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Japanese Wine Unveiled: Koshu & Beyond – 28 April 2026

Japanese Wine Unveiled: Koshu & Beyond – 28 April 2026

85,00€Price
Event date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Event times: 19:00 - 21:00
Guest speaker: Alex Tsui DipWSET
Language: English
Venue: GLS Campus, Kastanienallee 82, 10435 Berlin
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  • Japanese Wine Unveiled: Koshu & Beyond

    Japan is a country long celebrated for its rich drinking culture – most famously through sake and shochu. Yet in recent decades, an increasingly compelling story has been unfolding: the rise of Japanese wine. Still relatively small on the global stage, Japanese wines are gaining recognition for their delicacy and purity, typically showing moderate alcohol and a natural harmony with food.

     

    Historically, the heartland of Japanese wine lies in Yamanashi Prefecture, not far from Mount Fuji. Modern viticulture here dates back more than a century, and the so-called “indigenous” grape Kōshū (甲州) has become the country’s signature variety. Today, however, a new generation of producers is reshaping the landscape. Cooler regions such as Hokkaido Prefecture are garnering attention for elegant expressions of aromatic whites and Pinot Noir, while the high-altitude vineyards of Nagano Prefecture are producing vibrant wines marked by freshness and precision.

     

    Wine growing in Japan presents many challenges—from humid summers and typhoons to heavy snowfall and extremely fertile soils. In response, Japanese winemakers have embraced meticulous small-scale viticulture, focusing on site expression and careful craftsmanship. Alongside heritage grapes and hybrids, most notably Muscat Bailey A, international varieties are increasingly finding a home across the country’s diverse climates. 

     

    Today, all but one of Japan’s 47 prefectures produce wine. With less than 0.02% of Japanese wine exported, these bottles remain difficult to find in Europe.

     

    In this masterclass, Alex will guide participants through a selection of wines from across Japan (along with a few interesting comparisons from Germany), exploring both the traditional foundations and the emerging regions shaping the future of Japanese wine.

     

    About the speaker

     

    Alex Tsui completed the WSET Diploma in Wines in 2023 and was awarded the prestigious Vintners’ Cup as the top graduate worldwide. As part of this award, he received a travel stipend to visit a wine region of his choice. Intrigued by the growing reputation of Japanese wine, Alex chose to dedicate this visit to Japan, travelling across several prefectures to explore the country’s emerging wine regions, meet producers, and taste the wines at their source.

     

    Alex will share insights from his visit and guide participants through a selection of wines from across Japan, offering a first-hand look at the regions, grape varieties, and producers shaping the future of Japanese wine.

     

    We look forward to welcoming you!

     

    Wines

    White

    • Grace Wine, Grace Koshu – Yamanashi 山梨, Japan
    • Château Mercian, Koshu sur lie – Yamanashi 山梨, Japan
    • Weingut Schönleber-Blümlein, Koshu trocken – Rheingau, Germany
    • Takizawa Winery, Nakai Vineyard Kerner – Hokkaido 北海道, Japan
    • NIKI Hills Winery, Hatsuyuki Kerner – Hokkaido 北海道, Japan
    • Weingut Karl Haidle, Sämling 2530 (Kerner) Naturwein Trocken – Württemberg, Germany

    Orange

    • Château Mercian, Fuefuki District Koshu Gris de Gris – Yamanashi 山梨, Japan

    Red

    • Lumière Winery, Ishigura Muscat Bailey A – Yamanshi 山梨, Japan
    • Aizawa Winery, Ryunosuke Yamasachi – Hokkaido 北海道, Japan
    • Takahata Winery, L’ogre Rouge (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot) – Yamagata 山形, Japan

     

     

    Terms and conditions

    • Once payment has been processed your booking is confirmed.
    • Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
    • Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable but can be transferred to another participant up to 2 days before the event.
    • If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
    • Berlin Wine School reserves the right to cancel the event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
    • Please note: The wine list and speaker/s may be subject to change.
    • Participants must be over the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages in Germany to attend this event.
    • For payment by bank transfer contact us directly at info@berlinwineschool.com

     

    * images © Alex Tsui

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