When thinking of Shimane Prefecture, many people likely picture Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.
Located just a short distance from Izumo Taisha is Shimane Winery. It is one of the premier wineries in Japan in terms of visitor numbers.
To showcase that it is "more than just a tourist winery," Shimane Winery hosted a two-day PR event in Tokyo.
Here is a report on how it went.
Pairing Shimane Wine with Shimane Ingredients
On February 17, 2024, Shimane Winery held its first maker's dinner in Tokyo. The venue was Mondo in Yurakucho, Tokyo.
Serving dishes that generously feature ingredients from Shimane Prefecture alongside Shimane sake and wine, this restaurant was the perfect partner for Shimane Winery. In particular, it has an established reputation for dishes prepared using an outstanding "bloodletting" (chinuki) technique on various fish from Shimane Prefecture.
Production Manager Atsushi Adachi made an appearance that day to introduce each wine, while Restaurant Manager Nakano explained the culinary highlights of each dish.
The guests were all smiles, thoroughly delighted by the special pairing menu prepared for this day's event.
In fact, early in 2024, a thorough menu development session was conducted by gathering numerous Shimane wines and Shimane ingredients, and the resulting harmony between the wine and food spreading across the palate was wonderful!
＜The Day's Menu＞
#1
Wine: Enmusubi Sparkling Wine Koshu Brut
Dish: Rock Oyster "Haruka" from Oki Islands, recommended with ponzu jelly for the second bite
#2
Wine: Sake Yeast Brewed Koshu 2022
Dish: Tsumoto-style bloodletting processed! Shimane Taisha Goen winter yellowtail, turnip surinagashi soup with a yuzu fragrance
#3
Wine: Shimane Wine Enmusubi Koshu 2022
Dish A: Seasonal fish carpaccio from Shimane Prefecture with sansho pepper oil
Dish B: Seared Oda Hakuryu conger eel processed with Tsumoto-style bloodletting, served with kabosu citrus
#4
Rice ball made with shijimi clam-broth rice, miso soup with Lake Shinji shijimi clams
#5
Wine: Shimane Wine Enmusubi Merlot 2021
Dish: Simmered Japanese Spanish mackerel from Shimane in Hirano Soy Sauce's "Masanosuke" sweet kanro soy sauce glaze
#6
Wine: Yokota Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Dish: Grilled Wagyu beef with multi-spice sauce
#7
Wine: Izumo Delaware Orange
Dish A: Bite-sized Akaten (spicy fish cake)
Dish B: Tsuwano mamecha tea blancmange made only with beet sugar, served with fig confiture
Gathering to Enjoy Shimane Wagashi and Shimane Wine
The following day, an event pairing wine with wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), organized by Matsuya Ginza, was held.
The wagashi was provided by Saiundo, a long-established confectionery shop in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, boasting a 150-year history. It was an intriguing concept to enjoy these traditional Japanese confections paired with Shimane wine.
Three types of wagashi were paired with three types of Shimane wine. Through an enjoyable conversation between Production Manager Adachi and Mr. Yamaguchi, the 6th-generation president of Saiundo, each product and its flavor profile were introduced. It was noted that they had also conducted pairing trials in advance at Saiundo's main shop in Matsue City.
Although wagashi and wine might at first glance make one wonder "Do they really go together?", the more than 25 guests were completely satisfied with the flavors. At the immediate sales session held after the event, Shimane Winery's shop-exclusive "Izumo Orange" sold out in an instant. The fact that this wine had recently won a Gold at the Sakura Awards and was already nearly impossible to acquire added even more excitement to the venue!
From souvenir tourist wines to authentic Japanese wine, Shimane Winery offers a wide lineup of wines.
Be sure to taste "Shimane Wine" made with a dedication to local grapes!
Click here to purchase wines from Shimane Winery!
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