Exciting New Wine Shop 'WINE STORE 16℃' Opens in Sakurashinmachi

A New Beginning in Sakurashinmachi

After 15 successful years in the Aoyama area, the renowned wine bar Aoyama 16℃ is undergoing a transformation. Now, they are opening a unique establishment named WINE STORE 16℃ in Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya, Tokyo. This new venture aims to offer a drinkable wine shop, where wine lovers can enjoy a selection of natural wines by the glass while they shop.

Merging Shopping and Tasting

The concept behind WINE STORE 16℃ is innovative: merging the traditional wine shop experience with the inviting atmosphere of a standing wine bar, known locally as kakubuchi. Featuring carefully curated selections of around 120 types of natural wines, this space allows patrons to explore wines in a relaxed environment. The goal is to demystify the wine experience—addressing common misconceptions that it’s too complicated or overwhelming.

A Commitment to Community

The journey of creating this new shop was not taken lightly by the owner, who is dedicated to continuing the relationships built over the years. WINE STORE 16℃ aims to become a neighborhood staple, where wine can be purchased conveniently after work or on shopping trips. This shop isn't just for special occasions; it's intended to be an accessible haven for everyday wine enjoyment.

Culinary Delights to Complement the Wines

In addition to an exquisite selection of wines, WINE STORE 16℃ will serve a variety of small plates designed to pair seamlessly with the wines. Expect delightful offerings such as homemade duck prosciutto, chicken liver pâté, and fresh oil sardines. And for the finishing touch, a special ramen dish that highlights the rich flavor of chicken broth will be available to conclude your meal perfectly. This combination of wine bar charm and dining options creates a novel culinary experience.

Emphasizing Community Connection

WINE STORE 16℃ is not merely a venue for food and drinks; it's envisioned as a community hub. The owner believes that wine has the power to bring people together, fostering casual conversations and new friendships in an inviting atmosphere. This establishment hopes to organically integrate itself into the fabric of Sakurashinmachi, becoming a beloved place for locals to gather and unwind.

Engaging the Community through Makuake

To support this initiative, a crowdfunding project on Makuake is set to launch, aiming for much more than just financial backing. The project seeks to build relationships with local residents and past patrons from Aoyama, creating a collaborative effort to develop a shop that reflects the community's needs and desires.

Makuake Project Details

- Project Name: Aoyama 16℃’s New Challenge in Sakurashinmachi: Let's Grow a Drinkable Wine Shop Together
- Funding Period: July 19, 2026 - August 30, 2026 (tentative)
- Exciting Rewards Include:

- Curated wine sets recommended by the owner
- Invitations to the grand opening event
- Exclusive member services
- Opportunities to purchase limited-edition wines

For more information, you can visit the Makuake Project Page.

The Owner’s Vision

The owner reflects on the difficult decision to close Aoyama 16℃ after 15 years, emphasizing that it was driven by a desire to create another space where people can come together over wine. He envisions WINE STORE 16℃ as a warm environment in Sakurashinmachi that fits into everyday life rather than just special occasions. The focus is on being a place where everyone can feel comfortable stopping by.