The Salon des Vins Japonais in Beaune

5 minutes read

Japanese wine might not be on your radar yet, but trust me, it’s about to be. In 2023, the first-ever Salon des Vins Japonais in Beaune just lit up the French wine scene, turning these hidden gems into the talk of the town.

You know Japan for its sushi and anime, right? But wine? That’s the plot twist none of us saw coming—and honestly, it’s the one we didn’t know we needed. Especially now, with Japanese wines getting better and better every year. 🍷✨

Let me introduce you to Genki-Motoki Iwasaki, the mastermind behind this event.

While working on his master’s in oenology at the University of Burgundy, he had a lightbulb moment. The French adore Japanese culture, but when it comes to wine? It’s like the page is still blank. Genki wasn’t having that—he decided it was time to rewrite the story.

This wasn’t your typical wine tasting. Hosted in Burgundy—aka wine royalty—the Salon wasn’t just about sipping wines; it was a cultural exchange and a discovery mission rolled into one.

And let me tell you, visitors didn’t just come for a casual look—they were hooked. The buzz exceeded everyone’s expectations, proving one thing: there’s a serious appetite for something fresh and exciting.

SUMMARY: Curious about Japanese wine? The Salon des Vins Japonais (the second one!) is your chance to explore over 130 wines from 45 wineries, meet 14 winemakers, and dive into a unique fusion of Japanese and French wine cultures. Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 9, 2025, at La Chapelle de l’Oratoire in Beaune, from 11 am to 7 pm. Tickets are just 9€, including a tasting glass, and must be purchased online in advance. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the innovative world of Japanese wines!

From Hidden to Hyped: Japanese Wines Winning Hearts in France

Japanese wines are shaking things up, going from “huh?” to “wow!” practically overnight.

The first Salon des Vins Japonais in 2023 in Beaune was the talk of the town, and for good reason.

The 123 tasting sheets collected at the event provided invaluable feedback for the 32 participating winemakers. By studying the comments, Japanese producers gained insight into French preferences, helping them refine their wines to better suit the sophisticated French palate. This kind of detailed feedback is essential for building a strong presence in the French market.

It wasn’t just about taste, though. The French audience offered pointers on branding, marketing, and presentation—basically, the full package to conquer the French wine scene.

Thanks to this feedback, Japanese producers now have a roadmap to refine their export game for France and Europe.

Burgundy Meets Japan: A Two-Way Wine Love Affair

For the Japanese winemakers, this wasn’t just about showing off their wines; it was about learning and building connections.

After the Salon, they toured Burgundy’s iconic vineyards and research facilities, soaking up knowledge from one of the world’s most legendary wine regions. Imagine learning the secrets of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay right where they’re born.

But here’s the twist: the exchange went both ways.

French producers gained fresh perspectives from Japan’s innovative winemaking techniques, such as hybrid grape cultivation to withstand harsh climates and precision-controlled fermentation methods to enhance delicate flavor profiles.

The love affair between Burgundy and Japan has been going on for a long time.

Today, you can see this blend of cultures at Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, where barrels of wine have been donated by the famous wineries of Bourgogne. This incredible gesture was made possible by Mr. Yasuhiko Sata, who represents the House of Burgundy in Tokyo, is an Honorary Citizen of Bourgogne, and owns the Chateau de Chailly Hotel-Golf.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the fascinating history of Japanese wine, I’ve written a post about it here

2025 Salon des Vins Japonais: Your Next Wine Adventure Awaits

Planning a little wine getaway to Beaune in February?

The 2025 Salon des Vins Japonais promises to be bigger and better. With 45 participating wineries and over 130 wines to sample, this is your chance to explore Japan’s best offerings in one place.

And here’s something special: 14 winemakers will be there in person. You’ll have the chance to talk to them, hear their stories, and learn about the passion and care that goes into every bottle. It’s a rare opportunity to connect directly with the people behind the wines you’re tasting…especially when they come from the other side of the world.

If you’re curious about how Japanese and French wine cultures collide (in the best way possible), you need to be there.

The event is set for Sunday, February 9, 2025, at La Chapelle de l’Oratoire in Beaune, from 11 am to 7 pm. Tickets are just 9€, and yes, it includes your tasting glass.

Pro tip: snag your ticket online ahead of time. You won’t be able to get some on site!

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Japanese Wines in France

The first Salon was just the beginning. Genki and his team are working to make Japanese wines a lasting part of the French wine world by building meaningful connections and continually improving.

Every event brings French and Japanese producers closer, sharing ideas and learning from each other in a way that combines tradition with fresh perspectives.

Thanks to Genki’s dedication, Japanese wines are steadily finding their place in France, Europe, and maybe even on your dinner table. Here’s to expanding horizons, one glass at a time!

Conclusion : Salon des vins japonais

Japanese wine is making its mark, and the Salon des Vins Japonais is proof that France is paying attention. It’s more than just wine—it’s a meeting of cultures, traditions, and new ideas. This is YOUR chance to explore something truly unique.

Where to next?

Tasting Notes on Japanese Wine

Looking for a personal take on Japanese wines? Here, you’ll find my tasting notes on wines I’ve tried, plus tips on where to taste them in Tokyo. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to know what to expect from your next sip, this post offers insider insights and a secret spot to visit.

Grape Varieties in Japan

Ever heard of Koshu or Muscat Bailey A? This post breaks down the unique grape varieties that define Japanese wine, including their characteristics and what makes them so special. If you’re wondering what sets Japanese wines apart from the rest of the world, this article has the answers.

History of Japanese Wine

Curious about how Japan’s wine journey began? This post takes you through the fascinating story of Japanese winemaking, from its early challenges to its modern-day innovations. Discover how Japan’s unique approach has blended tradition and creativity, leading to the wines you can taste today. Perfect if you want to understand the roots of this rising wine culture.