Exciting Announcement for RAW WINE TOKYO: Planning for 2025!

RAW WINE TOKYO 2025: A Recap of an Unforgettable Natural Wine Festival

The announcement of next year's RAW WINE TOKYO 2025 comes quickly on the heels of a successful event that drew an unprecedented crowd of over 2,000 attendees. This remarkable natural wine tasting festival was held at the easily accessible Tokyo Ryutsu Center, just a 30-second walk from the nearest station. Attendees enjoyed a spacious venue, facilitating tastings and business discussions like never before.

Highlights from the Event

Here we share five notable highlights from RAW WINE TOKYO 2025, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and the exciting innovations that took place during the festival.

1. 42 New Wineries from Around the World

This year, 42 wineries participating in the event made their first appearances in Japan, including the likes of Canada’s Low Life Barrelhouse and the United States' Aux Mages Wine. Unlike typical wines which may contain numerous additives, the wines featured at RAW WINE TOKYO are noted not only for their quality but also for their minimal use of additives. The admission criteria for participating wineries have become stricter over the years, with a limit on added sulfites now capped at 50 mg/l, far below the EU standards.

The presence of these pioneering producers, such as Xiaopu from China and Nespor & Rajsky from the Czech Republic, delighted attendees, many of whom had previously attended last year’s event. Many of these wineries have already set dates to begin selling in Japan, meaning that attendees may soon be able to enjoy these unique wines in local shops and restaurants.

2. Expanded Japanese Wine and Sake Section

This year's event saw a significant increase in participation from domestic wine producers and sake brewers. The bustling area dedicated to Japanese products featured eleven wineries and six sake breweries, including Shinshu Miyazaki Sake Brewery and Kidoizumi Sake Brewery. Additionally, projects like BioSake and popular venues emphasizing organic sake contributed to a robust selection.

RAW WINE TOKYO uniquely showcased various varieties of natural sake, making it a one-of-a-kind experience amid Japan’s numerous sake festivals.

3. Inaugural Event Seminars

With a goal of educating attendees about natural wine, seminars were held throughout the event. Notable speakers included Hiroyuki Hagino from GOSHU-VIN-CHO and Tomofumi Fujimaru from Shimanouchi Fujimaru Winery. Each session offered insight into the challenges faced by producers in their respective regions, while also discussing the innovative practices employed to craft notable natural wines.

Participant feedback highlighted the engaging nature of the seminars, with many appreciating the chance to taste the wines being discussed while hearing directly from the producers.

4. Food and Drink Variety

The event featured several food stalls, some new and some returning from last year. Attendees enjoyed popular items like inari sushi from Azabu's 葡呑 and a fantastic selection of cheese and bread from 青山の「アペロ」. With ample dining space, food and drink quickly became a favored spot for a break during tastings. The variety ensured that guests could enjoy natural, locally-sourced perfection that perfectly paired with the showcased wines.

5. Expo 2025 Communication

The day after RAW WINE TOKYO 2025, a one-day seminar took place at the Australia Pavilion during the Osaka-Kansai Expo, created by the Australian Embassy’s commercial department. Several wineries were featured, offering participants the opportunity to learn more about the nuances of Australia’s living wine and to engage in tasting sessions.

Message from Organizer Isabelle Legeron MW

Isabelle Legeron, the founder of RAW WINE, shared her passion for natural wines and emphasized the importance of transparency in wine production. She expressed delight at the gathering of enthusiasts and professionals, asserting that RAW WINE promotes informed consumer choice and aspires to lead the Asian natural wine market.

The event received extensive media coverage, highlighting its growing popularity and significant impact on the wine industry in Japan.

Looking Forward to Next Year

Great news for these passionate about the festival: RAW WINE TOKYO has officially announced its return for another successful year! Although details will be shared later, tips for enjoying next year’s festival include planning your route and maximizing your tasting experience.

In conclusion, RAW WINE TOKYO remains a fantastic platform to deepen your appreciation for natural wine while fostering community among producers and wine lovers alike.

For more insights and updates, check out the official RAW WINE website and social media channels!