of the dish.
The creamy impression of this Sake brings out the creaminess of the Camembert cheese. The creamy impression of this Sake comes from the flavors of fresh cream and cream cheese derived from lactic acid, as well as a refined and gentle sweetness and Umami. In addition, the steamed rice and cashew nuts flavors from the rice and Koji in the Sake harmonize with the white mold flavor of the cheese and the nutty aroma from aging.
This Sake has a flavor reminiscent of fermented dairy products, which is produced during the process of lactic acid fermentation by lactic acid bacteria, as well as the aroma of cooked rice and a hint of peanut butter. Along with these flavors, the balance of sweetness, Umami, and acidity of the Sake blends harmoniously with the taste of the white sauce, which contains Gruyere cheese. These elements give the impression of a creamy breadth in both aroma and taste.
Pate de campagne
[One type of aged sake]
Long aged Ginjo-shuTsuki no Katsura Ohjyukuko Ginjo-shu long aged 3 years
Region
: Kyoto
Producer
: Masuda Tokubei Shoten Co., Ltd.
Rice
: Gohyakumangoku
Polishing ratio
: 55%
Yeast
: No. 9
Alcohol content: 16%
Pairing
This Sake has a moderate flavor of maple syrup, caramel, and sweet-bitter spices such as Sotolon, which is produced by the Maillard reaction. These flavors give the pork, which uses garlic and spices, a richer flavor. In addition, the sweetness and Umami of Sake harmonizes with the weight and creaminess of lard. The subtle delicious bitterness of aged Sake acts as a spice, adding complexity and savoriness to dishes. A common nuance in the impression when pairing foie gras with sweet wine.
FOODEX WINE STAGE
Direct explanations from industry-leading instructors! Top sommeliers and exhibitors will share the appeal of wine and sake. By further deepening your knowledge of wine and sake and your tasting skills, Take home some tips to increase alcohol consumption!
*If the seminar is fully booked, we will close the registration. If there are seats available, you can attend the lecture on the day. Standing room is also available.
Attendance is freeAdvance registration required. Same-day registration also available.
July 23 (Wed)
July 24 (Thu)
July 25 (Fri)
11:30 ▶ 12:00
July 23 (Wed)
One of America's oldest wineries A unique portfolio born from tradition and innovation
Tomasello Winery, Inc.
Senior Vice President
Jack Tomasello
July 24 (Thu)
11:30~12:30
Tuscany and Abruzzo: the charm of central Italy with indigenous and international grape varieties
Toscana e Abruzzo: il fascino dell’Italia centrale tra vitigni autoctoni e internazionali
Ettore Donadeo
July 25 (Fri)
The color of the wine tells you the taste! The visual world of wine
Artisan Foods Co., Ltd. Sommelier Junichiro Hara
12:30 ▶ 13:00
Wednesday, July 23
About Dassai sake brewing
Dassai Co., Ltd. Executive Officer and Brand Director Naoya Matsufuji
July 24th (Thursday)
11:30~12:30
Tuscany and Abruzzo: the charm of central Italy with indigenous and international grape varieties
Toscana e Abruzzo: il fascino dell’Italia centrale tra vitigni autoctoni e internazionali
Miyuki Morimoto & Shinya Tazaki Proposing new ways to enjoy GI Awamori and Shochu Four types of shochu: Ryukyu Awamori, Satsuma Shochu, Kuma Shochu, and Iki Shochu
Miyuki Morimoto
Japan Sommelier Association
Shinya Tazaki
July 24 (Thu)
Wataru Iwata & Shinya Tazaki Proposal for pairing Kansai craft beer with food, including tasting of four types of craft beer
Wataru Iwata
Japan Sommelier Association
Shinya Tazaki
Friday, July 25
Hoshiyama Kogo & Morimoto Miyuki Suggestions for pairing Japanese sake with French cuisine Sparkling sake, Daiginjo sake, Kimoto Junmai sake, Aged sake
Hoshiyama Atsuga
Miyuki Morimoto
14:30 ▶ 15:00
Wednesday, July 23
15:00~16:00
A Journey Through Italy with Six Bubbles: Sparkling Wine Masterclass
Viaggio in Italia in 6 bollicine:Masterclass sui vini spumanti
Ettore Donadeo
July 24 (Thu)
14:30~15:30
5 Italian Wines: A Master Class in Diversity
Masterclass: la diversità del vino italiano attraverso 5 vini italiani
Ettore Donadeo
July 25 (Fri)
~The best Kimoto~ President of Daishichi Sake Brewery, 10th generation Ota Shichiemon speaks
Daishichi Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. President and CEO,
Shichiemon Ota
15:30 ▶ 16:00
Wednesday, July 23
15:00~16:00
A Journey Through Italy with Six Bubbles: Sparkling Wine Masterclass
Viaggio in Italia in 6 bollicine:Masterclass sui vini spumanti
Ettore Donadeo
July 24th (Thursday)
14:30~15:30
5 Italian Wines: A Master Class in Diversity
Masterclass: la diversità del vino italiano attraverso 5 vini italiani
Ettore Donadeo
July 25 (Fri)
Making sustainable choices for sake too
Kobe Shushinkan Co., Ltd.
President and CEO
Takenosuke Yasufuku
*The program is subject to change.
Seminar Lecturers
Ettore Donadeo
profile
Ettore Donadeo was born in Marche, Italy, and has been residing in Japan since 2008. He began his wine career in 2012 and achieved the WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits in 2017. He is currently a full-time
educator and course manager at Caplan Wine Academy in Tokyo. In addition to managing courses and acting as a buyer, he teaches programs from the WSET, the Wine Scholar Guild, and the Barossa Wine
School.
In recognition of his competence, knowledge, and teaching excellence, Ettore was named the Wine Scholar Guild’s Italian Wine Scholar Educator of the Year in 2022. In March 2025, he earned the Italian Wine
Expert certification from the Vinitaly International Academy—becoming one of only 22 people in the world to hold this prestigious qualification.
Ettore believes wine is a “civilized beverage” deeply connected to culture and tradition. His teaching philosophy is rooted in this conviction: for him, educating others about wine is not merely about imparting
knowledge, but about building cultural bridges and fostering international understanding.
Schedule
Wednesday, July 23rd 15:00~16:00
July 24th (Thu) 11:30~12:30 / 14:30~15:30
Jack Tomasello
profile
Jack Tomasello is the third generation owner of Tomasello Winery, a historic family-owned winery founded in 1933 in Hammonton, New Jersey. Jack and his brother Charlie joined the winemaking business in the 1980s and played key roles in introducing new grape varietals such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Under their leadership, Tomasello Winery has grown significantly, developing banquet facilities, opening multiple retail stores, and diversifying its product line, which includes distinctive fruit wines such as blueberry blends, sparkling wines, hard cider, and most recently, the innovative "Incredible Creams" series of specialty wines.
Schedule
Wednesday, July 23rd 11:30~12:20
Conceptual image of the venue
To apply for the seminar, you must register in advance.