Vin Japonais in Singapore Part 1: Hosting a Japanese Wine Event On-Site!

The movie "Vin Japonais" was released in November 2022.
True to the film's theme of "bringing Japanese wine to the world," our mission to promote Japanese wine overseas is officially underway!

Our destination this time is Singapore.
In a country home to people from so many different backgrounds, would Japanese wine be embraced?

We hosted a dinner event where guests could experience various wines featured in the movie, accompanied by an introduction to Japanese wine as a whole.

When thinking of dishes that pair well with Japanese wine, Japanese cuisine naturally comes to mind.

Here in Singapore, at the restaurant "Chikuyotei Singapore", which usually focuses on eel dishes, we held a Japanese wine and Japanese cuisine pairing dinner event.
More than 20 wine-loving Singaporean guests joined us.

Almost all of them were encountering Japanese wine for the first time.

We presented slides with English commentary to introduce Japanese wine in general. Along the way, we explained each bottle individually, allowing guests to experience the appeal of Japanese wine firsthand.

Most of the attending guests usually enjoy fine wines from France and Italy.
There were also several wine experts present, including those from organizations like daiWEST.

For this special occasion, the restaurant created a multi-course menu featuring iconic, easily approachable Japanese dishes.

Rather than aiming for a strict "dish-by-dish pairing" with each wine, we intentionally structured the menu so guests could appreciate the broad versatility of Japanese wine as a drink to accompany meals. The goal was to help them gain a stronger appreciation for the unique characteristics of Japanese wine.

As a result, guests shared comments such as:

"This is truly delicious," "So this is Japanese wine," "The flavor goes well with anything," "Red wine with eel kabayaki?" "Sashimi and red wine actually pair amazingly well," "I didn't taste anything like this when I visited Hokkaido,"

among many other impressions and feedback. It was a relief to hear virtually no negative opinions.

Throughout the event, the movie itself was projected for guests to watch.
From time to time, guests asked various questions about the film's content.
And as time went on, we were surprised to see that the questions became increasingly specialized.

Savoring Japanese wine alongside wonderful Japanese cuisine, the guests enjoyed a delightful dinner filled with smiles that flew by in what felt like a flash.
It was a night that made us feel great potential for the future expansion of Japanese wine in Singapore.

~ Wines and Dishes Served ~

*Group 1*

<Sparkling> Cave d'Occi Sparkling Wine Blanc de Blancs
<White> Shirayuri Winery Katsunuma Koshu 2021
<White> Kusunoki Winery Chardonnay Barrel Aged

1. Appetizers — Chilled Chawanmushi with Glass Shrimp, Sea Urchin, and Water Shield / Mozuku Seaweed
2. Deep-Fried Shrimp Paste
3. Eel Shirayaki (Grilled Eel Without Sauce)
4. Mackerel Sandwich

*Group 2*

<Red> Chitose Winery Kita Wine Pinot Noir 2018
<Red> Vinooble Vineyard Muscat Bailey A

⑤ Assorted Sashimi: Squid, Cured Mackerel, Tuna, Medium-fatty Tuna, Grilled Sea Bream, Raw Pink Shrimp
⑥ Eel Kabayaki
⑦ Grilled Wagyu Beef
⑧ Sushi
⑨ Soba

*Group 3*

<Sweet> SunSun Winery Pomme De Dessert

⑩ Camembert Cheese & Dried Fruit
⑪ Mizu Yokan/Red Bean Jelly

Since it is Japanese wine, we naturally wanted local Japanese residents to help spread the word as well.

With that in mind, we also hosted a gathering for Japanese people living in the area.
About 40 guests, including local working professionals, attended.

The venue was the "Singapore Musical Box Museum...was held in the café space.

This event had a slightly more casual vibe, offering a chance for people to experience Japanese wine.

Just like the earlier session, we used slides to present and explain each bottle.
Guests then enjoyed Japanese wine while watching the movie Vin Japonais.

As expected, the attendees were not very familiar with Japanese wine, so they were filled with curiosity about each bottle and its backstory.
Some were surprised to discover that wine is produced in their own home prefectures, such as Nagano or Hokkaido.

At the end, we received positive feedback like, "Let's promote Japanese wine together in Singapore, too!"

~ Featured Wines ~

<Sparkling> Yamato Winery: Shine Sparkling
<White> Shirayuri Winery: Katsunuma Koshu 2021
<White> Azumino Winery: Chardonnay
<Red> Chitose Winery: Kita Wine Pinot Noir 2018
<Red> Soryu Winery: Muscat Bailey A Barrel Aged
<Red> Alps: Musée du Vin Black Queen

Having the people of Singapore experience Japanese wine gave us a real sense of the potential for Japanese wine to spread locally in the future. To make that happen, action is needed to help more people encounter information about Japanese wine and actually experience it firsthand.

We will continue to share Japanese wine in various countries along with the movie Vin Japonais!

In "Singapore Edition Part 2", we will bring you a report on Asia's largest wine exhibition, "VINEXPO ASIA 2023", which took place during the same period.