On Sunday, October 31, 2021, the "1st Japan Wine Koshien," an event to enjoy Japanese wine, will be held at Hotel Hewitt Koshien in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
This event is being held with the desire to let many people discover the appeal of Japanese wine, which has grown in popularity in recent years.
Let's take a look at what kind of event it will be.
A Gathering of Carefully Selected Japanese Wines!
At "Japan Wine Koshien," around 120 varieties of carefully selected Japanese wines from wineries across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to the Kyushu region in the south, are scheduled to be featured.
Of course, wines are not just lined up on display; producers as well as male and female sommeliers active in the Kansai region will be present at the venue, making it possible to taste wines while receiving advice.
It is said to provide a valuable opportunity where professionals will answer simple questions from wine beginners right before their eyes, such as "I want to pair it with this kind of dish" or "I want to enjoy wine in this kind of situation."
Japanese Wine Chosen by Wine Beginners!
At "Japan Wine Koshien," a wine voting session will also be held at the venue.
The system involves blind tasting around 40 types of wine and simply voting for the wine you think you "like the most," regardless of the reason, whether it be taste or aroma.
As a matter of fact, about this voting session.
Surprisingly, it is designed so that "wine fans"—not wine professionals—vote for their favorite Japanese wines.
To begin with, although there are numerous wine competitions, almost all of them are judged by wine professionals.
Instead of taking a professional perspective, it features a unique format where wine fans who regularly drink wine at home or at restaurants can purely select and vote for the wines they "like." (People working in wine sales are not eligible!)
Incidentally, the Japanese wine that garners the most votes will be announced as the "1st Japan Wine Koshien Champion Wine."
We are very curious to see which wine will emerge as the "Audience Award" style Japanese wine chosen by genuine consumers!
Enjoy Without Intimidation!
Hearing the term "wine event" tends to make people feel intimidated.
However, this event is reportedly planned to lower the hurdles to wine as much as possible, with content designed overall so that beginners can enjoy it the most.
According to the Japan Wine Koshien Executive Committee organizing the event, for this event they hope that "rather than describing wine's 'aroma,' 'finish,' or 'flavor,' people will find their 'favorite' wine as if on a treasure hunt, learn casual ways to enjoy it at home, and we hope that not only wine fans but many more people will experience the charm of Japanese wine."
As mentioned earlier, people working in wine sales are excluded from the voting session, making this a substantial event that conveys a true desire to increase the number of new Japanese wine fans rather than just being "a gathering for wine industry insiders."
Of course, this doesn't mean wine industry members are unwelcome; it will likely also be an opportunity for them to enjoy wine as everyday consumers for the first time in a while.
Finally, a Koshien for Japanese Wine!
Events named "... Koshien" are held in various fields, and now a Koshien-themed event is finally being held for Japanese wine as well.
Once again, the "1st Japan Wine Koshien" will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Hotel Hewitt Koshien.
It will be divided into Part 1 and Part 2, and the admission fee is 3,000 yen for advance tickets and 3,500 yen for same-day tickets.
Japanese wine is something that can be loved by anyone, not just connoisseurs.
Why not visit the "1st Japan Wine Koshien" and casually enjoy Japanese wine!?
Details
Event Name: 1st Japan Wine Koshien
Organizer: Japan Wine Koshien Executive Committee
Date & Time: Sunday, October 31, 2021
Part 1: 11:00–14:00 / Part 2: 14:00–17:00
Venue: Hotel Hewitt Koshien
3-30 Koshien Takashio-cho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture 663-8166
Details:
■ Tasting and Order Sales Session
■ Voting Session
* Participants will blind-taste approximately 40 types of wine and vote for the wine they purely feel they "like the most," regardless of the reason, whether taste or aroma.
* Participation in the voting session is not open to those whose profession involves wine sales.
Admission Fee: Advance ticket 3,000 yen / Same-day ticket 3,500 yen
* Participants must be 20 years of age or older (age may be verified at the venue on the day)